

“By booking coffee breaks to the office, every coffee break becomes not only a moment of relaxation but also an investment in job satisfaction that is elegantly woven into the company’s financial tapestry.”
Make it fun at work – book coffee to the office without hassle
Pausing for a coffee is like a warm hug for the work atmosphere. Imagine being able to satisfy your colleagues’ caffeine cravings while keeping hassle-free accounts – a dream, right? Studies show that a much-needed coffee break at work not only increases well-being but also productivity. Therefore, it is important that these tasty expenses are properly recorded. But what does it actually mean to book coffee for the office?
It involves carefully documenting the costs of coffee, tea, and the yummy side dishes in the company’s accounting system. In this way, expenditure on this small-scale form of staff care can be transparent and properly managed in the company’s finances. Yes, because we all know it’s the details that do it – even in the world of accounting!
Tax-free employee healthcare benefits – what applies?
It’s not just the coffee itself that makes the working day, but also the knowledge that it can be tax-free. However, here’s some bad news for bonus hunters: in order for the coffee to be classified as a tax-free employee benefit, it must not be exchanged for coins in the pay envelope. These delicacies, such as freshly roasted coffee and cakes, are allowed to abound as long as they are offered regularly to everyone, without exception. And remember, while employees’ coffee bills may enjoy tax exemption, partners who don’t draw a salary must take these goodies as taxable benefits – a small administrative pastry to consider.
Everyone should be invited to the common coffee table
Democracy in the break room is a front where no exceptions are tolerated. All employees should have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee or a fragrant biscuit, whether they are a salesperson with sharp numbers or the guardian of the beloved office plant. This is where the essence of a tax-free employee healthcare benefit lies: in its accessibility and equality. So bid generously – and then book just as generously.
Accounting for coffee – step by step
Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the wonderful world of accounting. It’s like a dance between debit and credit, where the fika bread swings superbly to the strings of the violin. Firstly, we should distinguish between coffee for employees – a staff cost at home in account group 76 – and partners’ coffee cravings, which show up in the form of a taxable benefit. Eventually, these expenses merge into the symphony of the income statement, with each cost getting its unique note in the financial score.
When the coffee becomes a staff cost
Here in the small corner of the accounting world of personnel costs, we find the coffee shop conveniently recorded in account group 76. And just like a well-planned layer cake, the VAT is then added as input VAT – you can only applaud such administrative finesse. The profit and loss account then proudly shows how the coffee shop expenses have found their home, and the business appears as a harmonious masterpiece.
Own withdrawal saves the partner from tax
Partners, mainly in sole proprietorships or partnerships, are faced with a tactical decisive point: to claim their own withdrawal and thus avoid taxation on the benefit. It’s like balancing on a tightrope – you want to enjoy your coffee without attracting the attention of the tax authorities. Handled correctly, the personal allowance becomes a hero in the darkness of tax time, bringing the cost of the allowance to the safety of the right side of the tax return.
VAT – an important piece of the puzzle
VAT – it’s that little extra spice that can either turn a coffee break into a lost cause or a tax success. When the coffee benefit is tax-free, we can enjoy a 12% VAT deduction – a small but important deduction for all VAT-registered people. But, in a world where coffee shop expenses are classed as taxable benefits to partners, well, there is unfortunately no place for deductible VAT. It’s important to keep a straight face!
Double-check that the financial statements are correct
At the end of the day, when the lights go out in the break room and the coffee cups rest in the sink, it’s time for the final test: the closing of the books. You don’t want to be the one bidding on a double booking, no, here accuracy should be as reliable as an old wall clock. Follow the Annual Accounts Act to the letter and report elegant disclosures on your company’s coffee shop expenses. Boredom is forbidden in this process, so keep your spirits up – it is the financial statement that carries the financial destiny of your company.

FAQ – Simplifying coffee accounting – accounting for coffee in the office
Are coffee breaks for employees a tax-free benefit?
Yes, expenses for coffee, tea, cakes and other light refreshments offered to employees can be considered as tax-free employee benefits. This assumes that they are offered regularly and cannot be exchanged for cash compensation.
How are expenses for tax-free refreshments recorded in company accounts?
Expenditure on tax-free refreshments for staff is recorded as a staff cost in account group 76. VAT is added to this as input VAT, as these costs are deductible for the company and thus have a positive impact on the company’s income statement.
Are coffee and buns for partners tax-free or taxable benefits?
Coffee and buns for non-employed partners are considered taxable benefits. However, if the partners are sole traders or part of a partnership, they can make their own deductions for these costs to avoid preferential taxation.
Can we deduct VAT on coffee shop expenses that are tax-free benefits?
Yes, for VAT-registered businesses, the VAT rate is normally 12% on expenses for tax-free benefits such as refreshments and is deductible. On the other hand, VAT on taxable benefits to non-employee partners is not deductible as input VAT.
Do tax-free meals need to be taxed?
No, tax-free benefits such as coffee, tea, and similar light refreshments offered to employees do not have to be taxed. They are considered to be part of the company’s staff care and should therefore not be recorded at market value including VAT.

Photo by Alexander Suhorucov on Pexels
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels
Continue reading
Pregnant and decaffeinated: safe for you and the baby?
“Decaf during pregnancy: A safe guide for expectant mothers” Decaffeination during pregnancy is an important issue for many. Pregnancy affects the body’s ability to break…
Coffee and health: anti-inflammatory or villain?
**Coffee and Inflammation: A Complex Relationship** Coffee is one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages and contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and protect…
Coffee and weight – are you getting the balance right?
Coffee and weight – Find your edge without tipping the scales Coffee and weight is a hot topic in health. Black coffee, with its low…
The truth about decaf – is it really good?
The truth about decaffeinated coffee: Is decaffeinated coffee good for you? Decaffeinated coffee is a healthy option for those who want to avoid the negative…
Coffee acidity: health and taste perception
The acidity of the coffee is influenced by its pH value, which is between 4.85 and 5.10. Is coffee sour? Yes, and this is due…
Pre-exercise coffee – does performance increase with each cup?
Drinking coffee before exercise can improve both strength and endurance, thanks to the stimulating effects of caffeine on the central nervous system. For best results,…
Coffee and antioxidants: your healthy cup?
**Coffee and antioxidants: a healthy cup Coffee is one of the major sources of antioxidants in Western diets, which can help reduce the risk of…
Turmeric in coffee – a health boost in your cup
Turmeric in coffee has become a popular trend among health enthusiasts thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding turmeric to your coffee can improve…
Roast for body in the coffee
Body in coffee refers to the fullness and mouthfeel of the coffee. It is influenced by brewing methods such as French press and espresso, as…
The role of coffee in the quest for a longer life
Coffee is a popular morning ritual that not only increases alertness but also contributes to a longer life. Studies show that coffee, rich in antioxidants,…
Coffee and health: upgrading your coffee with superfoods
**Coffee and Health: Upgrade your coffee with superfoods** Give your coffee a health boost by adding superfoods such as cinnamon, ginger, mushrooms, turmeric, maca and…
Is coffee dehydrating or hydrating?
**Is coffee dehydrating or hydrating? Coffee is one of the world’s most loved drinks, but is it dehydrating? Research shows that moderate coffee consumption (1-2…
Enjoy and feel better: 9 unexpected benefits of coffee
**Your health in a coffee cup: Benefits of coffee** Coffee, a global favorite beverage, offers many health benefits that are often overlooked. In addition to…
Taste guide: Detecting roasting defects in your coffee cup
Detect roasting defects in the coffee cup and improve the taste experience of the coffee. Learn to identify common defects such as underdevelopment, baked taste,…
The home roaster’s guide to the right green coffee
Discover the adventure of green coffee and learn how to roast at home with our comprehensive guide to buying the right green coffee. Understand the…
Exploring third wave coffee
**From the origin of the bean to your coffee barrel: A journey with third wave coffee** The coffee industry is a global giant, covering everything…
All about how coffee is harvested
A journey through the coffee harvest describes in detail how coffee is harvested, from ripe coffee berries to finished beverage. Harvesting is mainly done by…
Coffee with balance: decaf vs low-caf
Low-caf coffee offers a balanced solution for coffee lovers who want to avoid the negative effects of caffeine. While traditional coffee and decaf often have…
How to turn coffee beans into decaffeinated coffee
### How to turn coffee beans into decaffeinated coffee Decaffeinated coffee, or decaffeinated coffee, removes the majority of caffeine from the beans to avoid negative…
Refine your brewing art by blooming your pour over coffee
Optimize the taste of your coffee with the art of bloom pour over coffee. Flowering of coffee is a crucial step to release gases and…
Create a unique brand for your café – here’s how!
Creating a strong café brand means defining your ‘why’ and mission to stand out from the crowd. By integrating core values like sustainability and community…
Should I use different coffee filters for different roasting profiles?
Discover how coffee filters affect the taste experience! Using the right coffee filter is essential to bring out the unique flavors of each coffee variety.…
How to make an espresso martini at home
“Create the perfect espresso martini at home with simple ingredients like vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso and simple syrup. Rooted in 1980s London, this classic…
Lungo: when espresso takes a bigger leap
Lungo is a coffee drink that is gaining ground in Sweden, a milder espresso with extended brewing time that provides a larger amount of coffee…
The charms of the Perculator – a coffee experience like no other
Experience the rich flavor of percolator coffee, a traditional brewing method that offers depth and complexity. The perculator is quick and easy, perfect for busy…
Do you know the coffee berry?
Discover the importance of coffee berries in the coffee flavor journey, from lush plantations to your cup. Learn about the different layers of the berry,…
Headache from coffee: 6 unexpected reasons
Discover the causes of coffee headaches, from caffeine withdrawal to overdose and caffeine allergy. Coffee can cause both concentration and headaches, with withdrawal symptoms and…
Arabica coffee beans – a world of flavor variations
Arabica coffee beans offer coffee lovers a wealth of flavors thanks to its diverse varieties such as Bourbon, Typica and Geisha. These beans, which dominate…
Flavor development during roasting: the magic of the griddle effect
The grinding effect is central to the transformation of the coffee bean during roasting, creating hundreds of aroma compounds that make the coffee rich and…
Top tips for making French press coffee
Discover the art of brewing perfect French press coffee by selecting fresh coffee beans, achieving the ideal grind and balancing the coffee-water ratio for a…
Attracting more café guests – your guide to a vibrant meeting place
Welcome all café guests to a place where the details create a unique atmosphere. To successfully attract visitors, cafés should strengthen their digital presence and…
How to use different cups for different coffees
Discover how cups for coffee can change your taste experience. Research shows that the shape of the cup affects the aroma, sweetness and acidity of…
Coffee giant Brazil: a deep dive into the kaleidoscope of culture
Brazil is not only known for its culture of music and carnival, but it is also a global coffee giant whose coffee traditions go back…
Clean your coffee grinder like a pro – for flavor
Regular cleaning of the coffee grinder is essential for an optimal coffee experience. An unclean grinder negatively affects the taste through the accumulation of old…
Flat white – more than just milk and coffee
More than just milk and coffee, flat white is a global coffee experience that originated in Australia and New Zealand, and has captured the hearts…
Ristretto – Italy’s flavorful little guy
In Italy, ristretto is more than just coffee; it is a concentrated pleasure and part of the culture. This intense espresso variant is characterized by…
Storing coffee beans properly: guide and tips
Learn how to store coffee beans optimally to preserve flavor and freshness. Avoid air, moisture, heat and light with airtight, dark containers and the right…
Growing coffee in Uganda: one bean’s journey to perfection
Uganda, a leading coffee producer, offers a wealth of flavors from the nutrient-rich red soil. The country is known for its Arabica and Robusta coffees,…
A deep dive into the world’s oldest brewing method
Discover the ancient art of coffee, where traditional tools like the cezve and ibrik represent the oldest brewing method for coffee, a deep-rooted tradition celebrated…
How to make cold brew coffee at home
Enjoy a flavorful coffee experience with cold brew coffee, a popular brewing method that produces a mild and low-acid beverage, perfect for hot days. Unlike…