The year is ending, and this brings welcome news for workers hoping for the additional pay that helps with holiday shopping and gift-giving. This extra income can be a real cushion for many households, easing the costs of Christmas and related celebrations. In many companies, these bonuses are a part of the year-end rewards, recognizing the effort and dedication of employees.
December often feels like a sprint for businesses, a rush to clear outstanding invoices, finalize pending payments, and plan festive meals with clients or colleagues. This period is filled with office celebrations and get-togethers that can soften the usual schedule, sometimes allowing remote work or shorter hours. Along with the goodwill, companies may present various gifts or bonuses as a token of appreciation for staff contributions.
When will I receive the extra Christmas payment?
Just as children might receive a seasonal gift from relatives, workers sometimes get a supplemental salary boost during the Christmas season. To qualify, the employment contract should specify a schedule that includes 14 months of pay. In practice, most systems operate with 12 months in a year, while the two extra payments are typically year-end and mid-year bonuses. The second payment commonly occurs between December 15 and December 25, giving employers a broad window to transfer funds before the holidays. These mid-month transfers help coordinate holiday budgeting for many households.
However, there is a segment of workers whose contracts define 12 equal installments, with no separate year-end bonuses. In this arrangement, any extraordinary payments are simply folded into the monthly pay, resulting in a slightly higher monthly figure rather than distinct bonus checks.
Join BİLGİ WhatsApp channel
Other gifts from companies at Christmas
Many employers still adhere to a tradition of presenting a Christmas basket to employees. These baskets often include treats like nuts, sweets, and sometimes modern gadgets. While well-intentioned, such gifts are treated as part of work remuneration for tax purposes. Tax authorities have reiterated that these items are considered remuneration in kind for services rendered, and the corresponding value should be accounted for in the employee’s pay. This ensures proper tax treatment and aligns with how compensation is reported on payroll records. (Tax Authority)