Blog

Data Accuracy for Insurers – The Cost of Getting it Wrong

With tax calculations being mainly data-driven in the insurance industry, it’s imperative that data provided is complete and accurate. Yet gaps in datasets and missing information still happen from time to time presenting a challenge for insurance companies. These gaps can cause a delay in filings which in turn, can lead to penalties and interest […]

Read More
Technology Disconnect in Insurance – Why IPT Needs Prioritising

Many insurers still depend on legacy systems to file insurance premium tax (IPT). Whilst cost is sometimes the reason for this decision, some organisations simply don’t prioritise technology upgrades, instead, choosing to focus on initiatives that improve the customer experience or other business workflows. Can this situation continue? Unlikely for much longer, as more tax […]

Read More
The Complexities for Insurers When Writing Insurance Through Third Parties

There are many different avenues an insurer can use to write insurance business. These include brokers, intermediaries and managing agents to name a few. When using a third party and looking at the rules around insurance premium tax (IPT) calculation and submission by each of the tax authorities, it can be difficult to know how […]

Read More
Tax Management is Simpler if You Avoid This Common Mistake

Working with intermediaries in insurance is common practice. And using the knowledge and resources of an intermediary can deliver additional sales for an insurer without the need for internal resources. There are many benefits of working with a broker. Not only do they generate additional sales for the insurer, but they’ll also liaise with customers, […]

Read More
The Impact of No Claims Bonuses on Insurance Premium Tax

There are two types of no claims bonus. The first one is a refund of premium at the end of the policy. This happens when, for example, a discount is given if a policyholder doesn’t make a claim on that policy or makes a claim that is smaller than agreed in the policy documents. The […]

Read More
Brexit: Implications for Insurers as Year End Approaches

As 2020 draws to a close, Brexit is firmly back on the radar as a concern for businesses across Europe, and the insurance industry is no exception. With the end of the transition period rapidly approaching, the UK is on course to become a third country after 31 December 2020. The UK is currently seeking […]

Read More
In Focus: Italian Registrations and the Filing Process

New cells in Italy’s annual IPT return Update: 8 June 2023 by Edit Buliczka On 31 March the Italian tax authority released a new Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) return form. The Italian IPT return is an annual return due by 31 May in the year following the reporting period. Related payments are due on a […]

Read More
Who Bears the Cost of Insurance Taxes – the Insurer, or the Insured?

In most cases, the primary responsibility of calculating, reporting and settling insurance premium tax (IPT) remains with the insurance company. But similar to VAT and other indirect taxes, although the insurer acts as the collector and administrator, the economic cost is ultimately borne by the policyholder as the purchaser of the insurance. The cost can’t […]

Read More
A Managed Approach to IPT Compliance

For cross-border insurers, navigating the complex tax landscape across multiple jurisdictions can feel overwhelming. Tax authorities continue to take measures to boost revenues, increase efficiency and reduce fraud.  There is a notable shift towards digital insurance premium tax (IPT) reporting, which places an additional burden on insurers. Ensuring that taxes are filed correctly and are […]

Read More
In Focus: Europe’s Diverse Declaration Methods

There’s no harmonisation across Europe for how tax declarations are submitted. And methods vary tax by tax, country by country, and even region by region. This can be challenging for many insurers in not only meeting current requirements but in also keeping up with the ever changing insurance premium tax (IPT) landscape. Frequency Although there […]

Read More
The Benefits of Insurtech to Captive Insurers

Tax filing, wherever you are in the world, is becoming increasingly complex, with regular rate updates and governments eager to close tax gaps via new mandates that demand real-time reporting. Despite this, many captive insurers still rely on resource-heavy, manual procedures to capture, validate and process large volumes of data. As well as taking significant […]

Read More
Navigating Insurance’s Digital Highway

From underwriting to reporting, the insurance industry is having to adjust and by choice or imposed, is embracing the digital evolution of its practices. On the reporting front, more tax authorities are forcing insurance companies to tailor their internal processes by jurisdiction, directly impacting the collection of information at the underwriting stage. Digitized services continue […]

Read More
Frequently Asked Questions: Calculating Insurance Premium Tax Liabilities

Accurately calculating Insurance Premium Taxes (IPT) across Europe can be a challenge, especially when there are inconsistent methods of calculations and a vast array of taxes to understand. Our webinar ‘How to accurately calculate IPT liabilities’ sheds light on the challenges insurers face in ensuring accurate calculations, the various calculation methods different territories use for […]

Read More
Spanish Registration and Filing Process

The Spanish tax system is one of the most complex in Europe. If the tax system and surcharges are not fully understood it can be a real challenge for insurance companies writing business in Spain or for those that want to start their business in this country. Spain has different taxes and reports that must […]

Read More
Streamlined IPT: The Unspoken Benefit of M&As

Whilst M&A activity may have slowed down slightly, deals are still taking place and the future of many insurers could depend on a buy-out. Continued volatility in share prices could make a once expensive acquisition target more appealing than it once was. For sectors such as travel and events insurance, now could be the time […]

Read More
Portugal – Are you Ready for the Changing Stamp Duty Reporting Requirements and What Lies Ahead?

With the fast pace of change happening on the global tax landscape, where tax authorities require more granular information with electronic tax submissions, it’s not surprising to see another country embarking on their digital journey. Portugal is now following in the footsteps of other nations by changing the way in which stamp duty is declared. […]

Read More
Can IPT Drive Behavioural Change in the Population?

Unprecedented times. It’s a phrase that’s been used so much of late but the pandemic is certainly not the first incident that has adversely affected society on a global scale. Before coronavirus, there had been a strong focus on environmental issues and initiatives. With an increase in extreme weather incidents over the last decade, governments […]

Read More
Filing Premium Taxes When Non-Authorised Insurer

A non-authorised insurer is the term used to describe an insurance company that isn’t licensed with a particular country to provide insurance. This can also be known as non-admitted insurance. The non-authorised insurer doesn’t have to comply with local laws and regulations, however, one consequence of not being authorised means it doesn’t get the same […]

Read More