Blog

Historical Declarations Across Europe: Questions You Should Ask

Although insurance companies do their best to settle their tax liabilities in the most compliant manner, historical liabilities may still occur. Here is an overview of the different types of historical declarations with some insurance premium tax (IPT) examples. When a tax liability becomes a historical liability Let’s start with a simple chart: Are we […]

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IPT Regulation Changes in Europe for 2021

2021 sees several significant regulation changes for insurers when complying with insurance premium tax (IPT) across Europe. These include a new reporting system, an IPT increase, and new exemptions. To help insurers understand these changes, in this blog we’ll look at each of these changes. Spain – IPT increase Probably the most significant change this […]

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Meet the Expert: Andrew Hocking, VP of Consulting and Compliance Services, Europe

Meet the Expert is a series of blogs to share more about the team behind our innovative software and managed services. As a global organisation with tax experts across all regions, our dedicated team are always keeping abreast of the latest regulation changes to ensure our customers stay compliant. What is your role and what […]

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German IPT – Law on Modernization of Insurance Tax

Towards the end of last year, the German federal parliament (Bundestag) published the law on the modernisation of insurance tax. This law included several changes that affected Insurance Premium Tax (IPT). It will become mandatory to file tax returns online. This change will take effect from 1 January 2022 and encompasses all tax debtors. Currently, […]

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Meet the Expert: Elliot Shulver, Consulting Manager at Sovos

Meet the Expert is a series of blogs to share more about the team behind our innovative software and managed services. As a global organisation with tax experts across all regions, our dedicated team are always keeping abreast of the latest regulation changes to ensure our customers stay compliant. We spoke to Elliot Shulver, Consulting […]

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HMRC’s Second IPT Consultation – Response Deadline Fast Approaching

HMRC, the UK’s tax authority, is asking for responses to its Insurance Premium Tax: Administration and Unfair Outcomes Consultation, by 5 February 2021. The first consultation and call for evidence for Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) was back in 2019 and questions focused on the modernisation of IPT and efficiency improvements for businesses and HMRC. It […]

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Navigating Insurance’s Digital Highway Copy

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 […]

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In Focus: Hungary – Taxpayers’ Categories

Just like in every jurisdiction, settling tax liabilities compliantly is important to avoid penalties and other consequences. But in Hungary there are additional benefits to a taxpayer if tax liabilities are settled as compliantly as possible. As of 1 January 2016, Hungary introduced the so-called taxpayers’ qualification system. This means the Hungarian Tax Office (HUTA) […]

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Location of Risk: The Rules and Exceptions to Look Out For

Location of Risk is the foundation of any discussion concerning Insurance Premium Tax (IPT). Once you have correctly established the Location of Risk on a policy, you are on the cusp of determining what indirect taxes are due. This blog provides you with an overview on Location of Risk. For a deep dive read our […]

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Easing the Stress of IPT Filings

Insurance premium tax (IPT) deadlines – whether it’s month end, quarterly IPT filings or end of year, can be stressful for insurance tax teams juggling regular workloads alongside the added pressure of ensuring filing is completed accurately and on time. To help, we wanted to offer some guidance on how to navigate deadline season successfully. […]

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France – Insurers to Pay Part of the Covid-19 Bill

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the insurance industry has been put under the spotlight in France, sometimes being the scapegoat for failing to compensate its insureds. Exceptional tax, insurance premiums frozen, contribution to Solidarity Funds and schemes are all examples of the measures taken. In this blog we detail the different steps taken by local authorities […]

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Portugal’s New Stamp Duty Requirements are Nearly Here – Are You Ready?

The new stamp duty requirements in Portugal will come into effect in February 2021, having been previously delayed. The delay has given insurers extra time to prepare for the upcoming changes but even with that additional buffer, many may still be unsure of the requirements and what is expected of them. The new system will […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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