Liechtenstein is one of many countries with Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) requirements, specifically the Swiss Stamp Duty and Liechtenstein Insurance Levy.
This blog provides an overview of IPT in Liechtenstein to help insurance companies remain compliant.
What kind of taxes are applicable in Liechtenstein on insurance premium amounts?
In Liechtenstein, there are two types of taxes that apply to premium amounts received by insurance companies:
- Swiss Stamp Duty (CHSD)
- Liechtenstein Insurance Levy (LIL)
These taxes complement each other. LIL is only applicable if CHSD is not applicable.
Swiss Stamp Duty is applicable in Liechtenstein based on Customs Union Treaty of March 29, 1923, which regulates the federal rules of stamp duties. Liechtenstein levy on Insurance premium amounts only applies if the Swiss stamp legislation does not apply.
It is necessary to highlight that Liechtenstein is a member of the EEA. As a result, the Location of Risk provisions outlined in the Solvency II Directive apply to LIL.
Therefore, to determine whether a premium amount triggers LIL, the rules of the referred Directive should be applied. This is not the case for Swiss Stamp Duty.
Premium payments made by Liechtenstein resident policyholders and/or to insurance companies based in Liechtenstein are generally subject to Swiss Stamp Duty.
What are the tax rates in Liechtenstein?
Premiums on non-life insurance policies are taxable at the rate of 5% and life policies at a rate of 2.5%, unless one of the exemptions listed in the regulations apply. These rates and exemptions apply to both CHSD and LIL.
Examples of exemptions include:
- Policies covering accident
- Transport of goods
- Unemployment insurance
- Hail insurance
- Livestock insurance risks
- Reinsurance policies
What is the basis of a CHSD and LIL calculation in Liechtenstein?
For the Liechtenstein Insurance Levy, the taxable basis is the premium payments based on an insurance relationship created by an insurance policy where the location of risk is deemed to be in Liechtenstein.
Whereas, for the Swiss Stamp Duty, the taxable basis is the premium payments for insurance:
- based on a domestic portfolio of a domestic Liechtenstein insurer
- that are paid by a domestic policyholder having an insurance contract with a foreign insurer
What are the CHSD and LIL filing and payment frequencies in Liechtenstein?
CHSD is filed on a quarterly and paid alongside the submission of the tax return. On the other hand, LIL is due biannually.
Each return is due within 30 days following the last day of the reporting period.
What are the penalties and interest for CHSD and LIL in Liechtenstein?
In case of late payment, a default interest should be paid on the amounts paid late. The interest rate is determined by the Swiss Federal Department of Finance.
What are the challenges for Insurance Premium Tax in Liechtenstein?
The main challenge is to determine which tax is due, CHSD or LIL. Secondly, it is challenging to determine whether the premium amount and the risk covered are exempt from taxation. The list of exemptions is long.
If LIL is due, these returns can only be filed by a fiscal representative based in Liechtenstein. It can be challenging to find one locally.
Want to learn more about Insurance Premium Tax?
Read more about IPT in general here: IPT Guide
Find your solution: Complete IPT Compliance for Insurers
Questions on location of risk? Download our Location of Risk Rules eBook
