Monaco is one of many countries with Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) requirements, specifically the Special Annual Tax and Fire Brigade Tax. This blog provides an overview of IPT in Monaco to help insurance companies remain compliant.
What kind of taxes are applicable in Monaco on insurance premium amounts?
In Monaco, there are two types of taxes that apply to premium amounts received by insurance companies. These taxes apply to domestic as well as foreign insurance companies who write business in Monaco, whether or not they have a branch office there.
It is necessary to highlight that Monaco is not a member of the EU/EEA. As a result, the Location of Risk provisions outlined in Directive 2009/138/EC, often referenced as the Solvency II Directive, do not apply. Therefore, determining whether a premium amount triggers Monegasque insurance premium tax or not requires understanding the local territorial rules.
The Monegasque insurance premium taxes are:
- Special Annual Tax (SAT)
- Fire Brigade Tax (FBT)
What are the tax rates in Monaco?
SAT rates vary based on the risks covered. The lowest rate is 0.20% for policies covering export credit risks, while the highest rate is 25% for policies covering property risks with a fire element. Most taxable insurance is subject to a 7% rate.
There are various exemptions from SAT, such as life insurance and related contracts, reinsurance, and risks located outside of Monaco.
There is a fixed rate of 9% for Fire Brigade Tax.
What is the basis of SAT and FBT calculation in Monaco?
The taxable premium is the taxable basis for both SAT and FBT. It is defined as the sum stipulated for the benefit of the insurer, including any extra fees or charges paid directly or indirectly by the insurer. The taxable basis for FBT can be different from SAT.
What are the SAT and FBT filing and payment frequencies in Monaco?
SAT and FBT are filed quarterly on one return. The payment must be made alongside the filing. The settlement deadline is the tenth day of the third month after the reporting period ends.
In addition to the quarterly return obligation, insurance businesses must file an annual return by 31 May of the year after the reporting year.
What are the penalties and interest for SAT and FBT in Monaco?
Penalties are imposed for payment delays, as well as inaccuracy, omission, inadequacy, or any other violations that may cause damage to the Monegasque treasury.
The late payment interest rate is 6%, and is charged on the entire month, regardless of when in the month the late payment becomes due. For every other error, the default penalty is EUR 150 or EUR 1,500. The latter applies if the violated legal provision is punishable.
What are the challenges for Insurance Premium Tax in Monaco?
The fiscal representation regulations are the most difficult aspect of Monegasque insurance premium taxation. A foreign insurance business must have a representative authorised by the Minister of State to declare taxes in Monaco.
This representative should be a private individual and is fully liable for the payment of any Monegasque duties and fines. In addition, a certain amount of guarantee is payable if the representative is not based in Monaco.
Want to learn more about Insurance Premium Tax?
- Read our Insurance Premium Tax guide
- Navigate Location of Risk rules with our ebook
- Understand IPT compliance with our ebook, written by our regulatory experts
