The Tax Benefits of Relevant Life Insurance for Business Owners

Lee Johnson • 31 December 2022

Maximizing financial protection for your employees while reducing your tax liability

If you're a business owner, you may be looking for ways to provide financial protection for your employees and their families. One option you might consider is relevant life insurance, which is a type of term assurance policy designed specifically for businesses.


Here are a few reasons why relevant life insurance can be a great option for you and your employees, along with some examples to illustrate how it works.


First, relevant life insurance is tax-friendly.


Premiums paid by the employer can be offset against corporation tax as long as the policy is part of the employee's remuneration package. This means that the business can claim a tax deduction on the premiums it pays for relevant life insurance. Additionally, businesses do not have to pay National Insurance contributions on relevant life premiums, which further reduces the overall cost of this type of insurance.


For example, let's say you own a small business and you want to provide life insurance coverage for your employees. You decide to purchase a relevant life insurance policy for each of your employees, with a sum assured of £100,000. As the employer, you can offset the annual premium against your corporation tax, saving your business money on taxes. Additionally, you don't have to pay any National Insurance contributions on the premiums, further reducing the overall cost of the insurance for your business.


In the event of a valid claim being made, the cash sum paid out under a relevant life insurance policy should be free from UK income tax, National Insurance, and capital gains tax. When the employer sets up a relevant life policy written in trust, the benefits paid should not be included in the deceased's estate and therefore should not be liable for inheritance tax.


For example, let's say one of your employees passes away and their relevant life insurance policy pays out the sum assured of £100,000 to their spouse. The spouse would not have to pay any income tax or National Insurance on the benefit received.


Additionally, the benefit would not be included in the deceased employee's estate for inheritance tax purposes, providing additional financial protection for the employee's family.


Overall, relevant life insurance can be a valuable benefit for business owners and their employees. It provides financial protection for the employee's family and can also offer tax advantages for both the employer and employee. It is a flexible and cost-effective way for businesses to provide life insurance coverage for their employees, while also reducing their own tax liabilities. If you're a business owner looking to provide life insurance coverage for your employees, relevant life insurance may be a good option to consider.



Who Are Willow Private Finance?


Willow Private Finance is a specialist mortgage brokerage that offers professional financial advice and assistance to clients seeking to secure a mortgage or refinance their existing mortgage. The company is dedicated to providing its clients with personalized and tailor-made solutions to meet their specific financial needs and goals.


With a team of highly qualified and experienced mortgage advisors, Willow Private Finance is able to offer expert advice and guidance on a wide range of mortgage products and options, including first-time buyer mortgages, buy-to-let mortgages, Commercial mortgages, Bridging finance, Lombard lending, and Development finance. The company also offers a range of services to help clients navigate the complex and often confusing process of securing a mortgage, including assistance with mortgage application and documentation, as well as ongoing support throughout the mortgage process.


In addition to its mortgage brokerage services, Willow Private Finance also offers a range of other financial services, including protection insurance and equity release.. The company's goal is to provide its clients with a comprehensive and holistic approach to finance and management, helping them to achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.



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