http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2013/Mar/20126102.htm
This is dedicated to all our tax-minimization fans out there.
In recent years, smaller, closely held businesses have also learned that the captive insurance entities can provide them significant benefits. These include the attractive risk management elements long appreciated by the larger companies, as well as some attractive tax planning opportunities.
“Barney Style” breakdown of the mini-captive trade:
- Mothership LLC starts captive with an 831 b election .
- Mothership LLC pays captive insurance premium of $1.2mm to insure various risks; taking a tax-deduction in the process.
- Captive receive premium and is not required to realize a taxable gain once the premium is earned (i.e., skipped income taxes on $1.2mm–whoohoo!)
- Captive invests capital
- Captive makes distributions at capital gains rates (via dividends)
There are some important details related to forming up a proper insurance company, but the jist of the trade from a tax perspective is to minimize income tax on a sizable chunk of change!
Give you local tax guru a holler!
Disclaimer:
First, we love paying our “fair” share of taxes and are in the unfortunate position of not having enough wealth to enjoy the finer things in life, such as estate planning and tax consulting. We are probably not the right people to rely on when it comes to professional tax advice.
Moreover, tax laws and regulations change frequently, and their application can vary widely based on the specific facts and circumstances involved. You are responsible for consulting with your own professional tax advisors concerning specific tax circumstances for your business. Intuit disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any positions taken by you in your tax returns.
If you have questions regarding accounting issues specifically related to your industry or your business circumstances, you should consult with your own professional tax advisor, accountant, attorney, industry expert or professional association.
About the Author: Wesley Gray, PhD
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Important Disclosures
For informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as specific investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Certain information is deemed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Third party information may become outdated or otherwise superseded without notice. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any other federal or state agency has approved, determined the accuracy, or confirmed the adequacy of this article.
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