Finland: Ruling on life insurance saving agreement

International Tax Review is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Garden, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Finland: Ruling on life insurance saving agreement

The Finnish Central Tax Board (CTB) has given a preliminary ruling (KVL 34/2011) regarding taxation in connection with transfers of investments in life insurance saving agreement and capitalisation agreement where the taxpayer has the right to decide on which assets the policy funds are invested in.

Life insurance saving agreement refers to a life insurance policy that combines life insurance with the features of a savings and investment account. The gains from the investments accumulate tax-deferred. Capitalisation redemption agreement refers to an investment linked insurance with no specific insured. Like life insurance saving agreement, also in capital redemption agreement gains from investments accumulate tax-deferred.

In the matter before the CTB the taxpayer was planning to conclude either a life insurance saving agreement or a capitalisation agreement with an insurance company. In said agreements, the premium paid to the insurance company could be invested in different types of assets. The insurance company was the owner of the assets and also had the right to assign the assets and invest the received funds in other assets. The terms and conditions, however, stipulated additionally that it was possible to grant the policyholder an independent right to decide on the transfers and investments during the term of the policy.

The assignment of investments linked to the life insurance or the capitalisation agreement by the insurance company during the term of the policy was not considered to be a taxable transfer in taxation of the policyholder. According to the CTB the policyholder did not receive taxable income from said transfers nor did any tax-deductable loss arise although he or she would be entitled to decide on the investments independently.

Janne Juusela (janne.juusela@borenius.com)

Borenius – Taxand

Tel: +358 9 615 333

Website: www.borenius.com

more across site & shared bottom lb ros

More from across our site

New hires from rivals are reportedly being axed from the firm, following a steep decline in profits
Following Richard Houston’s switch to the newly formed Deloitte EMEA, Graves has the opportunity to bring Deloitte’s tax practice up to speed with its rivals
Firms announced tax hires and promotions across Europe and the US, while fresh figures from Ireland showed corporation tax receipts edging down in the first quarter
The country has overseen better audit procedures and demonstrated commitment to acting as a 'regional leader' on international tax matters, the OECD said
Barrister Setu Kamal and policy guru Dan Neidle have clashed over the former’s legal action against Google, described as ‘bonkers’ by Neidle
Authors from Khaitan & Co evaluate the recent CBDT notification, whereby legacy investments made by investors continue to be exempt from the applicability of GAAR
Dual-qualified corporate tax specialist Christoph Schimmer joins the firm after stints at Deloitte, Cerha Hempel and DLA Piper
Geopolitical rivalry is reshaping global tax cooperation, as the OECD’s minimum tax framework fragments and the EU grapples with the ensuing legal fallout
LED Taxand’s partner tells ITR about entrepreneurial inspirations, the importance of people skills, and what makes tax cool
Shiny new offices like Ryan’s in London Bridge aren’t just a cost – they signal that a firm is willing to align with its clients’ interests
Gift this article