What does TLI cover

The estimated quantum of the tax liability exposure (cost effective solution for tax exposures from USD1m up to USD 1bn+).
Potential interest and penalties imposed by a tax authority.
Costs of defending the claim, from responding to the initial enquiry up to litigation (subject to the policy excess).
Gross up if required by local tax law.
Policy period is typically 7 years (however can be up to 10 years).

What TLI won’t cover

Tax planning that is notifiable to a tax authority.
A particular type of tax planning that is subject to an ongoing challenge by a tax authority.
Jurisdictions that are perceived to have a challenging rule of law.

Benefits of TLI

Buying a business

Provides a solution where due diligence flags a potential tax exposure
Enhances a bid in an auction process
When buying a distressed business or asset, provides protection where the administrator / liquidator is not able to provide any

Managing operational tax risks

Mitigates the need to make a provision for an identified tax risk on a company’s balance sheet
Renewable tax policies available annually to provide for technical ongoing risks i.e. transfer pricing or substance issues
Manages one-off risks that arise from intragroup reorganisations

Selling a business

Provides a solution to a potential tax exposure in advance of selling a business
Avoids the need to provide an escrow or an indemnity
Provides financial certainty on the availability of tax efficient disposals / winding up a business

Winding up a fund/
distributing trust assets

Allows a fund to wind up and distribute assets even where there maybe a tail of liability
Trustees can distribute proceeds / assets to beneficiaries

Pricing will vary considerably depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the risk. We would typically expect to see the premium for majority of risks fall within 2% – 6% of the limit sought.

The BMS team has dedicated in house tax counsel that will work with our clients and their advisers to ensure that a bespoke insurance solution is acquired, wherever in the world it is needed.