PPLI + EWP = New Insights
As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” We have paired images with the main principles of Expanded Worldwide Planning (EWP) to hopefully give you some new insights on this planning tool for wealthy international families. There are many possibilities for using Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) in connection with other entities like trusts and holding companies.
Planning with trust and foundations frequently offer only limited tax planning opportunities whereas EWP provides a tax shield. Adding a PPLI policy held by the correct entity in the proper jurisdiction creates a notable planning opportunity.
Privacy
EWP gives privacy and compliance with tax laws. It also enhances protection from data breach and strengthens family security. It allows for a tax compliant system that still respects basic rights of privacy. It addresses the concerns of law firms and international planners about some aspects of CRS related to their clients’ privacy. EWP assists with the privacy and welfare of families by protecting their financial records and keeping them in compliance with tax regulations.
Asset protection
Expanded Worldwide Planning protects assets with segregated account legislation by using the benefits of life insurance. This structure uses asset protection laws in the jurisdictions of residence to shield these assets from creditors’ claims. A trust with its own asset protection provisions can still receive additional protection with PPLI.
Succession planning
EWP includes transfers of assets without forced heirship rules directly to beneficiaries using a controlled and orderly plan. This element provides a wealth holder a method to enact an estate plan according to his/her wishes without complying forced heirship rules in the home country. This plan must be coordinated with all the aspects of a properly structured PPLI policy together with other elements of a wealth owner’s financial and legal planning.
Tax shield
EWP adds tax deferral, income, estate tax benefits and dynasty tax planning opportunities. Assets held in a life insurance contract are considered tax-deferred in most jurisdictions throughout the world. Likewise, PPLI policies that are properly constructed shield the assets from all taxes. In most cases, upon the death of the insured, benefits are paid as a tax free death benefit.
Compliance simplifier
EWP adds ease of reporting to tax authorities and administration of assets, commercial substance to PPLI structures. In addition, the insurance company is considered the beneficial owner of the assets. This approach greatly simplifies reporting obligations to tax authorizes because assets in the policy are held in segregated accounts and can be spread over multiple jurisdictions worldwide.
Trust substitute
Expanded Worldwide Planning creates viable structure under specific insurance regulations for civil law jurisdictions. It also creates a new role for commercial trust companies. In most civil law jurisdictions, trusts are poorly acknowledged and trust law is not well developed. As a result, companies with foreign trusts in these civil law jurisdictions, face obstacles.
We appreciate your comments, suggestions, and questions. Please provide us with a brief fact pattern and we can tell you if our firm’s tools are right tool for you.
by Michael Malloy CLU TEP RFC, @ Advanced Financial Solutions, Inc
