Exploring options proposed by the European commission on VAT on insurance

Abstract

Purpose: The research analyses alternatives and their effects on the Maltese insurance industry and economy. It will assess the Malta insurance market's readiness for these changes and the opinions of practitioners, relevant associations, and insurance service providers on the proposed VAT treatment changes. Design: The research study has adopted a qualitative approach which includes eight semi-structured interviews which were held with a mix of associations, service providers and indirect tax practitioners subject to them being competent given the specificness of the field of study. Findings: The study concluded that one cannot predict any early implications that the reform of the VAT treatment may have on insurance businesses, thus it is the EU commission's eventual measure that will affect the latter industry, its stakeholders, and the economy. Furthermore, it was identified that VAT grouping and cost sharing agreements create grey areas, thus if either were enacted, the study would fail to address neutrality and legal uncertainty. Moreover, another highlight of the study was that taxing insurance services at a rate higher than 0% is deemed to have a huge effect on the competitiveness of all European member states due to the inflated prices, which will in turn disrupt the growth of insurance industries in countries like Malta to the detriment of several other benefits insurance brings. It is therefore quite beneficial that the measures are subjected to further improvements to refrain from having an unsuccessful reform. Value: This research is beneficial to all insurance service providers and indirect tax practitioners active in the insurance industry in Malta. It provides a comprehensive analysis of a variety of indicators from Malta’s standpoint. In addition, it intends to fill a gap in the literature about how Malta perceives the review of the insurance VAT laws.