Finance

Keyman insurance policies are permitted for connected individuals, rules the tax tribunal

Originally reported by Taxscan as: Insurance Policy can be taken in Name of another person if connected in any manner with Company: ITAT allows appeals

29 Oct 2026, 1:11 pm IST · Xecute.finance News Desk

The crisp read

The income tax appellate tribunal ruled that a keyman insurance policy can be issued in the name of an individual as long as they maintain a connection to the business. This decision supports corporate appellants by validating policies held by employees or associated persons. Businesses can now utilize this avenue for coverage with greater clarity.

Xecute Impact Breakdown

For CAs

  • Evaluate existing insurance portfolios to verify that designated policyholders maintain a clear employment or business link to the appellant company.
  • Maintain robust documentation establishing this connectivity to withstand departmental scrutiny during assessments and appeal proceedings.

For businesses

  • Enterprises can take out Keyman insurance policies in the name of another person if connected in any manner with the company, as allowed by the ITAT.
  • Ensure proper alignment of corporate insurance policies to establish a clear employment or business link with the company.

Deep dive - the full story

This decision arose during the consideration of appeals where the eligibility of such insurance coverage was under scrutiny by revenue authorities. Keyman insurance is traditionally utilized by enterprises to safeguard against the financial loss caused by the demise or incapacitation of a vital personnel. The established regulatory framework permits companies to claim deductions on premium payments under specific conditions, though tax authorities frequently contest policies issued in names other than the primary promoters or directors.

By clarifying that any valid connection to the enterprise suffices, the tribunal removes ambiguity regarding who can be designated under such corporate policies, shifting the position from restrictive interpretations to a broader operational scope. Tax practitioners and corporate advisors must evaluate existing insurance portfolios to verify that designated policyholders maintain a clear employment or business link to the appellant company.

Professionals should maintain robust documentation establishing this connectivity to withstand departmental scrutiny during assessments and appeal proceedings. Ultimately, proper alignment of corporate insurance structures protects business deductions and prevents avoidable tax disputes.

Source: taxscan.in

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