For business owners, financial planning isn’t just about personal wealth—it’s about protecting the company you’ve built and ensuring its future. One often-overlooked tool for achieving this is corporate-owned life insurance (COLI). Beyond just providing financial security, COLI offers tax advantages, business continuity solutions, and strategic estate planning benefits.

So, how does corporate-owned life insurance work, and why should business owners consider it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Corporate-Owned Life Insurance?

COLI involves a corporation purchasing a life insurance policy on key employees or stakeholders, with the corporation both owning the policy and being the beneficiary. This setup ensures that, in the event of the insured individual's death, the company receives the policy's death benefit, providing financial support during potentially tumultuous times.

Key Benefits of COLI for Canadian Businesses

1. Protection Against the Loss of Key Personnel

The sudden loss of a pivotal team member can disrupt operations and impact profitability. Key Person Insurance, a form of COLI, offers a financial buffer by compensating the company for potential revenue losses and the costs associated with recruiting and training a replacement.

2. Protection Against the Loss of Key Personnel

The sudden loss of a pivotal team member can disrupt operations and impact profitability. Key Person Insurance, a form of COLI, offers a financial buffer by compensating the company for potential revenue losses and the costs associated with recruiting and training a replacement.

3. Tax Advantages

• Tax-Free Death Benefit: The death benefit received by the corporation is generally tax-free, providing immediate financial support without additional tax burdens.
• Capital Dividend Account (CDA): A portion of the death benefit can be credited to the company's CDA, allowing for tax-free dividend distributions to shareholders.
• Tax-Deferred Growth: Permanent life insurance policies accumulate cash value on a tax-deferred basis, enabling funds to grow within the policy without immediate tax implications.

4. Enhancing Estate Planning

For business owners aiming for efficient wealth transfer, COLI can be instrumental. The policy's proceeds can be used to cover estate taxes or provide liquidity, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their intended inheritance without necessitating the liquidation of business assets.

5. Improving Business Liquidity

The death benefit from a COLI policy offers immediate funds, which can be crucial for maintaining operations, settling debts, or seizing new opportunities during transitional periods.

Considerations for Implementing COLI

While COLI presents numerous advantages, it's essential to approach its implementation thoughtfully:

• Policy Structuring: Ensure the policy aligns with the company's financial goals and provides adequate coverage for key individuals.
• Tax Implications: Stay informed about the latest tax regulations related to corporate-owned policies to maximize benefits and maintain compliance.
• Regular Reviews: Periodically assess the policy to ensure it remains relevant to the company's evolving needs and circumstances.

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance is more than just a protective measure; it's a strategic asset for Canadian businesses. By offering financial security, facilitating succession planning, and providing tax efficiencies, COLI empowers business owners to fortify their enterprises against uncertainties and plan confidently for the future.

If you want to see how it may fit into your business, don’t hesitate to reach out.