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Description
The use of captive insurance companies, particularly Section 831(b) "micro-captives," has come under increased IRS scrutiny. The Service has explicitly recognized micro-captives as a legitimate form of risk protection but has expressed concern that these vehicles are being used more as a wealth transfer device than legitimate insurance. The IRS has even more interest in abusive micro-captive arrangements after the U.S. Tax Court and Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated IRS Notice 2016-66 and, in response, the IRS issued new proposed regulations in April 2023.
Micro-captives will continue to be used and likely will increase in frequency and the IRS will likely step up its examinations of micro-captive arrangements. An IRS examination of micro-captives "may result in full disallowance of claimed micro-captive insurance deductions, inclusion of income by the captive entity, and imposition of applicable penalties."
Tax counsel and advisers must be aware of the challenging and potential pitfalls of structuring micro-captives.
Listen as our experienced panel discusses recent IRS examination initiatives for micro-captives and offers techniques for utilizing captives to manage and reduce a company's risk of IRS scrutiny.
Presented By

Mr. Fine specializes in the taxation of insurance companies. He has 24 years of tax experience and has worked closely with insurance companies for 22 years. Prior to joining Brown Smith Wallace, Mr. Fine was a senior manager with a national accounting firm. He is responsible for serving insurers writing fidelity, personal and commercial lines; medical and life insurance; other professional malpractice coverages; and captive insurance companies.

Mr. Oveisi is a tax attorney with Holtz, Slavett, & Drabkin. Kevin has experience practicing in all aspects of tax controversy including income tax, estate tax, gift tax, employment tax, collection issues, penalties, and litigation in the U.S. Tax. Court. He represents clients in tax audits, collection defense, and litigation before the Internal Revenue Service, California Franchise Tax Board, Department of Fee and Tax Administration (formerly State Board of Equalization), Employment Development Department, and in the U.S. Tax Court and U.S. District Court. Mr. Oveisi has particular experience in tax matters involving Micro-Captive Insurance, Non-Cash Charitable Contributions, collection due process, and civil fraud.
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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BARBRI is a NASBA CPE sponsor and this 90-minute webinar is accredited for 1.5 CPE credits.
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BARBRI is an IRS-approved continuing education provider offering certified courses for Enrolled Agents (EA) and Tax Return Preparers (RTRP).
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Live Online
On Demand
Date + Time
- event
Monday, December 18, 2023
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
Outline
- Recent cases and proposed regulations
- Anti-avoidance law
- Substance over form
- Business purpose
- Economic substance
- IRS broad enforcement capabilities
Benefits
The panel will review these and other important questions:
- Risk shifting and distribution
- IRS enforcement areas in micro-captives, including excessive premiums and risk definition
- 831(b) structuring issues and compliance challenges
- Diversification requirements and tests
- Response to IRS challenges of 831(b) micro-captive structures
NASBA Details
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Identify potential IRS issues with Section 831(b) micro-captive insurance companies
- Comply with the rules regarding prohibiting excessive premiums and prearranged deduction schemes
- Understand the IRS requirements for captives to have "insurance risk," risk shifting, and risk distribution
- Field of Study: Taxes
- Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
- Advance Preparation: None
- Teaching Method: Seminar/Lecture
- Delivery Method: Group-Internet (via computer)
- Attendance Monitoring Method: Attendance is monitored electronically via a participant's PIN and through a series of attendance verification prompts displayed throughout the program
- Prerequisite: Three years+ business or public firm experience at mid-level within the organization, preparing complex income tax forms and schedules for partnerships and pass-throughs; supervisory authority over other preparers/accountants. Knowledge and understanding of private and captive insurance company structures, familiarity with self-insurance regulations and risk identification processes.

BARBRI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE Credits. Complaints regarding registered sponsons may be submitted to NASBA through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

BARBRI is an IRS-approved continuing education provider offering certified courses for Enrolled Agents (EA) and Tax Return Preparers (RTRP).

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