Finance Act 1996

Election for accruals basis for long term business assets

5 (1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) to (6) below, sub-paragraph (2) below applies for any accounting period to so much of any creditor relationship of an insurance company as—

(a) for the whole or any part of that period is an asset within one of the categories set out in section 440(4)(d) and (e) of the Taxes Act 1988 (assets held for certain categories of long term business); and

(b) is an asset in relation to which an election under this paragraph is made by the company for that period.

(2) Where—

(a) this sub-paragraph applies for any accounting period to any asset, and

(b) apart from this paragraph, a mark to market basis of accounting would have had to be used for the purposes of this Chapter as respects that asset for the whole or any part of that period,

this Chapter shall have effect as if an authorised accruals basis of accounting had to be used for the purposes of this Chapter as respects that asset for that period or part.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) above shall not apply to any holding to which paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 10 to this Act applies.

(4) An election under this paragraph shall not be made except by notice in writing given to an officer of the Board not more than three months after the end of the accounting period to which the election relates.

(5) An election under this paragraph shall be irrevocable, and shall not be varied, once it has been made.

(6) An election shall not be made under this paragraph for any accounting period ending after 31st March 1998.

(7) The Treasury may, if they think fit, by order—

(a) amend sub-paragraph (6) above to substitute a later date for the date for the time being specified in that sub-paragraph; or

(b) repeal that sub-paragraph.