Introduction
This strategy1 applies to Allianz (UK) Ltd, Allianz Holdings plc and all subsidiaries2.
Our ambition is to manage taxes responsibly. We aim to be recognised as a compliant, co-operative and reliable taxpayer in the UK.
The Allianz Group operates transparently and responsibly in all tax matters, collaborating closely with experts, auditors and tax authorities, including HMRC, to ensure that we pay our fair share of taxes.
Allianz Tax Strategy and Principles
The Allianz Group tax strategy includes the following key rules and principles:
- Full compliance with legal regulations, accurate and timely tax reporting and effective tax risk management.
- Protect the Group’s reputation by supporting the fairness and integrity of tax systems as a responsible taxpayer, while fostering sustainable business growth through efficient tax management that carefully balances stakeholders’ interests.
- Ensure that tax planning and optimisation activities fully comply with tax laws, supported by solid business and economic substance to maintain a credible long-term reputation with tax authorities.
- Maintain transparent and trustworthy communication with all stakeholders to sustain a creditable long-term relationship.
- Internal reporting on a periodic basis about significant risks and effectiveness of our processes.
- Internal reporting on significant risks and the effectiveness of our processes is carried out on a periodic basis.
- Maintain a robust organisational structure for appropriate tax management.
- Continuously improve and harmonise tax processes through simplifications and digital solutions, including enhancement of our people’s digital skills and responsible usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Tax Risk Management and Tax Governance
These principles form the foundation of our Allianz Standard for Tax Management which serves as the framework and sets minimum requirements for all tax relevant processes, methods and structures within the Allianz Group.
All Group entities, including those situated in the UK, must adhere to this standard when conducting their tax activities.
With this standard, we are committed to transparent compliance and disclosure policies, aiming to maintain good relationships with tax authorities, acting as a trusted partner and ensuring accurate and timely tax payments.
To achieve consistent and full implementation of our tax strategy, the Group operates local tax functions in its major operations, including the UK.
Allianz has a low appetite for tax risk. We actively and continously seek to minimise tax risks by identifying, asessing, monitoring and managing them.
Board education on tax-related matters is provided both on demand through tailored sessions, and through an annual audit committee update, to ensure effective oversight and informed decision-making.
Tax Compliance and Tax Advocacy
We consistently strive for certainty in our tax positions, seeking internal or exteral advice to validate our positions where appropriate. Where we request rulings from tax authorities to confirm an applicable tax treatment, we do so based on full disclosure of all relevant facts and circumstances and in accordance with relevant legislation, HMRC guidance and best practice.
We seek efficiency in tax matters, including the prevention of double taxation and pay only the tax due following reasonable interpretation and application of tax rules.
We do not engage in aggressive tax planning or artificial structuring that lacks business purpose or economic substance. Our tax activities are conducted with the clear understanding that all facts and circumstances must be disclosed to tax authorities.
This strategy is aligned with our Code of Conduct and is approved, owned and overseen by the Allianz Holdings plc Board.