Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has received a tax demand order comprising core tax, interest of ₹850 crore (₹8.50 billion) and penalty of ₹138 crore (₹1.38 billion). The state-owned insurer is expected to examine the order, assess legal options, and may contest the demand through the appellate process.
LIC has disclosed that it has received a tax demand order from the income tax authorities, including an interest component of about ₹850 crore and a penalty of ₹138 crore. The demand pertains to past assessment years and follows proceedings under the Income Tax Act, adding a sizeable contingent liability over and above its regular tax outgo.
The insurer is likely to challenge the order, as is standard practice for large disputed tax claims, especially where interpretational issues around exemptions, deductions or policyholder/ shareholder fund treatment are involved. While the immediate business operations and policy servicing remain unaffected, investors will track potential provisioning requirements, impact on profitability, and timelines for resolution through appeals.
Key Highlights
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Tax demand order served on LIC with interest of ₹8.50 billion.
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Penalty component assessed at ₹1.38 billion.
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Demand linked to earlier assessment years and tax proceedings.
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LIC expected to evaluate and consider filing an appeal against the order.
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Near-term focus on disclosures, provisioning stance and clarity from management.
Sources (indicative): LIC stock exchange filing, regulatory disclosures, real-time tax and corporate news wires.