Every tax filing season brings the same popular question: "how do I get the premium certificate?" This article collects what you should know about the document — what it is used for, where to request it, and the electronic data system that has made life much easier.

What the premium payment certificate is

It is a document issued by the insurance company confirming how much you paid in premiums during that tax year, separated by the categories eligible for deduction — life insurance premiums, health premiums, or annuity premiums. The figures in this document are what you enter when filing your income tax return.

There is now a system by which insurance companies send your premium data to the Revenue Department electronically once you have given the company your consent. The result is that when filing online, the system usually pulls the premium totals in automatically, removing the need to attach documents yourself. It is worth checking whether you have given consent to disclose information for every policy you hold. The conditions and the way to give consent follow each company's procedures [check the latest information].

Do you still need to request the document?

Even with the data travelling automatically, having the document remains useful: for checking the totals before filing, for cases where the figure in the system is wrong or does not appear, for filing on paper, and as evidence if further documents are requested later, which the Revenue Department may do retrospectively under the law.

Where you can request it

The usual channels at most companies are the policyholder app or website (often downloadable immediately), the customer service telephone centre, a company branch, or through the agent looking after you. Many companies also send an annual premium summary automatically early in the following year, by email or post according to your preference.

Check it is correct before using it to file

Points to check: that your name and ID number are correct; that the premium total matches what you actually paid in that tax year (counted by payment date, not due date); and that the premium types are categorised to match the deductions you will claim, with health premiums separated from life premiums. If you find a discrepancy, tell the company to correct it before using it.

In short

The premium payment certificate is the bridge between your policy and your tax deduction. These days it is far easier thanks to the automatic data system — simply give consent for every policy, check the totals early each year, and tax season is no longer a nuisance. If you run into difficulty anywhere, get in touch and ask.