What determines whether a life assurance plan is qualifying or non-qualifying?

The correct answer relates to the annual premium payments made into a life assurance plan, which play a pivotal role in determining whether a policy is considered qualifying or non-qualifying for tax purposes.

A qualifying life assurance policy is typically characterized by a structure that enables it to meet specific criteria set by tax legislation, often tied to the level of premiums paid. This criteria usually includes a requirement that the premiums do not exceed a certain percentage of the sum assured, ensuring that the policy is primarily focused on providing life cover rather than serving as an investment vehicle. Consequently, the annual premium payments directly influence whether a policy is compliant with these criteria.

In contrast, other factors like investment strategy, the age of the policyholder, or frequency of premium payments, do not directly determine the qualifying nature of a policy. While these aspects may influence the policy's overall performance or appeal, they do not affect its classification with respect to tax treatment as qualifying or non-qualifying. Thus, the annual premium payments are the key determinant in this classification.