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INVESTMENT IN LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Notes to Financial Statements  
INVESTMENT IN LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS

 

NOTE 24    INVESTMENT IN LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS

 

The Bank currently offers a variety of benefit plans to all full time employees. While the costs of these plans are generally tax deductible to the Bank, the cost has been escalating greatly in recent years. To help offset escalating benefit costs and to attract and retain qualified employees, the Bank purchased Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) contracts that will provide benefits to employees during their lifetime. Dividends received on these policies are tax-deferred and the death benefits under the policies are tax exempt.  Rates of return on a tax-equivalent basis are very favorable when compared to other long-term investments which the Bank might make.