California-Western States Life Insurance v. State Board of Equalization

Respondent, as its name implies, is an insurance company doing business as such in this state and elsewhere. It is subject to taxation under the provisions of article XIII, section 14%, of the state Constitution. The basis of its annual tax is (in respect to each year) the amount of gross premiums, less return premiums, received in such year “upon its business done in this State. ’ ’ In 1949, the company adopted an employees’ retirement plan. No employee was compelled to participate, but those who elected to do so authorized respondent to make monthly deductions from salary or wages due them…