M 7: Insurance and Personal Finance
Module 7: Insurance and Personal Finance
Insurance and Financial Planning
Incorporating Insurance in Personal Financial Plans
Choosing the Right Insurance Products for Individuals and Families
Estate Planning and Insurance
Estate Planning Strategies with Life Insurance
Tax Implications of Insurance in Estate Planning
Insurance products play a significant role in estate planning, providing financial protection and helping to preserve assets for future generations. Here's an overview of the tax implications of various insurance products in estate planning:
1. Life Insurance:
Estate Tax: Life insurance death benefits are generally income tax-free to the beneficiaries. However, in the United States, the death benefit may be included in the insured's estate for estate tax purposes if the insured had incidents of ownership or control over the policy. Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) can be used to avoid inclusion in the estate for tax purposes.
Income Tax: The death benefit received by beneficiaries is usually not subject to income tax. However, if the policy has accumulated cash value and the insured surrenders or borrows against the policy, there could be income tax implications.
2. Annuities:
Estate Tax: Annuity proceeds are generally not included in the insured's estate for estate tax purposes.
Income Tax: Annuity payments may have income tax implications, especially if the annuity was funded with pre-tax dollars. The taxation of annuity payments depends on the type of annuity and the source of the funds used to purchase the annuity.
3. Long-Term Care Insurance:
Estate Tax: Long-term care insurance benefits are not included in the insured's estate for estate tax purposes.
Income Tax: Benefits received from long-term care insurance policies are generally tax-free. However, there are limits on the tax deductibility of long-term care insurance premiums based on the insured's age.
4. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT):
Estate Tax: Assets placed in an ILIT are generally removed from the insured's estate for estate tax purposes, provided the insured does not retain control or benefits from the trust.
Income Tax: The income generated by the ILIT's assets might be subject to income tax. However, life insurance death benefits paid to the ILIT are typically income tax-free.
5. Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT):
Estate Tax: Assets placed in a CRT are removed from the donor's estate for estate tax purposes.
Income Tax: CRTs can provide income tax deductions for the donor, and the donor or beneficiaries may need to pay income tax on the distributions received from the trust.
6. Key Person Insurance:
Income Tax: Premiums paid on key person insurance policies are not tax-deductible. However, death benefits are generally received tax-free by the company.
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