Before answering your question about whether is life insurance taxable or not?
Did you know that your life insurance may cost less to report to IRS as a taxable event if you pay it yourself rather than through an insurance company or third party?
In most situations, the insurance cost to the tax shelter is actually taxed as self-insurance.
Now, to answer your question, Yes. Life insurance is now a taxable benefit for most taxpayers, including those not in the top 2% of income earners.
However, the cost of coverage will vary among taxpayers and depends on how long you hold it.
It’s best to compare your current coverage and determine whether you need it or not. You can compare your plan at Life Insurance Online.
Taxable life insurance typically includes the following items:
- Pre-payment of premium (prevented by any payment or settlement process);
- Premium paid in advance (payables earned when you get ready to sell the policy);
- Payment and interest on pre-payment (both of them earned);
- Amount paid as an advance premium (before tax is paid on the policy or in advance);
- Interest earned on pre-payment; if paid in advance, it is charged off after the policy;
- Gross amount available to pay a premium (taxed on it as a pre-payment);
- Gross amount contributed to policy on or before a certain date, as a contribution to the trust;
- The Gross amount available to buy life insurance during or after death; is taxed on its gross amount by the life insurance company;
- The amount available to buy or buy a life insurance policy on an independent basis;
- Claim forms and proof of payment (like the return of premiums or bank statements).
Your life insurance company can determine what you’ve contributed to a life insurance policy, including the net amount paid and your contributions.
It doesn’t have any authority to “give credit to some other person” for the tax paid.
If you have received a transferable life insurance policy and you wish to use it, ask for a copy of the specific policy transfer or the contract between you and a life insurance company specifying how the investment will be used during the years that you’ll be at fault for the loss of your life.
You’ll need to use the exact contract, as defined by IRS rules, or as close as possible.
If I have a disability, do the tax rules change for me?

The tax rules are very clear when you have a mental illness or disability.
See Mental Health Tax, if you’re considering this issue before you file your 2018 return.
If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll likely still need to file your tax return.
Are there any limits?
Yes, you’re required to file a return if you qualify for the disability allowance or have a mental illness and require it to qualify for Medicare premiums.
The disability allowance is $250 per dependent per month, while the Medicare rate for this type of coverage is $250 per month plus any cost of benefits paid by Medicare.
For more information see Special Tax Rates on Disabilities, and for more information on the Medicare tax rules, see Medicare Tax Rules and Rates.
I’m a student paying back loans. What is my repayment schedule?
Well, federal student loans are tax-free.
Student loans must be treated as taxable income (and paid as such) on the student’s return.
Can I withdraw tax-free from my retirement?
No. You cannot pay federal taxes to withdraw money from retirement.
Your withdrawal from a retirement account must be included in your total return.
What are some other ways to reduce or avoid taxes?
You can find more information about deductions at IRS.gov.
You can reduce taxes in the form of an adjusted gross income deduction.
This form requires you to file a return using tax software. You are entitled to a $4,050 deduction for filing on your own and are limited to $8,050 per year if you and your spouse file a joint tax return.
You can file a 1040 form and take the standard deduction.
If you take the standard deduction, you can use that amount on food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities.
You do not have to take your children’s expenses, also, some states give you a deduction for child care expenses.
You can also choose to itemize your deductions based on the type of item or expense.
These are items such as your charitable deduction, mortgage interest, and medical expenses.
This deduction only applies to taxable income, not expenses paid by you or your family on your own.
Many states allow you to deduct property taxes paid at the time of purchase, and some states will allow you to deduct home insurance premiums.
Conclusion
You can check your state’s laws to find out more.
If you plan to take advantage of these deductions, be sure to check with your state to determine how much you can deduct.