Summary of H.J.Res.88 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the definition of the term Fiduciary. Loc.gov
If my clientâs policy matures prior to the insuredâs death, the policy will typically pay out its cash value. How will this sum be taxed? If the policy matures prior to an insuredâs death, it ceases to be life insurance and is treated as a taxable distribution. As such, the cash value will be taxed as ordinary income to the extent it exceeds the taxpayerâs basis into the policy (i.e., the sum of after-tax premiums) .
Therefore, if your life insurance policy pushes your estateâs value over the threshold, then it becomes a taxable estate. In 2016, that threshold is $5.45 million. The life insurance proceeds are taxable if your estate is subject to estate tax, however, this is only true if you own your own policy. If your spouse or beneficiaries own the policy, if wonât be counted with your estate.