Gains Tax on Surrendered Life Insurance Policy |
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dm8711
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Cash: $ 0.45
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Joined: 06 Dec 2011
Location: USA |
Gains Tax on Surrendered Life Insurance Policy |
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I am new to the Forum, so forgive me if this question has been answered. I did a search and didn't come up with this question.
I currently have a Universal Life Policy which I have had for 19 years. I did not fund it for the future, I only covered the monthly due and now that my kids are grown, I no longer need this amount of coverage. Not to mention the company I am with appears to be in financial trouble, and have been downgraded to a B- rating. I am 55 years old, and there are no surrender fees anymore.
I have paid in just over $19,000 over the life of the policy, and there is a $4100 Surrender Value.
My question...Can I just put the $4100 in the bank, or do I have to roll it in to some type of annuity to protect it from taxes ?
My (limited) understanding is that since there is not more money than I paid the surrender amount won't be subject to any Gains Taxes, is this accurate ?
Thanks for any professional help I can get to ease my weary mind !
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Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:46 pm |
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dm8711
New Poster
Cash: $ 0.45
Posts: 2
Joined: 06 Dec 2011
Location: USA |
Thanks Coaster for your quick response |
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The IRS is where I started this quest. (Rule 2009-13) That is how I got the idea that mine may not qualify for taxes. But every one of their examples pertains to a person that surrenders while he still owes fees and has insurance cost deductions, so it was a bit confusing as to when and what is gain. I wasn't sure if this was the correct rule or not. My searches came up with hundreds of possible answers. javascript:emoticon('')
As I see it, the cost of my Insurance (premiums paid over 19 years) is $19,000. The surrender value is $4100, which is well below what has been paid, and there are no fees due, so I kind of get the idea that I can just stick it in the bank without reporting it as income ? javascript:emoticon('')
I am hoping to get confirmation on my theory before I tell the Insurance Company where they can stick their policy and run with the cash!
I am looking at this now because I just got a letter telling me that my rates are going up 30% because they have had to pay out on more deaths than they anticipated ! Wow ! So I checked into them and they have been downgraded to a B- rating in the last couple years, and a 74% disapproval rating. This company was not my original choice. My company was sold to them several years ago. I even found hints that the CEO's home was foreclosed on in 2008.......So I think it's time to bail !
Oh, and to top it off....the agent that sold me the policy.....he bailed out on them about four years ago. He couldn't deal with them anymore. Apparently non pay issues pertaining to elderly care. He had no answers for me as far as taxes either. He suggested the annuity. Don't really want to do that if I don't have to.
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Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:54 pm |
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