Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Insurance Settlement?

Receiving an insurance settlement can be a relief for many people who have experienced damages or losses. However, as with many financial matters, taxes can come into play. Whether or not you have to pay taxes on your insurance settlement depends on the type of settlement you receive and the specific circumstances surrounding your case.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that not all insurance settlements are taxable. If the settlement is for physical injury or illness, it is typically not taxable. This includes settlements for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages due to the injury or illness. However, if the settlement includes punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the person who caused the injury or illness, those damages may be taxable.

On the other hand, if your insurance settlement is related to a non-physical injury, such as damage to your property or a breach of contract, it may be taxable. This includes settlements for things like car accidents, property damage, and business interruption. These types of settlements are typically considered taxable income and must be reported on your tax return.

If you receive a structured settlement, where payments are made over time, only the portion of each payment that represents interest earned is taxable. The rest of the settlement is considered tax-free.

Whether or not you have to pay taxes on your insurance settlement depends on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. If the settlement is related to physical injury or illness, it is typically not taxable. However, if it’s related to a non-physical injury, it may be taxable. If you have any questions about the tax implications of your insurance settlement, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer or tax professional to ensure that you’re reporting your income correctly.

Do I Have to Report An Insurance Settlement As Income?

If you received a tax deduction for the expense related to your insurance settlement, such as a casualty loss deduction for property damage, you may have to report a portion of your settlement as taxable income. This is because the deduction reduces your tax basis in the property, and any settlement you receive for that property is considered a gain above your adjusted basis.

What Are Some Examples of Taxable Versus Non-taxable Settlements?

Here are some examples of insurance settlements that are taxable versus not taxable:

Taxable settlements:

• Settlements for non-physical injuries, such as breach of contract, defamation, or emotional distress unrelated to personal physical injury or sickness
• Settlements that include punitive damages
• Settlements for property damage or destruction that exceed the adjusted basis of the property
• Settlements related to lost profits or business interruption

Non-taxable settlements:

• Settlements for personal physical injury or sickness, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages
• Settlements for emotional distress or mental anguish related to personal physical injury or sickness
• Settlements for wrongful death related to personal physical injury or sickness
• Settlements for property damage or destruction that are less than the adjusted basis of the property

There may be exceptions or nuances to these general rules, and the taxability of a settlement can depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. If you’re unsure whether your insurance settlement is taxable, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced lawyer or tax professional who can provide specific advice based on your situation.

What If I Failed to Properly Report Taxable Settlement Income?

If you failed to properly report taxable settlement income on your tax return, you may be subject to penalties and interest from the IRS or state tax authority. The penalties can include both monetary fines and additional taxes owed, and they can increase the longer you wait to address the issue.

However, it’s important to note that the IRS has programs in place to help taxpayers who have made errors on their tax returns. For example, the IRS offers a program called the Voluntary Disclosure Practice, which allows taxpayers to come forward voluntarily and report previously undisclosed income. This program can help you avoid or reduce penalties if you come forward before the IRS takes action against you.

If you discover that you failed to report taxable settlement income on your tax return, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. You may want to consult with an attorney or tax professional who can help you understand your options and guide you through the process of resolving the issue with the IRS or state tax authority.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

A lawyer can help in several ways when it comes to taxes on insurance settlements:

Providing legal advice: A lawyer can advise you on whether or not your insurance settlement is taxable based on the specific circumstances of your case. They can help you understand the tax implications of your settlement and what steps you may need to take to comply with tax laws.

Negotiating with insurance companies: If you’re negotiating a settlement with an insurance company, a lawyer can help you get the best possible outcome. They can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the full amount you’re entitled to and that the settlement is structured in a way that minimizes tax liability.

Filing taxes: A lawyer can help you prepare and file your tax returns, making sure that you’re in compliance with all applicable tax laws. They can also help you take advantage of any deductions or credits that may be available to you.

Resolving tax disputes: If you have a dispute with the IRS or state tax authority over the taxability of your settlement, a lawyer can represent you and help you resolve the dispute. They can negotiate with the tax authorities on your behalf and provide legal arguments to support your position.

An experienced attorney can be a valuable resource when it comes to taxes on insurance settlements. They can provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, file taxes, and resolve tax disputes. If you have questions or concerns about the tax implications of your insurance settlement, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer who specializes in tax law. Call High Stakes Injury Law today at (702) 707-5934 for a free consultation!