The general rule is that the annual increase in the cash surrender value of your life insurance policy does not result in current tax liability. The cash value is allowed to build up on a tax-deferred basis until:

• The policy is surrendered (i.e., you cash it in).
• The policy is transferred for value (i.e., you sell it).
• The policy ceases to meet the Internal Revenue Code’s definition of a life insurance contract (i.e., you pay too much into the policy).

Until one of these events occurs, you have substantial limitations and restrictions on your receipt of the cash value of the policy. Accordingly, the cash value is allowed to build up on a tax-deferred basis. However, there are a number of important exceptions to the general rule.

The cash value of the following contracts does not build up on a tax-deferred basis:

Policies issued after December 31, 1984, that do not meet Internal Revenue Code definition of life insurance contract

Tax on increases in the cash surrender value of a policy issued after December 31, 1984, that does not meet the Internal Revenue Code’s definition of a life insurance contract is generally not deferred.

Certain variable contracts where diversification requirements are not met

With the exception of certain contracts that were grandfathered, the underlying investments of the segregated asset accounts of a variable contract must meet the IRS’s diversification requirements. See Annuities, Variable Annuities. If it does not, then the buildup of cash value may be taxed even though the contract qualifies as an insurance contract under state law and meets the IRS’s definition of a life insurance contract.

Corporate-owned policies

The cash value of a corporate-owned life insurance policy may not build up on a tax-deferred basis. The buildup is taken into account during computation of the corporation’s alternative minimum tax.