Can I deduct life insurance as a business expense?
If you’re self-employed, getting life insurance is usually a good idea. But can you deduct the premiums?
For many people, especially those who are self-employed or working in the gig economy, the line between a personal and a business expense is not always clear.
For example, take life insurance: While it provides financial protection for your loved ones, it’s also something any savvy business owner or self-employed person would want, because it can ensure expenses are handled in the event of their death.
So, is it a business expense? Or maybe more precisely, does the IRS consider the monthly premiums for a life insurance policy a business expense that a self-employed person can deduct on their taxes? Read on to find out.
In this article:
Is life insurance a good idea for someone who is self-employed or on contract?
Let’s back up and start here. If you’re self-employed, is buying life insurance a good idea?
For most people, the answer is yes, especially if they have dependents who (ahem) depend on them to pay for things. If you are the primary breadwinner, and have a spouse or kids, and something happened to you, how would your loved ones pay for groceries, rent or mortgage, tuition?
Life insurance is an answer to that question. In exchange for a monthly premium, your insurer will pay your designated beneficiaries a death benefit in the event of your death. This money can be used for anything, including burial and funeral expenses. In general, a good rule of thumb is getting a policy worth 5 to 10 times your annual salary.
Some employers offer group life insurance to employees. For those employees, that insurance often isn’t enough to cover their needs. For self-employed people, of course, that isn’t an option (unless they get it through a spouse), but it’s another reason why life insurance takes on heightened importance — if you’re self-employed, you don’t even have group life insurance to count on.
For many people, term life insurance coverage is a good idea. That’s because it only covers the time when you need insurance — until you retire (and no longer draw a salary), or until you’re older and many larger expenses are paid off (like a mortgage or your child’s tuition). It’s also more affordable than other types of insurance, like permanent life insurance or whole life insurance.
You can get a free online quote from Haven Life in minutes, which is great because, if you’re self-employed, you’re probably not swimming in time.
Can you deduct life insurance premiums as a business expense?
Back to the matter at hand.
If you’re self-employed, freelance, or under contract, it might be an excellent idea to purchase life insurance. But unfortunately, deducting your life insurance premiums isn’t allowed by the IRS. (We stress that it’s still worth getting, even without the tax benefit.)
That said, if you’re self-employed and have employees, you might be able to provide group life insurance for your employees and yourself. If this is the case, you might be able to deduct it as a business expense. Talk with a tax advisor for advice tailored to your particular circumstance.
Haven Life Term Life Insurance
At Haven Life, we can get you started with an estimate of what you need to ensure those you leave behind are financially protected. We offer term life insurance policies of up to $3 million, available in term lengths of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years that pay out in tax-free lump sums. Each of those policies is backed by MassMutual or its subsidiary, C.M. Life.
If you’re self-employed, you know how the lines can blur between work and personal life. It might not mean you get a tax break, but it does mean you can benefit from the peace of mind that a term life insurance policy can offer.
Our editorial policy
Haven Life is a customer-centric life insurance agency that’s backed and wholly owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). We believe navigating decisions about life insurance, your personal finances and overall wellness can be refreshingly simple.
Our editorial policy
Haven Life is a customer centric life insurance agency that’s backed and wholly owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). We believe navigating decisions about life insurance, your personal finances and overall wellness can be refreshingly simple.
Our content is created for educational purposes only. Haven Life does not endorse the companies, products, services or strategies discussed here, but we hope they can make your life a little less hard if they are a fit for your situation.
Haven Life is not authorized to give tax, legal or investment advice. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or investment advice. Individuals are encouraged to seed advice from their own tax or legal counsel.
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Our disclosures
Haven Term is a Term Life Insurance Policy (DTC and ICC17DTC in certain states, including NC) issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 01111-0001 and offered exclusively through Haven Life Insurance Agency, LLC. In NY, Haven Term is DTC-NY 1017. In CA, Haven Term is DTC-CA 042017. Haven Term Simplified is a Simplified Issue Term Life Insurance Policy (ICC19PCM-SI 0819 in certain states, including NC) issued by the C.M. Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT 06082. Policy and rider form numbers and features may vary by state and may not be available in all states. Our Agency license number in California is OK71922 and in Arkansas 100139527.
MassMutual is rated by A.M. Best Company as A++ (Superior; Top category of 15). The rating is as of Aril 1, 2020 and is subject to change. MassMutual has received different ratings from other rating agencies.
Haven Life Plus (Plus) is the marketing name for the Plus rider, which is included as part of the Haven Term policy and offers access to additional services and benefits at no cost or at a discount. The rider is not available in every state and is subject to change at any time. Neither Haven Life nor MassMutual are responsible for the provision of the benefits and services made accessible under the Plus Rider, which are provided by third party vendors (partners). For more information about Haven Life Plus, please visit: https://havenlife.com/plus
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Applying for life insurance in your 40’s is exhausting!! But at least Haven made it as easy as possible! Everything is efficiently handled through email. Communication is excellent, they give updates all along the way. Scheduling the bloodwork is easy and convenient. Plus, the rate was better than other companies. Easy to sign off on paperwork.
The application was easy to complete and the rate quoted was very competitive. The amount applied for required an examination and that process was very convenient, efficient, flexible, and the medical professional was friendly and capable. The policy approved was exactly as quoted with an option to add to the amount originally applied for and I took advantage of the offer. Haven Life is a subsidiary of MassMutual, one of the highest rated companies in the insurance industry. I couldn’t be happier!
I shopped around for a few weeks before finding Haven Life. They made the application process very easy, and I was thrilled with the competitive rate they offered.
The folks at Haven Life were so response and helpful during my application period. They were also warm and kind.
This is how we should be all moving forward, fast and simple online smoothness together with actual human interaction.
