Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Life Insurance Reserve Deduction?
The company must have life insurance reserves plus unearned premiums/unpaid losses on noncancellable policies that comprise more than 50% of total reserves.
How does the Life Insurance Reserve Deduction work?
Allows companies qualifying as life insurance companies to deduct amounts set aside in reserves to satisfy future claims, effectively deferring tax on premium income.
What law authorizes the Life Insurance Reserve Deduction?
The Life Insurance Reserve Deduction is authorized under IRC §816 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).
Statutory Text — IRC §816
Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code
§ 816. Life insurance company defined(a) Life insurance company definedFor purposes of this subtitle, the term “life insurance company” means an insurance company which is engaged in the business of issuing life insurance and annuity contracts (either separately or combined with accident and health insurance), or noncancellable contracts of health and accident insurance, if—(1) its life insurance reserves (as defined in subsection (b)), plus
(2) unearned premiums, and unpaid losses (whether or not ascertained), on noncancellable life, accident, or health policies not included in life insurance reserves,
comprise more than 50 percent of its total reserves (as defined in subsection (c)). For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term “insurance company” means any company more than half of the business of which during the taxable year is the issuing of insurance or annuity contracts or the reinsuring of risks underwritten by insurance companies.
(b) Life insurance reserves defined(1) In generalFor purposes of this part, the term “life insurance reserves” means amounts—(A) which are computed or estimated on the basis of recognized mortality or morbidity tables and assumed rates of interest, and
(B) which are set aside to mature or liquidate, either by payment or reinsurance, future unaccrued claims arising from life insurance, annuity, and noncancellable accident and health insurance contracts (including life insurance or annuity contracts combined with noncancellable accident and health insurance) involving, at the time with respect to which the reserve is computed, life, accident, or health contingencies.
(2) Reserves must be required by lawExcept—(A) in the case of policies covering life, accident, and health insurance combined in one policy issued on the weekly premium payment plan, continuing for life and not subject to cancellation, and
(B) as provided in paragraph (3),
in addition to the requirements set forth in paragraph (1), life insurance reserves must be required by law.
(3) Assessment companiesIn the case of an assessment life insurance company or association, the term “life insurance reserves” includes—(A) sums actually deposited by such company or association with State officers pursuant to law as guaranty or reserve funds, and
(B) any funds maintained, under the charter or articles of incorporation or association (or bylaws approved by a State insurance commissioner) of such company or association, exclusively for the payment of claims arising under certificates of membership or policies issued on the assessment plan and not subject to any other use.
(4) Amount of reservesFor purposes of this subsection, subsection (a), and subsection (c), the amount of any reserve (or portion thereof) for any taxable year shall be the mean of such reserve (or portion thereof) at the beginning and end of the taxable year.
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