Direct Answer
In most cases, you cannot deduct personal life insurance premiums as a business expense. The IRS treats life insurance proceeds as tax-free income to the beneficiary, so premiums paid on personal policies are considered personal, non-deductible expenses. There are narrow exceptions when the policy is owned by a business and meets specific requirements.
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When the Business Owns the Policy
If a company purchases a life insurance policy on an employee or key person, the premiums may be deductible as a ordinary and necessary business expense under IRC Section 162. This applies when:
- The business is the policy owner and beneficiary.
- The insured is a key employee whose loss would cause financial harm.
- The premium is paid as part of a compensation or funding arrangement.
Key Person and Executive Bonus Arrangements
Businesses often use life insurance in split-dollar or executive bonus plans. In a split-dollar arrangement, the business pays premiums and recovers its share through policy value or premium payments. The portion allocated to the employer is generally deductible. The executive bonus method pays premiums as supplemental compensation, which the employee includes in income, but the business can still deduct the cost.
Policies Inside Retirement Plans
When a business purchases life insurance inside a funded retirement plan or deferred compensation arrangement, the premiums paid by the plan may be deductible by the business. The employee, however, is not taxed until a distribution is made from the plan.
What Is Not Deductible
Premiums on policies that insure the life of a business owner for personal reasons, or policies owned by an individual even if paid through the business, are not deductible. The IRS views these as personal expenses disguised as business costs.
Summary Table
| Scenario | Deductible? | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Personal policy, individual owner | No | Premium treated as personal expense |
| Business-owned key-person policy | Yes | Business is owner and beneficiary |
| Split-dollar arrangement | Yes, employer share | Business recovers premium through policy value |
| Executive bonus paid by business | Yes | Premium is supplemental compensation |
| Life insurance inside funded retirement plan | Yes, by the plan | Plan is the policy owner |
Bottom Line
Personal life insurance premiums stay personal and nondeductible. Deductions arise only when a business owns the policy, uses it for key-person protection, or structures the premium payment as a deductible compensation or plan contribution. Proper documentation and compliance with IRS rules are essential to sustaining the deduction if audited.