How are policyowner dividends treated for income tax purposes?

The treatment of policyowner dividends for income tax purposes is nuanced and understanding it is crucial for both consumers and professionals in the life insurance industry. When a life insurance policy pays dividends to the policyowner, these distributions are generally considered a return of premium. As such, the original premium amounts paid into the policy are not taxable. However, the interest that accumulates on any dividends left with the insurance company is indeed taxable.

When dividends are left to accumulate, any interest earned on that accumulated dividend is subject to income tax. This means that although the dividends themselves are not taxed, the interest generated from those dividends becomes taxable as ordinary income.

This taxation aspect aligns with general tax principles where the earnings from investments are subject to tax, while the principal or the original investment is typically not taxed again. Understanding this distinction is essential for individuals managing their tax liabilities effectively and planning their financial strategies related to life insurance products.