How to ensure life insurance isn’t part of your taxable estateIf you have a life insurance policy, you may want to ensure that the benefits your family will receive after your death won’t be included in your estate. That way, the benefits won’t be subject to federal estate tax. For 2021, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is $11.7 million ($23.4 million for married couples). But in 2026, the exemption is scheduled to fall. Under the estate tax rules, insurance on your life will be included in your taxable estate if your estate is the beneficiary of the insurance proceeds, or you possessed certain economic ownership rights in the policy at your death (or within 3 years of your death). Contact us for assistance with estate planning and taxes.