Use life insurance to minimize your client’s tax burden

February 29, 2012 at 07:00 PM
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The famous adage states, "There are only two certainties in life­­—death and taxes," and once again, it's time to file taxes. Luckily for all the procrastinators across the country, the tax deadline has been extended from April 15 to April 17. But regardless of the due date, taxes can be a complicated matter.

Over the past 12 months, your client earned a certain amount of income, and now they owe taxes based on that annual income. Unless your client is the rare type of person who files their taxes as early as possible, they are likely getting these affairs in order four months after the income cycle is complete. It's imperative to remember all the taxable aspects of the financial plan you've put in place for your client.

Finances are unique to the individual

Since finances can be as unique as the clients themselves, they might be addressing estate taxes, reviewing whether or not their investments are properly diversified in a taxable or tax-deferred environment or simply paying income taxes. Whatever their situation, one fact remains the same: part of their income will need to be used.

An increasingly prevalent financial issue today is that many boomers and retirees have not saved enough money to comfortably support them in their retirement years. At tax time, this issue may become glaringly obvious. As a trusted planner, your goal is to create solutions for your clients to allow them to uphold their financial obligations and have enough money left over to live comfortably. Life insurance is often a viable answer.

Life insurance can create income

Life insurance can be used to create income for the needs of the client. Some may opt to use the benefits to create a capital legacy to pass down to their heirs or beneficiaries upon their passing. But it is also a practical option to use the cash created by life insurance to pay for the three aforementioned taxes: income, estate and any taxes associated with their investments.

If your clients are concerned about their other income streams being depleted too soon, be sure to advise them of the benefits of adding life insurance to their financial plan. Oftentimes, Social Security and savings just don't provide enough financial support. As life insurance acts as an income-generator, they can alleviate the stress of paying taxes on what might have been a tight budget without the product.

Therefore, during tax season, make sure your clients know the benefits of life insurance as a way to alleviate their tax burden. Their retirement may depend on it.

What better time to discuss the need for life insurance than during tax season?

Philip E. Harriman, CLU, CHCF, 2007 MDRT President, is a partner with Lebel and Harriman, LLP. Responses and questions can be sent to [email protected].

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