With the official deadline for filing individual income taxes behind us, and tax advisors finally getting some sleep, it's a great time to make sure that all the accountants that you know, or wish to know, are aware of life settlements.
At this time of year, they are most up to date on their clients' finances and any significant changes that may have occurred over the past year.
Many accountants remain unaware of life settlements as an alternative to the lapse or surrender of a life insurance policy.
Sharing information with them about settlements is a terrific way to differentiate you from the competition and can be a great conversation starter.
Because accountants are now most current on their clients' financial pictures, it's the perfect time to familiarize them with the various situations where a life settlement could benefit their clients:
- Retirement.
- Cash-flow issues.
- The sale or termination of a business.
- Bankruptcy or an adverse change to a client's financial situation.
- The death of a spouse or other intended beneficiary.
- Divorce.
- The loss of a job.
Additionally, in 2022, the estate tax exemption is $12.06 million for individuals and, with portability, $24.12 million for married couples.
As a result, clients may have a significantly reduced estate tax liability.
Many clients that have purchased life insurance policies to offset estate taxes may no longer need as much.
These unneeded policies are frequently great opportunities for life settlements.
Robin S. Weinberger, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, is the director of national accounts for Life Insurance Settlements Inc. She has been a general agent and director of national accounts for Connecticut Mutual and vice president of marketing for Sun Life of Canada. She can be reached at 
