Introduction
Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the distribution of an individual’s assets after they pass away. Estate planning is crucial as it prevents the possibility of leaving a mess or fighting among relatives over inheritance. One of the primary challenges faced by people in estate planning is to ensure that the inheritance is distributed in a fair manner amongst their beneficiaries. Survivorship life insurance policies are considered as one of the effective options in estate planning to ensure the smooth distribution of assets. In this article, we shall explore how survivorship life insurance policies are helpful in estate planning.
An Overview of Survivorship Life Insurance
A survivorship life insurance policy, also known as a second-to-die life insurance policy, is a joint life insurance policy that provides coverage for two people and pays out a death benefit after the second person passes away. This type of policy is typically used for estate planning purposes. While a traditional life insurance policy is designed to pay out upon the death of a single individual, a survivorship policy pays out when the second insured person passes away.
The primary difference between traditional and survivorship life insurance policies is that survivorship policies have lower premiums than traditional policies. This is because the risk of paying out is spread over the lives of two individuals rather than one. Additionally, survivorship policies are often favorable in estate planning because they provide a death benefit that can be used to pay estate taxes, cover other expenses, or distribute inheritance.
The advantages of survivorship life insurance include the ability to provide funds for survivors to pay estate taxes, equalize inheritance among heirs, provide liquidity for assets, plan for special needs children or family members, and offer a way to give charitably to favorite causes.
Common Use Cases for Survivorship Life Insurance Policies in Estate Planning
Survivorship life insurance policies can be used to address many estate planning needs. Here are some of the most common use cases:
Planning for Estate Tax Liability
When an individual passes away, estate taxes may be owed on the value of their assets. One of the most common uses of survivorship life insurance is to provide funds to cover these estate tax liabilities, which can be substantial. In this way, a surviving spouse or other beneficiaries do not have to sell off assets to pay estate taxes.
Equalizing Inheritance Among Heirs
If an individual has several heirs, a survivorship policy can be used to equalize the distribution of the estate. For example, if one child is to inherit a family business, the others can receive an equivalent amount of money through the death benefit of a survivorship policy. This can help prevent issues surrounding the distribution of the estate.
Providing Liquidity for Assets
The death benefit provided by a survivorship policy can also be leveraged as a means of providing liquidity for assets. If an individual has assets that are difficult to sell, such as real estate or collectibles, the death benefit can be used to provide cash for beneficiaries rather than forcing the sale of these assets.
Planning for Special Needs Children or Family Members
If an individual has a child or family member with special needs, they may require ongoing care and support throughout their lifetime. A survivorship policy can be used to provide the necessary financial resources to ensure that the individual receives the care they need. Additionally, a trust can be set up to preserve the death benefit of the policy and ensure that it is used appropriately.
Charitable Giving
Survivorship policies can also be used to make charitable donations. A policy can be set up with a charity as the beneficiary, ensuring that the organization receives a substantial gift after both insured parties pass away. Charitable giving through life insurance can be a tax-efficient strategy for those looking to minimize estate taxes.
The Tax Benefits of Survivorship Life Insurance Policies
One of the most significant benefits of survivorship life insurance policies is the tax savings they can offer. Here are some of the tax advantages of these policies:
No Income Tax on Death Benefit
There is no income tax on the death benefit paid out by a survivorship policy, making it a tax-free transfer of wealth.
Estate Tax Benefits
Survivorship policies can be used to pay estate taxes without having to sell assets. This is particularly relevant for high net worth individuals who expect to owe considerable estate taxes on their assets. The death benefit of the policy can be used to cover any taxes owed and avoid having to liquidate assets.
Gifting Strategy for Reducing Estate Taxes
Survivorship policies can also be used as part of a gifting strategy to reduce estate taxes. Rather than giving large sums of money directly to their beneficiaries, individuals can direct the funds to a survivorship policy, which will pay out to the beneficiaries after their death. Because the death benefit of the policy is not included in the estate, it is not subject to estate taxes.
Comparing Traditional vs. Survivorship Life Insurance Policies for Estate Planning
So, how does survivorship life insurance compare to traditional life insurance when it comes to estate planning? Here are a few things to consider:
Premium Costs and Benefits Comparison
Survivorship policies typically have lower premiums than traditional policies. This is because the risk of paying out is spread over two individuals, rather than one. Additionally, survivorship policies tend to have fewer underwriting requirements, meaning they can be easier to obtain than traditional policies.
Coverage Options and Flexibility
Survivorship policies typically offer greater flexibility in terms of coverage options. For example, the coverage amount can be adjusted to reflect changes in circumstances or estate tax laws. Additionally, the policy can be structured to pay out immediately after the death of the second insured party or deferred until a later date. The policy can also be designed to work in tandem with other estate planning tools, such as trusts or wills.
Why Survivorship Policies May Be More Suitable in Estate Planning
Survivorship policies are often considered more suitable in estate planning because they provide a death benefit that can be used to pay estate taxes, equalize inheritance among heirs, provide liquidity for assets, plan for special needs children or family members, and offer a way to give charitably to favorite causes. Additionally, survivorship policies can help prevent arguments among beneficiaries and ensure the smooth and fair distribution of assets.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Survivorship Life Insurance Policies in Estate Planning
If you’re considering survivorship life insurance as part of your estate planning strategy, here’s a step-by-step guide to help:
Assessing the Estate Plan and Needs
The first step is to assess your estate plan and determine how survivorship life insurance fits into it. Consider your assets, beneficiaries, and any potential tax liabilities.
Choosing the Right Policy and Coverage Amount
Next, work with an insurance professional to determine the right policy and coverage amount for your needs. Consider the premiums, death benefit amounts, and any riders or additional features you may need.
Funding the Policy and Ownership Considerations
Once you’ve chosen a policy, decide how you will fund it, whether by paying premiums out of pocket or using existing assets. Also, consider who will own the policy and what implications that may have for estate planning.
Updating Beneficiary Designations
Make sure to update the beneficiary designations on your policy to reflect any changes in your estate plan. This will ensure that the death benefit is distributed correctly.
Monitoring the Policy and Plan Over Time
Finally, make sure to monitor your policy and estate plan over time to ensure that they remain relevant and effective. Review your coverage and beneficiaries regularly, and make changes as your circumstances dictate.
Case Studies: How Survivorship Life Insurance Policies Made a Difference in Real-Life Estate Planning Scenarios
Here are three examples of how survivorship life insurance policies made a significant difference in estate planning scenarios:
Case Study #1
A couple had three children, one of whom was to inherit a family business. To ensure that the other two children received an equivalent inheritance, the couple took out a survivorship life insurance policy with a death benefit of $500,000. The proceeds from the policy were used to equalize the distribution of assets among all three children.
Case Study #2
An individual had a child with special needs who required ongoing care and support. To ensure that the child was taken care of after they passed away, the individual took out a survivorship life insurance policy with a death benefit of $1 million. The proceeds from the policy were used to create a trust to support the child’s ongoing needs.
Case Study #3
An individual wanted to leave a significant donation to their favorite charity after they passed away. Rather than donating assets directly, they took out a survivorship life insurance policy with a death benefit of $500,000 and named the organization as the primary beneficiary. The policy provided a tax-efficient way to support the charity and leave a lasting legacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, survivorship life insurance policies can be an effective part of an estate planning strategy. They offer numerous benefits, including tax savings, liquidity, and the ability to ensure the smooth and fair distribution of assets. By following the step-by-step guide, individuals can work with an insurance professional to determine the right policy for their needs and ensure that their beneficiaries are taken care of after they pass away. Speak to a financial advisor or estate planner to create or update your own estate plan today.
