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Frederick has a $1,000,000 UL policy with a $200,000 CSV and a $100,000 ACB. He is having a very tough time financially and desperately needs $120,000, but doesn't have the cash flow to make any payments on it over the next five years. Given this scenario which of the following options would you suggest to Frederick that meets his requirements while minimizing the impact on his income taxes.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Frederick can either take a policy loan against the CSV of his $1,000,000 UL policy, or he can make a withdrawal up to the ACB of $100,000 tax-free, with the remaining $20,000 potentially being taxable. Consulting a financial advisor is advised for the best outcome.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given Frederick's scenario, where he needs $120,000 and cannot make any payments over the next five years, there are a few possible solutions to minimize the income tax impact while meeting his requirements. Since Frederick has a Universal Life (UL) policy worth $1,000,000 with a cash surrender value (CSV) of $200,000 and an adjusted cost basis (ACB) of $100,000, he could consider taking a policy loan against the CSV of his life insurance policy to meet his immediate financial need. This option would allow him to access the needed funds and defer any immediate tax implications, as loans against a life insurance policy's CSV are not taxable. However, it is crucial to be aware that interest would accumulate on the loan and the loan amount could impact the death benefit.

Another option could include withdrawing part of the CSV. Withdrawals up to the ACB are generally tax-free, but amounts above that would be taxable. In Frederick's case, if he withdrew $120,000, the first $100,000 could potentially be tax-free as it is equal to the ACB, but the remaining $20,000 might be subject to income tax. However, this option would also reduce the death benefit and the policy's cash value. Lastly, Frederick should consult with a financial advisor or tax professional before making any decisions to ensure the chosen option aligns with his long-term financial goals and tax situation.

User Dragan Marjanovic
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