Life insurance protects your loved ones against financial expenses when you pass away. It can also help you pay for the estate taxes of a deceased member of your family. Some may not be aware of the benefits and strategies that can be implemented to maximize such advantages. MoneyGeek breaks down how life insurance can be used in estate planning and provides tips.

5 Ways Life Insurance Can Help With Estate Planning

Survivors are often tasked with sorting through the assets and liabilities of a deceased person while they are grieving. Life insurance can alleviate the difficulties of estate planning by providing financial support to family members and business asset coverage.

1. Estate Taxes Payment

One of the best ways to pay for estate taxes is by having a life insurance policy. Federal estate tax applies to the gross estate of the deceased and must be paid within nine months after the death of an owner. Some states also impose estate taxes. Proceeds of life insurance are often tax-free.

2. Business Asset Coverage

Choosing universal life insurance gives you access to an investment savings component. Depending on the terms of your policy, you can also borrow the cash value as a financial cushion in case your business encounters problems. Additionally, life insurance can serve as collateral for a business loan or fund a buy-sell agreement. Buy-sell agreements set prices and terms that surviving partners must follow to purchase the shares of the deceased or leaving partner. If you die, surviving owners will receive death benefits, and your family will get payment for your interest in a company.

3. Faster Payouts

Expenses related to the death of a person include funeral and burial costs, possible debts and taxes. Liquidating assets can take time. The Death Benefit of a life insurance policy, on the other hand, can be claimed immediately, which makes it useful for paying out such expenses and reducing the financial burden of a death on your family.

4. Estate Equalization

Having more than one heir to an estate can lead to complications. When it is difficult to split up assets, conflicts may arise. Additionally, there are cases when breaking up an estate can reduce its ability to generate revenue. In such instances, life insurance can be used to equalize estate inheritance. For instance, one heir may receive property while another may receive the death benefit proceeds of the insurance policy.

5. Future Preparation

As the owner of a policy, you have the option to choose how the proceeds of your insurance will be used. For instance, you can continue supporting a loved one even after your death, which is especially helpful for aging adults, minors and children with disabilities. Others may use it to continue alimony or child support payments, fund a trust for another purpose. With a trust, you can hold assets on behalf of your beneficiary under the supervision of a trustee.

Choosing the Right Life Insurance

Before buying life insurance, it is important to think about your needs and circumstances and know the answers to some basic questions. For example, how much coverage will you need? What kinds of life insurance are out there? Which providers offer the best policies? The following steps can help you make an informed decision.

1

Calculate the coverage amount you need

Consider your annual income, assets, expenses and debts. An approximate calculation will help you find out how much life insurance you need. For some, having coverage that is ten times your salary may be a good starting point. However, this technique may not be useful for everyone. Often, it is helpful to include all outstanding debts when calculating necessary coverage.

2

Decide on what type of life insurance to buy

There are different types of life insurance. With term life insurance, your loved ones will get a death benefit payout after you die. However, the “term” only covers a certain number of years. If you happen to outlive the term, you or your loved ones will not receive payment. Permanent life insurance, which includes universal life insurance and whole life insurance lasts a lifetime.

3

Compare insurance providers and prices

Proceed payouts usually happen during stressful times, and having a reliable provider can help your loved ones have a hassle-free experience. Shopping around can help you find the best provider and most accurate policy. Compare life insurance quotes from at least three insurance companies, and check the financial stability and customer service ratings of insurers if possible.

4

Learn the application process

Once you find the right insurer, you can proceed to the application process. Most companies allow clients to apply online, through mail or via insurance agents. Ask in advance if there are documents you need to prepare. Most likely, you will need to provide basic personal information. Depending on the policy you choose, you may also have to see a medical professional for a health assessment.

5

Choose your beneficiaries

Choosing the right life insurance beneficiary is a crucial component of securing life insurance. The beneficiary of your policy can be a person or an organization. Your insurance provider will tell you what information is needed, but you will most likely have to provide the tax identification number or Social Security of your chosen beneficiaries. If you plan on naming a minor or child with a disability to your policy, consider leaving the cash value to a trust.

An illustrated image of a older couple holding each other.

Using Life Insurance in Estate Planning

Generally, life insurance plays three main purposes in estate planning. First, it provides death benefits to chosen beneficiaries. Second, it provides liquidity that can be helpful with an estate. Lastly, it allows loved ones to obtain financial support. That said, there are various strategies to maximize the benefits that life insurance offers when it comes to estate planning.

Dealing with Estate Taxes

The value of an estate can rise or fall depending on federal and state taxes. Estate taxes are due nine months after the death of the owner. Savings, investments, loans and liquidation can all help settle an outstanding balance. However, such tools may not be enough. In reality, life insurance can be one of the most advantageous ways to alleviate the financial burden of paying an estate tax. Proceeds will be given to your beneficiaries, and insurance payouts are often tax-free. The following resources can help you learn more.

  • Internal Revenue Service: The IRS can answer some of the most common questions about estate tax issues, including what is included in an estate, if you are required to file, when you can expect an estate tax closing letter and what happens if you sell property that you’ve inherited.
  • Tax Foundation: The Tax Foundation is an independent tax policy nonprofit which provides research and analysis. It works on state and federal tax policy to educate Congress, politicians and others about the short and long-term impact of reform.
  • NOLO Legal Encyclopedia: The encyclopedia provides a primer on the states which have appealed estate taxes, the states that impose estate taxes and many other relevant issues.
  • Congressional Budget Office: The Budget Office offers a helpful guide to understanding estate and gift taxes, including the types of people who pay them and the types of assets that make up taxable estates.
  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel: ACTEC regularly updates a state death tax chart which you can consult to find out more information about the laws that apply in your state. The chart shows whether a tax is tied to federal state death tax credit or if an estate tax has been repealed.
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Check the estate tax exclusion law in your state. While the federal estate tax exclusion is $11.7 million for individuals and $23.4 million for married couples, your state may have lower exclusion amounts. According to a proposed federal tax law, starting on January 1, 2026, the exemption will return to $5.49 million adjusted for inflation. With inflation, this amount may be around $6 million for individuals or $12 million for married couples.

Estate Equalization and Asset Distribution

Deciding on the inheritance to leave behind to each of your heirs can help protect against fallout after someone passes away. Assets like businesses and residences may have multiple owners, which is where life insurance comes in. That’s because death benefit proceeds can be used to balance the value of assets. For instance, you can leave behind your business to one child and give death benefits to another. Life insurance can also be used to equalize distribution to heirs using your business. For example, you can have a buy-sell agreement wherein the company buys a life insurance policy that will pay a benefit to participating heirs upon your death.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Before finalizing the terms of your life insurance policy, it may help to have a discussion with your heirs. Determine which children are willing to participate in your business and which are not. Doing so can help you have non-participating children receive a cash distribution from your policy.

Income Replacement and Access to Cash

Being the breadwinner of a family comes with many responsibilities. A family may depend on you for expenses, and your death may lead to the loss of significant income. With life insurance, you can continue supporting your loved ones through the proceeds of your policy. Depending on the type of policy you choose, you can use insurance as income replacement or coverage for unexpected expenses like medical costs or debt payment. You can also turn your insurance into retirement income by surrendering the cash value or executing an exchange into an annuity.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

A permanent life insurance policy can accumulate cash value over time and you can withdraw funds to cover emergency expenses. If you take out a loan against your policy, it is tax-free if it doesn’t exceed the premiums paid in a policy.

An illustrated image of a man and two documents of ILIT and trust.

Should You Have an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust?

If you aim to use life insurance in estate planning, an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be created to control either a term or permanent insurance policy while a policy owner is still alive. With an ILIT, you can transfer your policy to the trust or use the trust to purchase life insurance, which means the trust owns your insurance policy. The trust document will determine who will administer assets, designate beneficiaries and establish terms on how beneficiaries receive benefits.

How an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust Works

An ILIT removes a life insurance policy from your estate, helping you minimize or even eliminate your estate tax liabilities on assets that do not qualify for a charitable or marital deduction. It can also help with the management and distribution of proceeds upon the death of the insured by immediately providing liquidity for the decedent’s estate and estate beneficiaries.

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PARTIES INVOLVED WITH AN ILIT

There are multiple parties involved with an ILIT:

  • Insured/Grantor: The person covered by the policy. The grantor is the one transferring assets to the trust. They determine who the beneficiaries will be. Upon the execution of the agreement, the grantor cannot change or terminate an ILIT because it is irrevocable.
  • Trustee: The ILIT’s trustee is the policy’s owner and beneficiary and is the one who manages or administers the trust. The trustee controls the trust until the conditions and time the grantor has set has been satisfied. The policy’s proceeds are determined by the terms of the ILIT.
  • Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries are individuals or entities who will receive the policy’s benefits after the death of the insured. A parent or legal guardian can oversee actions if the beneficiary is a minor. But keep in mind there is a limited time for named beneficiaries to exercise their withdrawal rights. After the specified period, a trustee has more funds available to pay life insurance premiums.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust

An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust comes with a variety of advantages and drawbacks. For example, an ILIT is a great option if you want to set aside your assets for specific purposes, but you may be responsible for paying gift taxes if a beneficiary withdraws from a trust. Make sure to weigh all pros and cons before deciding to create one.

Benefits
Drawbacks

An ILIT can help lower federal and state estate taxes since the proceeds of a life insurance policy will be excluded from your gross taxable estate. This will ensure your heirs will get more funds.

Trust agreements that do not have “Crummey Provisions” can trigger gift taxes once your beneficiaries withdraw from a trust.

An ILIT protects your assets against future creditors because it will prevent your creditors or your beneficiaries’ creditors from placing a lien on the proceeds of an insurance policy.

No amendments or changes can be done after the execution of an agreement. If an agreement is not properly drafted, you may have problems further down the line.

An ILIT allows you to control your assets because you will be able to determine how insurance proceeds will be paid out. Since a trust is irrevocable, no changes can be made after the execution of an agreement.

There is a three-year waiting period for the gross estate exclusion, which means the insured must be alive for three years after the transfer for the gross estate exclusion to apply.

The Bottom Line About ILIT

ILITs can help with wealth management and estate planning. However, they may not be the best option for everyone. Keep in mind that the trust agreement under an ILIT is irrevocable. That means you can no longer change the terms once they are in effect. If you think the terms may cause problems in the future, consider alternative options, such as choosing an entity to be the owner of the life insurance policy, giving a policy as a gift to ensure that it is out of your estate or making your child the insurance policy owner.

An illustrated image of a senior couple, a house and a stack of cash under an umbrella.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Estate planning requires proper preparation. The same approach may not be applicable for everyone, so take a look at the particulars of your situation, conduct your own research, consult with professionals and learn about all possible options and alternatives.

Understanding Estate Planning Challenges

It’s vital to learn how to recognize estate planning challenges. To prevent incurring losses and ensure that you are getting the best available option for you and your heirs, pay attention to family members with disabilities, blended families, family-owned businesses and spouses.

  • Family Members with a Disability

    Estate planning can help you take care of your surviving loved ones after you pass away. For some, that means choosing which assets to give to whom. However, there may be cases when a certain family member requires more care. Finding the best legal tools can be difficult. If you have children with disabilities, consider the following resources:

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    Blended Families

    A blended family situation can complicate estate planning. For instance, one or both spouses may have children from prior relationships which can lead to conflicts of interest. It may also be difficult to decide on how to treat children when it comes to inheritance.

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    Family Businesses

    Estate planning that involves a family-owned business can be stressful and challenging. Some parents find it difficult to ensure that all children get fair treatment. If some heirs are more involved in the business, they may not agree to share ownership or profits with their non-participating siblings.

  • Spouses

    In many cases, surviving spouses inherit the deceased's estate. A problem may arise when a spouse decides to make changes to the estate after the death of the owner. This situation can be more problematic in blended families if a surviving spouse chooses to favor their children over the deceased’s children from earlier relationships.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

The decisions you make about estate planning will impact the lives of your loved ones after you pass away. It’s important to consider your assets and liabilities, speak to your family and consider life insurance. A do-it-yourself approach can work just fine, but always look at the possibility of hiring law professionals and getting advice from financial advisors or insurance agents. Taking time to investigate the entirety of the process can help you avoid making costly mistakes.

1

Consider your assets and liabilities

It is important to figure out which assets and liabilities may affect your heirs in the future. Determine the best way to distribute assets, and find out if there are debts that may affect your heirs after your death.

2

Talk to your family

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most pressing issues is the distribution of assets. To avoid conflict among your heirs, discuss your plans with them. This way, they will know what wishes they have to fulfill upon your death. It can also help clarify any issues about their inheritance.

3

Consider life insurance

Life insurance can provide many benefits to your family, such as settling estate taxes, ensuring that all your heirs get an equal inheritance and helping give financial support after your death so your family can take care of expenses, such as funeral and burial costs.

4

Discuss with professionals

When it comes to estate planning, it is important for you to know all your options and find the best ones based on the particularities of your situation. A lawyer or financial advisor can help you make great decisions, give you proper knowledge and even help you draft a trust agreement that can protect you against any possible complications.

Expert Insight on Life Insurance and Estate Planning

MoneyGeek spoke with industry experts to learn more about life insurance and how you can use it.

  1. Why is life insurance an important component to estate planning?
  2. What type of life insurance is best for estate planning? What special considerations should you take into account when choosing a type of life insurance?
  3. How can you maximize the use of life insurance in estate planning?
  4. When is the right time to use an irrevocable life insurance trust?
Hugh Lambert, CPA, DBA
Hugh Lambert, CPA, DBA

Assistant Professor at Saint John Fisher University

Cody Moore
Cody Moore

Wealth Advisor at Wealth Enhancement & Preservation

Renee Fry
Renee Fry

CEO of Gentreo

Jason Jones
Jason Jones

Estate Associate at Truepoint Wealth Counsel

Zachary Bachner
Zachary Bachner

Advisor and Investment Research Analyst at Summit Financial Consulting

Matt Hylland
Matt Hylland

Financial Planner at Arnold & Mote Wealth Management

Mark L. Prendergast
Mark L. Prendergast

MS CPA CFP® CDFA®, DIRECTOR OF TAX STRATEGIES

Andrew Macdonald, CFA, CFP
Andrew Macdonald, CFA, CFP

Adjunct Professor of Finance, Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego

Lawrence J. White
Lawrence J. White

Professor of Economics, Stern School of Business, New York University

Jack Riashi, Jr.
Jack Riashi, Jr.

CFP®, Financial Advisor at Bloom Advisors

Seth Connell
Seth Connell

Owner of Financial Coach Seth Connell, LLC

Christina Ubl
Christina Ubl

CFP®, CDFA®, Co-Owner of Clute Wealth Management

Andrew Chen
Andrew Chen

Founder at Hack Your Wealth

Kelly DiGonzini
Kelly DiGonzini

Director of Financial Planning, CFP, MST at Beacon Pointe Advisors

Stephanie G. Wendling
Stephanie G. Wendling

CPA, CFP®, MSTFP, Instructor at Widener University

Roxanne Alexander
Roxanne Alexander

Senior Financial Advisor with Evensky & Katz / Foldes Financial

David A. Handler
David A. Handler

Partner in the Trusts & Estates Practice Group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Chia-Li Chien, PhD, CFP®, PMP®, CPBC
Chia-Li Chien, PhD, CFP®, PMP®, CPBC

Succession Program Director at Value Growth Institute and Associate Provost of Graduate Programs at The American College of Financial Services

Kenneth Romanowski, MBA, CTFA(Ret.), CFP Board Emeritus® Member
Kenneth Romanowski, MBA, CTFA(Ret.), CFP Board Emeritus® Member

Adjunct Faculty, Rosemont College and Retired Senior Financial Advisor

Keith Fevurly
Keith Fevurly

Esq., CFP (R), Senior Lecturer in Finance at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Jesse Hurst
Jesse Hurst

CFP®, AIF®, Founder of Impel Wealth Management

Nick Cantrell
Nick Cantrell

Founder, Wealth Advisor at Green Future Wealth Management

Thomas Bentley
Thomas Bentley

CFP®, CTFA, Director of Estate Services & Shareholder at Truepoint Wealth Counsel

Laura Sendldorfer
Laura Sendldorfer

Financial Advisor & Insurance Specialist at Offit Advisors

Dan Kresh
Dan Kresh

Financial Advisor, CFP® FPQP®, at Creative Wealth Management, LLC

Dr. Robert Chatt
Dr. Robert Chatt

Assistant Professor of Finance at Westfield State University

Ross Loehr
Ross Loehr

Certified Financial Planner® at Raisonné & HammerPrice Corporation

Johnson Rhett, ChFC®
Johnson Rhett, ChFC®

Financial Advisor at Branning Wealth Management, LLC

Heather Locklar
Heather Locklar

J.D., Estate Planner and Member in the Firm’s Tax Division at Warren Averett

Vrishin Subramaniam
Vrishin Subramaniam

Founder of CapitalWe

Jeremy Keil
Jeremy Keil

Financial Advisor at Keil Financial Partners

Amy Blacklock
Amy Blacklock

Co-Founder of Women Who Money and Co-Author of "Estate Planning 101"

John Longo
John Longo

Professor of Finance at Rutgers Business School; Author of Buffett's Tips: A Guide to Financial Literacy and Life

Catherine Valega
Catherine Valega

Certified Financial Planning Prof (CFP), and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst)

Drew Blackston
Drew Blackston

Co-Founder, Certified Retirement Counselor® & Financial Advisor at Pearl Wealth Group

Peter Zaleski
Peter Zaleski

Professor of Economics at Villanova University

Steve Parrish
Steve Parrish

RICP®, Co-Director at The American College Center for Retirement Income

John M. Mason, CFP®
John M. Mason, CFP®

President and Senior Financial Planner at Mason & Associates, LLC

Mary Kate D'Souza
Mary Kate D'Souza

Attorney and Chief Legal Officer at Gentreo

Vidal Peoples
Vidal Peoples

Financial Specialist at Strategies for Wealth

Kristi Mathisen
Kristi Mathisen

Managing Director, Tax and Financial Planning at Laird Norton Wealth Management

Roc Starks
Roc Starks

Associate Teaching Professor at Bowling Green State University, CIC, CRM, ARM, MBA

Peter Vilim, CFP®, CDFA®, CIMA®
Peter Vilim, CFP®, CDFA®, CIMA®

Associate Advisor at Francis Financial

James Philpot
James Philpot

Associate Professor & Director of the Financial Planning Program at Missouri State University

Javier Centonzio
Javier Centonzio

Estate Planning & Administration Attorney, Centonzio Law, PLLC

Chuck Czajka
Chuck Czajka

CEO of Macro Money Concepts

Bri Peck
Bri Peck

Financial Planner, CFP® at Stepp & Rothwell, Inc.

Erika Safran, CFP®
Erika Safran, CFP®

Founder of Safran Wealth Advisors, LLC

Charles H Thomas III, CFP®
Charles H Thomas III, CFP®

Founder and President of Intrepid Eagle Finance

May Jiang
May Jiang

CPA, CFP®, Founder of Beyond Profit and Wealth Consulting

Ari Fischman
Ari Fischman

FP, Financial Life Advisor at Telemus

Chad Rixse
Chad Rixse

CRPS, Director of Financial Planning and Wealth CFO at Forefront Wealth Partners

Patrick Simasko
Patrick Simasko

Elder Law Attorney and Wealth Preservation Specialist at Simasko Law

Resources for Life Insurance and Estate Planning

A variety of resources can help you learn more about estate planning, life insurance and ILITs and make a plan for the future.

  • American Bar Association: The Bar Association is a voluntary association composed of lawyers from all over the world. It provides information on various laws in various jurisdictions, and it also gives access to a directory of lawyers.
  • Better Business Bureau: The Better Business Bureau provides a search tool which allows consumers to find information about insurance companies, including trustworthiness ratings and customer complaints.
  • Coalition Against Insurance Fraud: The Coalition gives a list and access links to different state insurance fraud bureaus to help consumers easily get help or report fraud scams.
  • Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA): COPAA is an organization that is composed of special education lawyers, advocates and families that aims to help support and educate parents with children with disabilities.
  • National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): NAIC is a non-partisan organization that provides regulatory support to create standards in the insurance industry.
  • USA.gov: USA.gov is a government website that provides information about various federal laws and regulations, including those on estate taxes and insurance.

About Nathan Paulus


Nathan Paulus headshot

Nathan Paulus is the director of content marketing at MoneyGeek. Nathan has been creating content for nearly 10 years and is particularly engaged in personal finance, investing, and property management. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of St. Thomas Houston.


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