Is long-term care insurance taxable IRS?

Asked by: Jefferey Skiles  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 5/5 (40 votes)

In general, the income from a long-term care insurance policy is non-taxable, and the premiums paid to buy the insurance are tax deductible. Similar tax advantages exist at the state level, but each state treats the subject differently.

Are long-term care benefits taxed by the IRS?

Long-term care insurance contract. Generally, amounts received under a qualified long-term care insurance contract are excluded from your income. However, if payments are made on a per diem basis, the amount you may exclude is limited.

Do you have to report 1099-LTC on a tax return?

It causes policyholders to wonder about the tax implications of their LTC benefit, however the 1099 forms are required simply to show the IRS you received tax-free benefits from your long-term care insurance policy.

Can I deduct long-term care insurance premiums on my taxes?

Long-term care insurance premiums are tax-deductible up to certain limits — which are based on your age. Here are the long-term care insurance deduction limits for the 2023 tax year (note: limits are based on your age on the last day of the tax year): 40 years old or younger: $480. 41 to 50 years old: $890.

Where does long-term care go on a tax return?

Qualified long-term care premiums up to the amounts shown below can be included as medical expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions, or in calculating the self-employed health insurance deduction.

Do You Know The 11 Types of Income the IRS Doesn't Tax?

43 related questions found

Is the refund of long-term care premiums taxable?

The refund is included in the beneficiary's gross income and is taxable, to the extent it was either excluded from the owner's income or deducted by the owner. It must be included as income in the year it is received.

Is assisted living tax deductible IRS for seniors?

Over one million seniors live in Assisted Living communities across the United States and many of them pay their monthly fees with their own financial resources. The good news is that some or all of the costs of Assisted Living and Alzheimer's care may be tax deductible.

Are long-term care premiums tax deductible in 2024?

For 2024, individuals over the age of 70 can deduct up to $5,880 in long-term care premiums. To be considered qualified, these policies must adhere to the guidelines established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.

What is the return of premium for long-term care?

Return of Premium (ROP) is a feature on many hybrid long-term care insurance (LTC) policies that refunds your premiums—fully or partially—if you never end up needing long-term care. At first glance, this added protection seems like the perfect way to ensure your premiums don't go to waste.

Which of the following types of income is included in taxable income?

Income received as wages, salaries, commissions, rental income, royalty payments, stock options, dividends and interest, and self-employment income are taxable. Unemployment compensation generally is taxable.

Do you report 1099-LTC on tax return TurboTax?

You can enter your 1099-LTC and determine if any of the Long Term Care payments you received are taxable in any version of TurboTax other than the Online Free version. You'll receive Form 1099-LTC if you get money from long-term insurance or life insurance under an accelerated death benefits clause.

Is a buyout from a long-term care policy taxable?

Your Buyout Might Be Tax-Free

Taxability generally depends on whether you or your employer paid your insurance premiums. Non-taxable: You paid all of your premiums (check with your tax advisor). Partially Taxable: Both you and your employer contributed to your premiums (check with your tax advisor).

What makes a LTC policy tax-qualified?

A tax-qualified plan must be guaranteed renewable, which means the insurance company can't cancel your coverage because of a change in your health or age. As long as you pay your premiums and have not used all of your benefits, your coverage will continue.

Do you report 1099-LTC on a tax return?

File Form 1099-LTC if you paid any long-term care benefits. 2. Accelerated death benefits (excludable in whole or in part from gross income under section 101(g)) paid under a life insurance contract or paid by a viatical settlement provider.

What states are considering long-term care tax?

States Considering a Long-Term Care Tax

Here's a partial list of other states considering similar laws: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon and Utah.

How long do you pay premiums for long-term care insurance?

Traditional long-term care insurance policies: You can choose the amount of coverage, how long it lasts, and how long you must wait before receiving benefits. Typically, you pay an annual premium for life, although your premium payment period could be shorter.

What is the biggest drawback of long-term care insurance?

One of the biggest drawbacks of getting long-term care insurance is the risk of losing all the premiums you have paid over the years. If you end up not needing long-term care services, you won't be eligible for coverage. This means the money you've spent for coverage goes down the drain.

Do you pay taxes on return of premium life insurance?

Key Takeaways

They offer both a death benefit and a savings component. ROP policies have higher premiums than standard term life insurance. The refund you receive is typically tax-free. It's important to compare quotes and consider your individual needs before purchasing.

Can you get money back from a long-term care policy?

Hybrid LTC insurance will typically pay a death benefit if the policy is not used for long-term care costs. Also, many hybrid LTC policies offer a “return of premium” feature, which means if you give up your policy you can get back some or all of the money you have paid as premium.

Can I deduct long-term care premiums on my federal taxes?

The IRS allows qualified taxpayers to deduct a portion of their long-term care insurance premiums on their tax return based on their age. Generally, you must itemize deductions and have expenses that exceed the AGI threshold to qualify. There is an exception for qualified self-employed individuals.

What year did LTC premiums become tax deductible?

Congress passed legislation effective in 1997 that established the tax treatment of premiums paid for and the benefits paid/reimbursed by long-term care insurance policies that met certain federal standards. This legislation is called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA.

Are long-term care benefits taxable in the IRS?

"Generally, benefits received from a tax-qualified long-term care insurance policy are not considered taxable income. This means that if you have a policy that meets the criteria set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the benefits you receive from that policy are typically tax-free."

Can you write off elderly care on taxes?

Answer: Yes, if you itemize your deductions and your parent was your dependent either at the time the medical services were provided or at the time you paid the expenses, you may claim a deduction for the portion of their expenses that you paid during the taxable year, not compensated for by insurance or otherwise.

What is the tax deduction for long-term care in 2024?

2024 Tax Deductible Limits Long-Term Care Insurance

The just announced 2024 limits for an individual age 70 or more is $5,880, according to AALTCI. The 2023 maximum deductible limit for that age band is $5,960.

What is tax exemption for seniors?

A senior property tax exemption reduces the amount seniors 65 years of age or older have to pay in taxes on properties they own.