Will Your Disability Benefits Be Taxable?

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Disability Insurance: Making Sure the Income Stream Doesn't Run Dry

Both short- and long-term disability benefits are taxable to varying degrees, depending on the type of policy. Here are the rules under current law:

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Your short-term disability benefits are taxable or tax-free depending upon how the plan premiums are paid. States with statutory short-term disability plans have special rules.
The portion of LTD benefits you receive that is paid by an employer is taxable to you. Federal, state, and local taxes are withheld; Social Security and unemployment taxes are excluded.
The portion of LTD benefits you receive that is paid by you is tax-free, except if you pay with pre-tax dollars.

If you are an employee, self-employed, a partner in a partnership, or owner of a corporation and own an individual disability income policy, it's a good idea to check with your tax professional to determine whether your benefits are taxable. Also refer to the chart below to determine if your LTD benefits are taxable.

Individual Disability Policies: Are Your Long-Term Disability Benefits Taxable?

Who Pays the Premiums?	Benefits Are Payable to Whom?	Who Owns the Policy?	Are the Premiums Tax Deductible?	Are the Benefits Tax-Free or Taxable?
Individual	Individual	Individual	No	Tax-Free
Individual	Individual	Individual	Yes	Taxable
Employer	Individual	Individual	No	Taxable
Self-employed (sole proprietor)	Sole Proprietor	Sole Proprietor	No	Tax-Free
Partnership	Partner	Partner	No	Tax-Free
Partnership	Partnership	Partnership	No	Tax-Free
Corporation	Corporation	Corporation	No	Tax-Free

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