Submitted By: Jack
Answered: May 13, 2014 8:30 am

I received a legal settlement from an insurance company as a result of my sister’s death in a car accident (I’m her next of kin). Is this taxable to me?

Sorry about your personal loss. The settlement is tax free to you because it is compensation for personal physical injury. However, if any part of the settlement is for punitive damages, those are taxable.

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Tax Glossary

Health savings account

For calendar year 2007, taxpayers covered by an HDHP may contribute up to the lesser of the annual deductible or $2,850 ($5,650 for family coverage).

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