Car accident settlements in Florida are not subject to general taxation. However, certain portions of your settlement may be subject to federal taxes. The tax treatment of specific settlement funds depends on what kind of loss the money is meant to compensate you for.
Questions about taxes on personal injury settlements can be confusing. Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers from GOLDLAW can answer your inquiries and help you estimate how much tax you may owe on a settlement. Call our offices today to schedule a free case consultation.
How Do Taxes Work With Car Accident Settlements
Funds from a car accident settlement are not subject to general taxation. If you receive a car accident settlement, you shouldn’t have to pay taxes on the full amount of the settlement. The reason why is that settlements are usually not considered income by IRS definitions. The money you receive from a settlement is not income but compensates you for losses.
However, there are certain parts of a settlement that may be taxable. It depends on what, exactly, the money is meant to compensate you for. If you are unsure about the allocation of your funds, you can talk to a team member from GOLDLAW to get clarity.
For a free legal consultation, call 561-222-2222
Compensation Excluded from Taxation
Compensation that is excluded from taxation includes any money you receive to compensate you for injury-related expenses. The reason why it isn’t taxed is that this money isn’t meant to enrich you but to make you whole again. It’s not income because the payment is supposed to return you to the financial position you were in before the accident.
Emergency Medical Bills
Compensation for medical bills for ambulances, ER treatment, hospitalization costs, surgeries, and monitoring is not subject to taxation.
Future Medical Expenses
Future medical expenses include the cost of follow-up medical appointments, prescription medication costs, and rehabilitative therapy. It can also include the cost of medical devices and mobility-assistance devices.
Cost of Replacement Services
If you had to pay for basic household services like childcare, housekeeping, or alternative transportation, you can claim the cost tax-free in your settlement.
Vehicle Repair or Replacement Costs
Similarly, the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle can also be recovered tax-free.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are a type of tax-free general damages meant to compensate you for the physical suffering and emotional toll your injuries have had on your life.
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Compensation That Is Taxed
The reason why the above categories aren’t taxed is that the IRS considers them compensation for losses and not income. In contrast, compensation that can be counted as replacement income can be subject to federal taxes.
The justification is that this is income you would have received and paid taxes on if you hadn’t been injured. A lawyer from GOLDLAW can help you account for this money so you don’t get hit with an unexpected tax bill.
Lost Work Income
Any income derived from lost wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, tips, and benefits accruals in a personal injury settlement can be subject to taxation.
Future Lost Earnings
Future lost earnings are the earnings your future self will miss out on if your injuries require you to switch to a lower-paying career, work less, or stop working entirely.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are additional funds that the offender may be ordered to pay if they displayed egregious conduct or intentional malice. Punitive damages are treated as ordinary income by the IRS and so are subject to federal taxes.
Interest
In some personal injury cases, courts may authorize additional damages to represent missing interest accrued if the case drags on for too long. Interest on a personal injury settlement is generally treated like taxable income.
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How to Make Your Personal Injury Settlement Tax Efficient
One benefit of Florida state law is that there are no state personal income taxes. However, you’ll still have to deal with federal taxes. Below are a few strategies from GOLDLAW about making your settlement as tax-efficient as possible:
- Create clear allocations. Work with a lawyer and the insurance companies to have clear allocation designations for compensation. These state exactly what the specific compensation is for and whether it can be taxed.
- Use a structured settlement. A lump sum settlement can create a large single-event tax liability that pushes you into a higher tax bracket. A structured settlement spreads those payments out over time so you don’t suddenly jump tax brackets from a large cash infusion.
- Watch out for deductions. If you deducted certain car accident expenses (e.g., medical bills) from your most recent tax return, you may be required to pay taxes on compensation for those expenses.
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Contact a Car Accident Lawyer From GOLDLAW
Do you have any more questions about taxes and car accident settlements? If so, contact the team at GOLDLAW today for a free case consultation. Our team has recovered more than $1 billion for injury victims and has more than 200 years of combined experience.
We can work to maximize your settlement and minimize your tax liability. Get GOLDLAW and get the help you need and the compensation you deserve.
