What are the tax issues if I sell all or part of my structured settlement?
The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that where a claimant (i.e., you) assigns periodic payments due to be received under a settlement agreement in exchange for a lump sum, the lump sum remains tax-free. As part of the Tax Relief Act of 2001 (H.R. 2884) signed by President George W. Bush on January 22, 2002, individuals who must sell their structured settlement payments to meet unplanned financial needs are protected. This legislation made it mandatory for individuals to seek court approval when they sell their structured settlement payments, and works in conjunction with state laws directing how these types of transactions will be completed. In addition to benefiting and protecting the individuals, it also makes clear that annuity providers will suffer no tax consequences as a result of these transactions. The legislation states that annuity owners and providers do not now owe, nor have they ever owed, taxes as a result of these transactions.
