Did you recently receive proceeds from the settlement of a personal injury lawsuit in Florida? Are you concerned about the impact of the settlement award on your taxes?
Of course, you are! You don’t want to find yourself with a large tax bill that you can’t afford to pay.
The IRS is aware that taxpayers have this concern. And that’s why there’s an entire guide on its website about the taxability of personal injury settlements.
Before we get into the details, here’s what the IRS has to say about personal injury settlements and taxes:
A settlement payment may consist of multiple elements that have been allocated by the parties. For example, an agreement may include allocations to back pay, emotional distress, and attorneys’ fees. Generally, the IRS will not disturb an allocation if it is consistent with the substance of the settled claims
Since that’s not 100 percent clear, let’s dive into the finer details.
The process of determining your tax liability, as it relates to a Florida personal injury settlement, is easier said than done.
There are many circumstances to consider, including:
Here’s how punitive damages are defined by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University:
Punitive damages are considered punishment and are typically awarded at the court’s discretion when the defendant’s behavior is found to be especially harmful.
Punitive damages are treated differently by the IRS, with the agency noting the following:
Punitive damages are taxable and should be reported as “Other Income” on line 21 of Form 1040, Schedule 1, even if the punitive damages were received in a settlement for personal physical injuries or physical sickness.
So, if you receive punitive damages along with other forms of compensation, it’s important that you take this into consideration in regards to your injury settlement and its applicable taxes.
Reach out to a qualified tax consultant and a trusted injury attorney to answer your injury settlement questions.
Does all this have you confused? Are you concerned that your Florida injury settlement can wreak havoc on your finances come tax time?
Rather than wait and hope for the best, consult with an experienced tax professional (preferably someone who has experience with personal injury settlements in Florida). They can help you take action now, such as by making quarterly payments.
When doing so, ask questions such as:
Your Florida tax professional can answer these questions, among others, to ensure that you’re making safe financial decisions. Even if you learn that your Florida injury settlement is taxable in some way, it’s better to find out sooner than later.
If you were injured as the result of someone’s negligence in Florida, it’s time to speak with a reputable personal injury attorney.
For example, if you were injured in a car accident, our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers can review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the steps necessary to pursue full compensation. Fetterman & Associates, PA will manage all the details of your case while you focus on your health and recovery.
Experiencing an accident that leaves you with serious injuries is a challenging time in your life. Don’t’ hesitate to rely on the services of our trusted personal injury attorneys. Contact us online, or give us a call today to schedule your free consultation.
ADA Disclaimer:
Fetterman & Associates, PA is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable website standards including WCAG 2.0. It does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you have any issues observing the content of this website, please contact us. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made.
© Fetterman & Associates, PA. All rights reserved.