StacksVerified U.S. federal law reference

26 U.S.C. § 803 — Life insurance gross income

Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov
  1. (a)In generalFor purposes of this part, the term “life insurance gross income” means the sum of the following amounts:
    1. (1)Premiums
      1. (A)The gross amount of premiums and other consideration on insurance and annuity contracts, less
      2. (B)return premiums, and premiums and other consideration arising out of indemnity reinsurance.
    2. (2)Decreases in certain reservesEach net decrease in reserves which is required by section 807(a) to be taken into account under this paragraph.
    3. (3)Other amountsAll amounts not includible under paragraph (1) or (2) which under this subtitle are includible in gross income.
  2. (b)Special rules for premiums
    1. (1)Certain items includedFor purposes of subsection (a)(1)(A), the term “gross amount of premiums and other consideration” includes—on insurance and annuity contracts.
      1. (A)advance premiums,
      2. (B)deposits,
      3. (C)fees,
      4. (D)assessments,
      5. (E)consideration in respect of assuming liabilities under contracts not issued by the taxpayer, and
      6. (F)the amount of policyholder dividends reimbursable to the taxpayer by a reinsurer in respect of reinsured policies,
    2. (2)Policyholder dividends excluded from return premiumsFor purposes of subsection (a)(1)(B)—
      1. (A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), the term “return premiums” does not include any policyholder dividends.
      2. (B)Exception for indemnity reinsuranceSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to amounts of premiums or other consideration returned to another life insurance company in respect of indemnity reinsurance.