The cash surrender value is the amount a policyholder receives for cashing out or surrendering the policy. The surrender value is calculated by subtracting any debts against the policy, and surrender charges or other fees from the cash value. In the early years of a policy, the cash surrender value is often less than the cash value, due to the surrender charges and other fees the insurer may charge. Usually, the cash surrender value amount increases as the policy’s cash value increases — and surrender charges usually decrease as that happens. Policyholders may decide to surrender their life insurance policies for a couple of reasons.

Depending on the policy, the interest could be a fixed rate, a variable rate, or a combination of both. The longer the policyholder has paid their premiums, the larger the accumulated value. The cash value is the amount the insurance company places in the cash value, or savings fund, within the policy. The cash value amount depends on the premiums paid, the duration of the life insurance policy, and the interest credited to the account.

1. The cash surrender value is not taxable on the premiums paid into the policy.
2. JAMES H. THOMPSON, CPA, PhD, is professor of accounting in the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma.
3. This is because insurers use this figure to calculate how much they will pay out in benefits should the policyholder die during the coverage period.
4. A future death benefit is an economic benefit—one the company can’t control, so it should not be recorded as an asset.

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First, any asset amount on the balance sheet is limited to the policy’s cash surrender value. Aco will also receive a credit to its capital dividend account when the life insurance proceeds are received. But, there is no accounting entry at that time and it is a tax-specific issue. The cash surrender value in an insurance policy represents an asset and needs to be correctly recorded on the financial statements. It limits the amount reported as an asset on the statement of financial position to the cash surrender value.

In year 25, Aco receives a $1 million death benefit when Ben dies (see “Relevant accounting entries”). The cash surrender value of a life insurance policy is important information for policyholders to know. It can help them understand how much money they could potentially receive if they choose to surrender their policy. Now let’s assume that, unfortunately, the CEO does in fact die the very next year, and the corporation collects the $10,000,000 death benefit.

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Here’s a new philosophy in the marketplace about life insurance, and we believe it warrants a change in the accounting method used for this popular investment product. Traditionally, life insurance has been viewed as a legacy paid to designated beneficiaries after the insured’s death. But in recent years policyholders have begun to view it as an underused asset, a source of significant financial resources they can tap while they are still living by selling their insurance to third parties. Many CPAs feel it fails to properly reflect the investment nature of life insurance purchases in these markets, resulting in financial reporting that lacks adequate transparency. The increase in the year-over-year cash surrender value is not taxable. Again, an accounting entry reflects receipt of the insurance proceeds.

When you buy life insurance, you’re getting something that will protect your loved ones if something happens to you. In addition, you may also be interested in knowing the cash surrender value of your policy. This is what your insurance company would pay you if you wanted to cancel your policy before it expired.

Relevant accounting entries

It is important to explore alternative options before deciding to surrender a life insurance policy, because once it is canceled, the policy cannot be reinstated. It may be difficult to qualify for a new life insurance policy depending on age and health. This is the period of time that it will be economically feasible to use an asset.

These investments are reported as a current asset if the investor’s intention is to sell the securities within one year. You can learn more about depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation by visiting our topic Depreciation. These amounts are likely different from the amounts reported on the company’s income tax return. JAMES H. THOMPSON, CPA, PhD, is professor of accounting in the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma. Gregory M. Larson is a staff accountant with a public accounting firm in Oklahoma City. Click here to extend your session to continue reading our licensed content, if not, you will be automatically logged off.

You can find this information online or by contacting your local insurance company. Another way to calculate the cash surrender value is to use a formula that takes into account cash surrender value of life insurance balance sheet classification how long you plan on keeping the policy, your age and health condition, and your current savings. You can find information about these formulas online or by contacting your insurance agent. If you are considering buying life insurance, one of the things you need to calculate is the cash surrender value. This is the amount of money that will be paid out to the policy owner when they surrender the policy.