The recent Connelly v. United States Supreme Court decision provides critical insight for closely held business owners considering succession planning and tax implications.
The Court's ruling clarifies that life insurance proceeds owned by a corporation, even if intended for share repurchase agreements, increase the corporation's value for estate tax purposes. This decision impacts business owners who use corporate-owned life insurance as part of their succession planning, as it reaffirms that the company's obligations to redeem shares do not reduce the company's valuation in terms of tax liability.
Key Takeaways from Connelly v. United States
Business Value Impact: Life insurance proceeds payable to the corporation increase the corporation's valuation, which affects the value of shares for estate tax calculations. In Connelly's case, the $3 million policy proceeds were added to the company's value upon Michael's death, which led to a substantial tax bill.
Planning Options: The Court suggested alternative structures, like a cross-purchase agreement where individual shareholders own policies on each other. This setup may avoid increasing the corporation's value upon a shareholder's death, potentially reducing estate tax exposure.
Professional Advisory Importance: This case underscores the value of consulting with tax professionals, insurance experts, and succession planners to design strategies that align with tax laws, which can help mitigate unexpected financial consequences.
Practical Steps for Business Owners
Coordinate with your Advisory Team: Using a coordinated approach with legal, tax, and insurance professionals can ensure strategies align with tax regulations, reducing the risk of unintended tax liabilities.
Consider Cross-Purchase Agreements: Cross-purchase agreements may provide tax advantages over corporate-owned life insurance policies for some businesses.
Connelly v. United States offers a valuable lesson in how business structure and tax planning interact. Proactively structuring ownership transitions could avoid similar tax outcomes, enabling smoother family business successions and a more straightforward path for future growth.
