State Taxation of Insurance

Authority of states to tax the insurance companies they regulate. States levy income taxes, real and personal property taxes, and special levies, the most important of which is a premium tax-in effect, a sales tax on premiums. Although it is generally 2% of premiums, some states tax as much as 4%. Insurers also pay franchise taxes, licensing fees, and Special Charges. Insurance taxes are an important source of revenue for the states, amounting to several billion dollars a year. See also Federal Taxation.