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What Is Key Person Insurance?
Key person insurance protects your business against the financial impact of losing a critical employee — a founder, top salesperson, or essential manager. Coverage is typically 5-10× the key person's annual income plus bonuses. The business owns the policy, pays the premiums, and receives the death benefit to cover lost revenue, recruitment, and transition costs.
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Buy-Sell Agreements Explained
A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract that determines what happens to a partner's ownership share when they die. Life insurance funds the buyout — surviving partners receive cash to purchase the deceased's share at fair market value. Without it, heirs could become unwanted business partners or force a liquidation. Cross-purchase (partners own each other's policies) or entity purchase (business owns all policies) structures available.
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Business Loan Protection
Many lenders — especially SBA loans — require life insurance on the guarantor or key principal. Coverage equals the outstanding loan balance, with the lender named as collateral assignee. If the borrower dies, the policy pays off the loan. This protects both the business and the personal assets of any guarantors. Decreasing term aligns coverage with the declining loan balance.
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How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Key Person: 5-10× income based on age (higher multiplier for younger, harder-to-replace talent). Buy-Sell: Ownership percentage × company valuation. Business Loan: Outstanding principal balance. For businesses with multiple needs, June structures layered coverage — term for short-term obligations, permanent for long-term succession planning.
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Tax Implications
Key person premiums are not tax-deductible, but the death benefit is generally received tax-free by the business (subject to alternative minimum tax rules). Buy-sell premiums are also not deductible, but provide tax-efficient ownership transfer. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation — June coordinates with your CPA to structure coverage correctly.
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Business Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania doesn't mandate business life insurance, but SBA lenders require collateral assignment on loans above certain thresholds. Under federal IRC § 101(j), employers must obtain written notice and consent from insured employees before issuing employer-owned life insurance; IRS Form 8925 is filed annually. All policies include Pennsylvania's 10-day free-look period (31 Pa. Code Ch. 89). June ensures all documentation meets regulatory requirements.
