The tax rules for legal awards and settlements: What recipients should know
- Details
- Published: Friday, 16 May 2025 08:59
- Written by Phillip Strickler, CPA.CITP

If you’ve recently received a settlement or award from a lawsuit, or you’re expecting one, you may be wondering how the IRS views this money. Will you need to pay taxes on it? The short answer: It depends on the type of damages you received. Understanding the basic rules can help you avoid surprises.