What is distribution code 9 on a 1099-R for an IRA withdrawal, and is that income taxable? How does the withdrawal become tagged as being for life insurance protection?

[kevd]

I'm wondering if an IRA withdrawal that is used to pay for a life insurance premium is excluded from income?  What is Code 9 all about?

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

Code 9 does not apply to distributions from IRAs.  Using a distribution from an IRA to purchase life insurance does not permit the distribution to be excluded from income.

[kevd]

Thank you for your quick, thorough answer