Do I need to report the insurance settlement for total loss of my vehicle?

[msytsma]

I live in Washington State. I received an insurance settlement for the total loss of my personal vehicle, which I used to help purchase a replacement. This included sales tax (10%) on the cash value, determined by my insurance company.

[Vanessa A]

No.  Generally, when you get a check for a loss on your vehicle from the insurance company it is not taxable income.  It is something that is making you whole again.  

The exception to that is if you would have received more than your basis in the car.  For instance, if you paid $1,000 for the car in October and you received a check for $10,000 in November after you totaled it, you would report a $9,000 gain.  

If you did not have a gain on the loss, it is not reportable.