I received a 1099 misc for a life insurance payout, why do I have to report it as income?

[DianeW]

Because you received a Form 1099-MISC for the life insurance payout, this indicates that it is taxable income to you.  

Do I report proceeds paid under a life insurance contract as taxable income?

Answer:

• Generally, life insurance proceeds you receive as a beneficiary due to the death of the insured person, aren't includable in gross income and you don't have to report them.
• However, any interest you receive is taxable and you should report it as interest received. 
• If the policy was transferred to you for cash or other valuable consideration, the exclusion for the proceeds is limited to the sum of the consideration you paid, additional premiums you paid, and certain other amounts. There are some exceptions to this rule. Generally, you report the taxable amount based on the type of income document you receive, such as a Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-MISC or Form 1099-R.  For additional information, see Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income.