What you need to know before selling your structured settlement payments.

Before the state structured settlement protection statutes and the Victims of Terrorism Relief Act of 2001 which created §5891 of the Internal Revenue Code, any one wanting to sell their settlement payments were on their own. The sale of structured settlement payment rights today requires a Court in your state to review and, if appropriate, make a "qualified order" approving the sale of such payments or a hefty 40% excise tax is applied. The concept of Court approval is intended to protect you from entering into a deal that is not in your best interest.


Should I sell my payments?

The answer to that one is difficult. The question you might ask yourself: Do I need the money now? For example: to buy a house, pay for an education, a business opportunity or to keep from filing bankruptcy. Any good reason would make sense. To go on vacation or buy an Acura Legend might not be in your best interest.

If you have other money sources to explore, I suggest using those options first. Selling your structured settlement should be a last resort.

Remember to first look for other sources of money like family, banks and ect., before selling payments. If your settlement is your only source of income it is not in your best interest to sell. Make sure the people who are buying your payments have your interests in mind. SELLER BEWARE.
I hope that you have a positive experience and put the money to good use, if you decide to sell your payments.
Frank ReCouper has been in the financial services (financial planning) for over 40 years. Buying structured settlement payments for 17 years and can be reached by going to FDR Resources.