Section 10(10D) exempts proceeds from a life insurance policy from income tax. Death benefits are always exempt regardless of premium-to-SA ratio. Maturity proceeds are exempt only if the Sum Assured is at least 10× the annual premium (for policies issued after 1 April 2012; for older policies the ratio is 5×).
From FY 2023-24, an additional condition applies to non-ULIP life policies issued on or after 1 April 2023: maturity proceeds are taxable if the aggregate annual premium across all such policies exceeds ₹5 lakh. Death benefits remain unconditionally exempt.