A wrongful death settlement of compensatory damages is nontaxable because it is the result of a claim arising from personal physical injury or illness. However, if the settlement includes punitive damages and/or interest, that portion of the settlement is taxable.
The difference between amount realized and adjusted basis on the sale or exchange of capital assets. Long-term capital gains are taxed favorably. Capital losses are deducted first against capital gains, and then again up to $3,000 of other income.