Misled by a “Tax-Free Retirement” Strategy? You Are Not Alone.

Every week, RP Legal LLC speaks with new clients who were sold the same dream: a “tax-free retirement” using an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy. The pitch sounded perfect. You were told you could grow your wealth without market risk, borrow against your policy tax-free, and receive permanent retirement income, all while protecting your family with life insurance.

But what you were promised is not what you received.

The Dangerous Promise of “Tax-Free Retirement”

Insurance agents and financial advisors routinely promote IULs as a tax loophole or financial miracle. They tell clients these policies are superior to traditional retirement vehicles like IRAs, 401(k)s, or Roth accounts. Using policy loans, they claim, you can create permanent income while avoiding taxes entirely. They show slick illustrations with rising account values, low or no taxes, and policy loans that supposedly generate unlimited income without ever putting your policy at risk.

These promises are not just exaggerated, they are often false.

What agents and promoters fail to explain is that:

  • Policy loans are not income, they are debt.
  • If the policy lapses with loans outstanding, the IRS treats the full loan amount as ordinary income, triggering tax bills and penalties.
  • The income projections you were shown are based on cherry-picked, non-guaranteed assumptions that rarely play out in real market conditions.
  • Fees, cost of insurance, and declining cap rates eat away at your policy year after year.

These are not retirement plans. They are complex insurance contracts dressed up as wealth strategies, marketed with misleading language and unrealistic projections.

What Really Happens With “Tax-Free” IULs

In almost every case we litigate, the same pattern appears:

  • The policy’s cash value stalls or declines.
  • Policy loans begin to snowball, draining the policy.
  • Premiums unexpectedly rise, leaving the client unable to afford the payments.
  • The promised “tax-free retirement income” disappears.

Meanwhile, the agent who sold you the policy walked away with a massive commission, often tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, paid directly from your premium. These products are rarely built to succeed for the consumer. They are built to generate fees, commissions, and revenue for the insurance companies and agents.

RP Legal LLC Is the National Leader in “Tax-Free Retirement” IUL Litigation

With nearly a decade of experience and hundreds of cases handled, RP Legal LLC leads the country in representing victims of failed IUL retirement strategies. We understand how these policies are structured, funded, and marketed. We analyze illustrations, internal sales scripts, training materials, and agent conduct to identify legal violations and expose fraud.

We represent:

  • Retirees told they would never have to pay another premium after 5 to 7 years
  • Professionals shown policy loans that were supposed to create lifetime income
  • Business owners encouraged to borrow against their policy starting in year two
  • Victims of TikTok agents, YouTube influencers, and MLM schemes promoting IULs as a “tax-free” financial hack

Why You May Have a Legal Claim

If you were told your IUL policy would provide:

  • Guaranteed tax-free income for life
  • Market-like returns with no downside
  • A zero-tax retirement plan
  • A better alternative to your IRA, 401(k), or defined benefit plan

but are now facing higher premiums, collapsing cash value, or surprise tax exposure, you may have a valid legal claim for compensation.

We investigate:

  • Fraudulent or misleading illustrations
  • Concealed fees and undisclosed policy risks
  • Unsuitable recommendations based on your age or financial profile
  • Unlicensed or unqualified agents selling high-premium insurance
  • Financial harm caused by misrepresentation or omission of critical risks

Start With a Policy Review

RP Legal LLC will conduct a detailed analysis of your IUL contract, illustrations, policy loan structure, and agent disclosures. If we determine that you were misled or sold an unsuitable product, we will pursue legal action on your behalf.

Let the nation’s most experienced IUL litigation firm help you take back control of your financial future.

Contact RP Legal LLC today at (803) 805-7546 or use our secure contact form to schedule your policy review.

Last Updated: 08-02-2025

Case Results Our Record Speaks For Itself
Recoveries for Victims of IUL and FIP Investment Fraud
$10,000,000

RP Legal LLC has recovered over tens of millions of dollars for victims in these cases.
Learn more

Jury Verdict for Failed IUL Retirement Strategy
$1,500,000

A jury awarded $1,526,156.54 for our client, ruling against Pacific Life Insurance Company.

Learn more

Featured on InsuranceNewsNet
LEADERSHIP

Robert Rikard, founding attorney of RP Legal LLC, was recently featured in a nationally recognized insurance publication.

Learn more

Any result the lawyer or law firm may have achieved on behalf of clients in other matters does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Client Testimonials
~ Alex

Great attorneys that were able to help me with all my legal issues involving my LLC. I would 100% recommend this firm to anyone who needs legal assistance with their small business.

~ Charles

Solid litigators who have your best interest in mind!

~ Giovanni

Great attorneys! Professional and patient. I enjoyed working with them!

~ Christopher

If you want real lawyers that don’t mess around and waste your time then hire these guys. Robert Rikard and Peter Protopapas aggressive trial lawyers. The staff is friendly and helpful as well!!! 100% recommend!

~ Charles

Peter is the BEST!! I had the misfortune of needing an attorney, and through a chance encounter was pointed in his direction. Their attention to detail and knowledge of their profession is second to none! Don’t waste your time with these ambulance chasers you see all over the TV - if you need results look no further!!

TOP-RATED
LAWYER NEAR YOU
2110 N Beltline Blvd
Columbia, SC 29204

Phone: (803) 805-7546

FAX: 803-978-6112

View Directions
10 Shem Drive, Suite 200
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: (803) 805-7546

FAX: 803-978-6112

View Directions
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION We’re Here To Help

"*" indicates required fields