If, for instance, you are named as the beneficiary of a $100,000 life insurance person, and the person who is insured by the policy dies, you would receive the $100,000 death benefit, subject to any exclusions in the policy.
Usually, if an individual is named as a beneficiary, there is no federal income tax paid on the benefit. However, if the estate is named as the beneficiary, there are usually estate taxes to pay on the proceeds from the death benefit.
Here's how you can learn more about the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.