A material change in a modified endowment contract (MEC) results in what?

A material change in a modified endowment contract (MEC) indeed results in the seven pay test, adjusted for cash value, applying again. This is essential because the modified endowment contract status is determined by a set of tax rules that differentiate between life insurance contracts and investments.

When a policy undergoes a material change, it can influence its classification regarding the seven pay test, which is designed to prevent "over-funding" of life insurance policies. If a policyholder makes significant adjustments (like increasing the death benefit or altering premium payments), the policy must reassess its compliance with the seven pay test which looks at the total premiums paid versus the stipulated maximum allowable contributions over the first seven years of the contract.

Meeting this test is crucial because failure to comply can lead to negative tax consequences, such as loans or withdrawals being taxed as income. The adjustment ensures that the policy remains in line with regulatory requirements and maintains its intended tax advantages.