Are the death benefits paid to spouse children or siblings are generally income tax free?

When a person insured by a life insurance policy dies during the term of the policy the proceeds are paid to the beneficiary or beneficiaries. Life insurance death benefit proceeds are usually not subject to state and federal income taxation. But, if there is no beneficiary, the death benefit proceeds of the life insurance policy may be included in the estate of the deceased. Then, it may be subject to state, federal and inheritance taxes.