The proceeds of life insurance policies, paid by reason of the death of the insured to any corporate beneficiary, directly or in trust, shall be excluded from the gross income of the beneficiary. It is immaterial whether the proceeds are received in a single sum or in installments. If, however, such proceeds are held by the insurer under an agreement to pay interest thereon, the interest payments must be included in gross income.
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 18, § 24305
Compare Section 29.22(b)(1) - 1, Fed. Reg. III.