Annuity FAQs

An annuity is a financial contract between an insurance company and a buyer — typically an investor or retiree. In exchange for a lump sum or monthly payments toward the principal, an insurance company will pay out income through a series of payments or a one-time lump sum. An annuity is meant to provide a guaranteed stream of income through a set period of time or until an annuitant’s — or an annuity owner’s — death. Annuity savings are tax-deferred and can accumulate interest over time.

Annuities have a tax-deferred status, meaning that while interest accrues on the savings, they are not taxed until withdrawn. This status helps to increase the amount of earnings in an annuity account.

A unique benefit to an annuity is the death benefit. Should an annuity owner die before their annuity disburses all payments, the remaining assets can transfer to a spouse or surviving beneficiary. If you choose not to have a beneficiary, upon your death all remaining annuity assets will be surrendered to the issuing insurance company.

Annuities benefit individuals in their 50s and 60s the most, since they are closer to retirement and looking to save additional income toward their nest egg. While it is okay to invest in this financial product at a younger age, annuities may not be as profitable as investing in mutual funds or bonds. Young investors have a stronger risk tolerance and more opportunity to invest in products with a higher rate of return.

You should take the following into account when deciding between an annuity and mutual fund. Mutual funds follow the market conditions. While they may offer a higher rate of return if conditions are positive, they also carry higher risk of losing income and interest. Annuities, however, guarantee a steady, low-risk stream of income no matter the market conditions. They also have the ability to grow tax-deferred over time.

An immediate annuity contract disburses a stream of income payments immediately after the initial purchase. Deferred annuities also guarantee a payout stream, but will disburse at a later time.

Different annuity types charge different sets of fees to invest. However, some of the most common fees include:

• Mortality and expense (M&E) fees to support insurance guarantees and selling expenses of the annuity contract.

• Administrative fees to maintain the annuity contract.

• Potential surrender charges to help avoid premature withdrawals. Often times these surrender charges can be expensive, but they would be spelled out in the contract.

• Investment management fees, specifically for variable annuity options. Rider fees.

Yes, annuity payments disbursed to a spouse or beneficiary will be treated as taxable income.

Annuity owners can begin withdrawing money from their annuity by the age of 59½ without having to pay an early withdrawal fee. Some annuity contracts offer a surrender period, or an amount of time an investor has to wait before withdrawing funds from their annuity account. If money is withdrawn before that time, you will be subject to paying a surrender charge.

In the event you need cash now for a financial emergency, medical expenses or other debt, an annuity can be sold for faster access to cash. Annuities can be sold in their entirety or in part for a lump sum. A partial annuity sale still guarantees periodic payments, minus the portion sold. And in this scenario, annuity savings still accrue interest. Selling the entirety of your annuity contract empties your investment and any chance of receiving steady income. However, you will have access to a large lump sum with ample flexibility.

Selling an annuity requires you to surrender the rights to your annuity contract. If you choose to sell a portion or all of your annuity, you will no longer have access to the funds sold. In addition, selling an annuity contract does not guarantee a payout of the full value of your initial investment. Annuity buyers will purchase your annuity at a discounted rate, which can be as low as 50 percent of your initial value. This rate is based on the market conditions, the amount of payments you are selling, their value and how soon insurance companies will receive payment.

No, you will no longer owe premium payments on an annuity sold in its entirety. A partially sold annuity is still subject to payments. Once the transaction is complete, the new annuity owner assumes all rights and responsibilities to their investment. Learn more from other FAQs about selling your annuity.