Fixed annuities are long-term savings vehicles used mostly for retirement or as a safe holding place for accumulating money. With a fixed annuity benefit, interest rates are credited by the issuing life insurance company for a specified period. The rate you earn will not be less than the minimum guaranteed in your policy.
What is a joint survivor annuity, a living benefit annuity and a death benefit annuity? These are other options for you to look into. We can also help you determine if there is an annuity benefit you could gain from owning a joint survivor annuity, a living benefit annuity, or a death benefit annuity.
Benefits of Annuities: Fixed annuities offer two unique features:
1. No income taxes on accumulated earnings until you receive distributions, and
2. You can convert accumulated funds into guaranteed income that you can’t outlive
How do fixed annuity rates compare with other conservative retirement savings vehicles?
Rates are often comparable to—and sometimes higher than—those of other conservative vehicles like certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-grade bonds. Income tax deferral on credited interest can provide a significant advantage over time.
How safe are fixed annuities?
The insurance company issuing your annuity guarantees that your money will not lose value. They also guarantee the annuity’s interest rate and income features. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC insured and may decline in value.
How are fixed annuities taxed?
Premiums are paid with after-tax dollars unless used for an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other qualified retirement plan. Annuities offered as part of a qualified retirement plan offer no additional tax deferral benefits. Income taxes on earnings are deferred until you take distributions, which are then taxed as ordinary income until you take all interest earnings. Further distributions of your original premiums will be income tax free. If you use pre-tax dollars to fund your annuity, all distributions will be taxable. If you convert your annuity to income, part of each income payment will be deemed a tax-free return of your original premiums.
What if I need access to my money?
Most distributions before age 59˝ incur a 10% penalty tax, but certain situations qualify as exceptions. Furthermore, if you access funds early, generally within the first 5-8 years of your contract, you may incur surrender charges.
What income options would I have?
You may choose guaranteed income payments for:
- your lifetime--no matter how long you live
- your lifetime and that of another person
- a specified period of up to 30 years
- the longer of your lifetime or a specified period
- amounts that increase annually
The amount of your income payments depends on the income option you choose, the premiums you paid and prevailing interest rates. Lifetime income payments will be based on your age when payments start.
As you consider the role annuities will play in your overall financial plan, remember that they are long-term instruments. Plan for your future, today.
