The Ultimate Annuity Guide

An annuity is a financial product designed to provide a steady income stream, typically used as a retirement planning tool. It’s a contract between an individual and an insurance company, where the individual makes either a lump-sum payment or a series of payments over time. 

In return, the insurance company agrees to make periodic payments to the individual starting either immediately or at some future date, lasting for a specified period or the remainder of the individual’s (annuitant’s) life. 

There are two primary types of annuities - fixed and variable. Each offers its own set of features, risks, and rewards. Here’s a detailed look at each and how they compare:

A fixed annuity can be either deferred or immediate. It provides the annuitant with regular, guaranteed payments over a specified period or for life. The payments are based on a fixed interest rate established by the insurance company at the time of purchase or renewal, which makes fixed annuities the most predictable. 

Fixed annuities are typically chosen by individuals seeking stability and guaranteed income without exposure to market risk. They provide predictable, low-risk returns but may not keep pace with inflation.

A variable annuity, on the other hand, provides the annuitant with payments that can vary based on the performance of investments chosen from a selection of sub-accounts. These sub-accounts are typically composed of mutual funds or other investment options.

Variable annuities are the preferred option for those willing to take on more risk for the potential of higher returns and comfortable with market fluctuations. They offer greater growth potential but come with higher risk and fees.

Understanding how an annuity works is an important step in deciding whether it might be the right investment option for you.

Each annuity has two phases: the accumulation phase, during which an annuity is being funded, and the distribution phase, during which payouts begin.

During this phase, the annuitant makes either a single lump-sum payment or a series of payments to the insurance company. These funds then grow (accumulate) on a tax-deferred basis, meaning taxes on any earnings are not paid until withdrawals are made.
 

The growth of the funds depends on the type of annuity:

• Fixed Annuity: The funds earn a fixed interest rate the insurance company sets.
• Variable Annuity: The funds are invested in various sub-accounts, and the growth depends on the performance of these investments.
• Indexed Annuity: The growth is linked to the performance of a specific market index, with a guaranteed minimum return.

This phase begins once the annuitant starts receiving payments from the annuity. 

These payments can be either immediate, paid almost instantly after a lump-sum investment, or deferred, paid at a future date, which allows the funds to accumulate over time.

It’s also important to note that the payment schedule can be tailored to the annuitant’s needs, such as lifetime payments, payments for a specific period, or until the principal and interest are exhausted.

One key advantage of annuities is that they are tax-deferred. This means that your funds during the accumulation phase can grow tax-free until they are withdrawn.

Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax on the earnings portion. Also, if the annuitant is under the age of 59½, a 10% early withdrawal penalty may apply to the earnings.

The tax will also depend on whether your annuity is qualified or non-qualified:

• Qualified annuities are funded with pre-tax dollars, typically through retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s, which means that taxes are deferred until withdrawal.
• Non-qualified annuities, on the other hand, are funded with after-tax dollars, and only the earnings are taxed upon withdrawal.

When the annuity owner dies, the designated beneficiary typically inherits the remaining funds, often receiving at least the initial investment minus any withdrawals due to included death benefits. 

Many annuities offer a spousal continuation option, allowing a surviving spouse to maintain the annuity contract with its tax-deferred status and ongoing payments. Beneficiaries generally have the flexibility to choose between receiving a lump-sum payment or continuing the periodic payments as originally structured in the annuity contract.
 

Annuities provide payouts through various structured options designed to meet the annuitant's needs. These payout options are determined during the contract setup and can be tailored to individual financial goals and circumstances. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main annuity payout methods:

Immediate annuities offer instantaneous payouts. In this scenario, Payments begin almost immediately after a lump-sum investment is made, typically within one year, making it a suitable option for those seeking quick income.

Conversely, in deferred annuities, payments start at a future date, allowing the invested funds to grow during the accumulation phase. This option is more suitable for individuals planning for long-term retirement needs.

As their name suggests, lifetime payments are provided by the annuitant’s lifetime income. This ensures that the annuitant doesn’t outlive their income, with payments ceasing upon their death.

Here, we need to also mention joint and survivor annuities, which continue payments for the lifetimes of two individuals, usually spouses. Payments persist until both have passed away, providing financial security for the surviving partner.

Fixed period annuity delivers payments for a specified period (e.g., 10, 20 years). If the annuitant dies before the period ends, the remaining payments are made to the beneficiary.

Some annuities offer the option to receive the entire accumulated value as a single lump-sum payment. This option provides immediate access to the full amount but may incur significant tax liabilities.

The cost of annuities can vary significantly depending on the type of annuity, the features included, and the issuing insurance company. Here are the primary costs associated with annuities:

Annuity premiums are payments made by the annuitant to the insurance company in exchange for the benefits of the annuity contract. The two usual premiums charged by annuity providers are:

• Initial Payment: The amount paid upfront, either as a lump sum or through a series of payments during the accumulation phase.
• Ongoing Contributions: For some deferred annuities, regular contributions may be required or optional.

Annuity providers can charge a wide range of fees. The most common types of charges you should be aware of include:

• Surrender Charges: Fees imposed if the annuitant withdraws funds or cancels the annuity before a specified period, typically within the first 5-10 years. These charges can start high (around 7-10%) and gradually decrease over time.
• Administrative Fees: Costs associated with managing the annuity, including record-keeping and customer service expenses. These fees are typically a fixed annual amount.
• Mortality and Expense Risk Charges: A fee compensating the insurance company for the risk it assumes under the contract. This is typically a percentage of the annuity’s value, ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% annually.
• Investment Management Fees: Applicable to variable annuities, these fees cover the cost of managing the investment options within the annuity. They can vary significantly, often ranging from 0.5% to 2% of the invested assets per year.

Annuity riders are additional features or benefits that can be added to an annuity contract, usually for an extra fee. These riders are designed to customize the annuity to better meet the specific needs and goals of the annuitant. Here are some of the most common types of annuity riders:

• Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB): An additional fee for a rider that guarantees a minimum level of income, regardless of market performance.
• Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (GMWB): A rider that guarantees a minimum level of withdrawals annually, typically for an extra fee.
• Long-Term Care Riders: These riders provide additional benefits to cover long-term care expenses, but they usually come at an additional cost.
• Death Benefit Riders: Enhance the death benefit provided to beneficiaries, which typically involves extra charges.

Annuities sold by financial advisors or insurance agents often include sales commissions, which can range from 1% to 10% of the annuity’s value. These costs are typically built into the product and may not be directly visible to the buyer.

While earnings are not taxed during the accumulation phase, taxes are owed upon withdrawal. Ordinary income tax rates apply to the earnings portion of withdrawals.

Also, if funds are withdrawn before age 59½, a 10% federal tax penalty may apply in addition to regular income taxes

Annuities can be beneficial for various individuals, depending on their financial goals, risk tolerance, and retirement plans. Here are some profiles of people who might find annuities particularly advantageous:

• Retirees Seeking Stable Income: Retirees who want a guaranteed, steady income stream to cover their living expenses without worrying about market fluctuations.
• Pre-Retirees Planning for Retirement: Individuals approaching retirement who want to ensure they have a reliable source of income when they stop working. The additional benefit here is the tax-deferred growth of annuities, which allows individuals to accumulate more savings for retirement.
• Conservative Investors: Fixed annuities, in particular, offer guaranteed returns and principal protection, perfect for people who prefer low-risk investments and want to avoid the volatility of the stock market. 
• Individuals Seeking Estate Planning Solutions: Annuities can be structured to provide for beneficiaries, making them a useful tool for estate planning and ensuring that loved ones receive financial support.
• High Earners Looking for Tax Advantages: Annuities are an excellent option for individuals in high tax brackets who want to defer taxes on their investment earnings until retirement, when they may be in a lower tax bracket.
• Couples Planning for Joint Retirement: Joint-and-survivor annuities can benefit couples who want to ensure that both partners have a secure income for life, even if one spouse passes away.

Of course, just because you don’t necessarily fit into the above categories doesn’t mean that investing in an annuity might not be beneficial for you. Be sure to carefully assess your investment goals and compare annuities to other options.

With a fixed annuity, the insurance company guarantees the buyer a specific payment at some future date. This might be decades in the future or right away.

National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Center for Insurance Policy and Research: Annuities."

In order to deliver that return, the insurer invests money in safe vehicles, such as U.S. Treasury securities and highly rated corporate bonds.

While safe and predictable, these investments also deliver unspectacular returns. What's more, the payouts on fixed annuities can lose purchasing power over the years due to inflation, unless the buyer pays extra for an annuity that takes inflation into account.

Even so, fixed annuities can be a good fit for people who have a low tolerance for risk and don't want to take chances with their regular monthly payouts.

Deciding whether you want to invest in an annuity is one thing. Another is finding the right annuity to suit your goals and needs. When it comes to that, the best way to proceed is by following a few simple steps:

1. Assess Your Financial Goals - First, determine your primary objectives, such as securing a stable income stream, protecting against longevity risk, or achieving tax-deferred growth.
2. Choose the Right Type of Annuity - As you’ve learned by now, there are several types of annuities, each offering distinct benefits. Fixed annuities, for example, are better suited for conservative investors seeking guaranteed returns and stable income. Variable annuities are better for those willing to accept market risk for the potential of higher returns. Inxeded annuities, on the other hand, offer a balance between growth potential and principal protection by linking returns to a market index.
3. Evaluate Payout Options - Decide on the payout structure that best suits your needs, whether it’s immediate or deferred, lifetime payments, fixed period payments, or joint-and-survivor options.
4. Consider Fees and Expenses - Understand the various fees associated with the annuity, including administrative fees, mortality, and expense risk charges, investment management fees, and any additional rider costs.
5. Research the Insurance Company - Ensure the insurance company issuing the annuity is reputable and financially stable. Check ratings from agencies like A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, or Moody’s.
6. Review Riders and Additional Benefits - Evaluate optional riders, such as guaranteed minimum income benefits, long-term care riders, or death benefits, to determine if they align with your specific needs and if the added cost is justified.

All this can be a tad overwhelming to consider on your own, especially if you’re new to the concept of annuities. This is why you have us!

If you need help choosing the best annuity for your needs, Annuity Association is here to help. First, we recommend completing our Annuity Quiz, which will help you find annuities that best align with your goals. 

Then, we encourage you to schedule an online meeting with one of our advisors. They will help you determine whether the proposed annuity is right for you, provide you with guidance, and answer any questions you may have. 

As the #1 annuity advisor in the US, Annuity Association has helped hundreds of Americans secure their retirement. Let us help secure yours, too!