Carrier Partners

Advantages of Fixed Annuities

Ideal for Estate Planning - Proceeds from annuities pass directly to your beneficiaries without the delay, expense, and publicity of probate in most states. If you've ever had a loved one's estate go through this time-consuming legal process, you know just what kind of advantage this is.

The Power of Tax Deferral - Because you do not pay taxes on earnings every year, your annuity is able to work harder thanks to tax-deferral. You will have to pay taxes on earnings when you withdraw your annuity's gains, but at least you can decide when that happens.

No Contribution Limits - Contributions to other retirement savings vehicles, like 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts, are strictly limited. Annuities, however, offer tremendous flexibility. You can contribute as much as you want, up to the limits imposed by the insurer, to take advantage of tax-deferral or variable accounts inside the annuity. Plus, you can add to your annuity contract at any time.

Flexible Payment Options - Unlike 401(k)s and IRAs, which require that you begin making withdrawals at age 70 1/2, you may be able to wait much longer with annuities. When you do decide to begin receiving payments, you can usually select one of the following methods:

  • Lump Sum distribution (a one-time payment)
  • Periodic distributions (you can take money only when you need it)
  • Systematic distributions (a fixed or variable amount is sent to you at regular intervals)
  • Annuitization (fixed or variable payments, guaranteed for the rest of your life)

Tax Control - The money inside your annuity is made up of two components -- principal and earnings. Assuming your annuity was opened with after-tax dollars, you're only taxed on your earnings.

Different distribution methods behave differently when it comes to taxes; for instance, Lump Sum, Periodic, and Systematic distributions exhaust all earnings (which are taxable) before tapping principal. Under annuitization, each payment consists of both principal and interest, spreading your tax liability evenly among payments. Through these distribution options, you have complete control over when you will pay taxes on your earnings.

Annuities are not perfect when it comes to tax control. If you should pass away while your annuity is accumulating, all deferred taxes on your growth will become due, reducing your annuity's value.

Easy To Start and Maintain - Usually, a simple application, a check, and your signature begins your annuity. And, at the end of each year, you will not receive a 1099 for income earned within your annuity contract. That's one less thing to worry about when April 15th rolls around.

Other Features - Annuities also do not offset Social Security benefits like bond, CD, and other investment income does.

You can even exchange older, non-performing annuities into a newer fixed annuity with no tax consequences, thanks to Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code.