How Are Fixed Annuities Taxed?

Fixed annuities are popular for their stability and guaranteed returns, but it’s also important to understand the tax implications of this type of annuity when using it as part of your financial planning. The funds you contribute to a fixed annuity typically grow tax-deferred, meaning you won’t owe taxes on the interest earnings until you start receiving distributions. This can be beneficial for those looking to minimize their current tax burden and grow their investments over time.

If you need help understanding how fixed annuities are taxed and how they fit into your retirement plan, consider consulting a financial advisor.

What Are Fixed Annuities?

Fixed annuities are insurance contracts designed to provide a steady and reliable income stream. Unlike variable annuities, which fluctuate based on market performance, fixed annuities guarantee a specified interest rate and predictable payments. This makes them an attractive option for individuals seeking financial stability and a hedge against outliving their savings, primarily retirees.

The way that fixed annuities are structured is straightforward:

Investors make a lump sum payment or series of payments to an insurance company.
In return, the insurance company promises to pay a fixed amount periodically. Payments can start immediately or at a future date.

The fixed nature of these payments provides a sense of security, as retirees know they can count on their income to remain steady over time. Fixed annuities also offer tax-deferred growth, meaning the interest earned on the investment is not taxed until it is withdrawn. This enhances the overall growth of the annuity, making it a valuable component of a well-rounded retirement plan.

Fixed Annuity Tax Considerations

A couple discussing how fixed annuities are taxed with their financial advisor.

When making a withdrawal from a fixed annuity, the taxation depends on whether the annuity was funded with pre-tax or after-tax dollars. If it was purchased with pre-tax dollars, such as through a traditional IRA or 401(k), the entire distribution is subject to ordinary income tax. On the other hand, if it was funded with after-tax dollars, only the earnings portion of the withdrawals is taxed, while the principal is returned tax-free.

It’s also important to note that early withdrawals—typically those made before age 59½—may incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to regular income taxes.

Fixed Annuity Tax Strategies

Strategic withdrawals can optimize your fixed annuity’s tax efficiency. One common strategy is to delay taking distributions until after retirement, when your income—and thus your tax bracket—is likely lower. This timing can reduce the overall tax burden on the annuity payouts.

Another approach is to use annuity laddering. This involves purchasing multiple immediate annuities with different maturity dates, allowing you to stagger distributions over several years. This method can help manage your taxable income annually, preventing a spike in your tax bracket due to large, lump-sum withdrawals.

It also helps to be aware of what’s called a 1035 exchange. Under Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code, you can exchange one annuity contract for another without immediate tax consequences (you may also be able to exchange for a whole life insurance policy).

By taking advantage of a tax-free exchange, you could potentially secure better terms or lower fees while deferring taxes until you make withdrawals. This can be especially helpful if your financial situation changes and you need to adjust your retirement plan. But you should also take note that these 1035 exchanges are subject to very specific rules, so considier consulting a tax professional to avoid losing tax-protected status.

Who Can Benefit From Fixed Annuities?

Fixed annuities are well-suited for retirees who want predictable income. Because the payments are guaranteed, they provide stability that can cover basic living expenses even when markets are volatile. This makes them useful for people who do not want to rely solely on investment performance to fund retirement.

They can also benefit individuals who expect to be in a lower tax bracket after leaving the workforce. By deferring taxes on earnings until retirement, fixed annuities allow savers to delay their tax liability until their income, and therefore their tax rate, is reduced.

Conservative investors often choose fixed annuities because they prefer certainty over the potential for higher but less reliable returns in the market. For these investors, the trade-off of lower growth in exchange for guaranteed payments aligns with their tolerance for risk.

Fixed annuities can also complement other retirement income sources, such as Social Security or pensions. By creating a steady base of income, they help balance out the variability of withdrawals from accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs, making overall retirement income more reliable.

Bottom Line

A couple reviewing tax strategies for their annuity.

Knowing how fixed annuities are taxed can help you plan when to begin withdrawals. Timing those withdrawals, using annuity laddering, and making tax-free exchanges can improve your results. These strategies can be complex, so working with a financial advisor can help confirm they fit your overall financial plan.

Annuity Tips

Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
When comparing annuities, take time to look at the details. That includes not only the annuity’s terms and costs but the quality of the company that’s issuing the annuity. If a company isn’t financially healthy, it’s possible that they may not be able to make your annuity payments when the time comes.