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TAX-DEFERRAL
Questions About How Annuities Are Taxed?
Many retirees wonder “How are annuities taxed?”. First off, it is crucial to know that when an annuity grows in earnings or from potential interest, there are no immediate taxes. But, when you withdraw your funds, you will have to pay taxes on the income you receive. Any potential interest is added to your retirement account without incurring taxes at the time of interest payment. Then you pay your tax on any money you withdraw.
What Are The Benefits Of A Tax-Deferred Annuity?
A tax-deferred annuity is a long-term savings contract that over a certain period of time can grow tax-deferred. The money that you contribute to the annuity is tax-deferred, which means you can contribute money before taxes. You will only pay taxes when you withdraw your money. In the time between when you first contribute your funds and when you withdraw them, there is a chance for the funds to grow significantly.
Defer annuity taxation can also be useful in assisting retirees to receive the most from their other retirement accounts. For example, your social security benefits may decline if your annual income goes up. Any interest from bonds, CDs, or other investments must be reported to the IRS. Therefore you may find that your overall income has grown. This can cause your social security benefits to drop. But if you place your money in as an annuity those earnings are not income right away, do not count against you. Of course, once you take out the money there is taxation. But, deferring taxes while your money grows can generate great benefits.
After-Tax Dollars and Tax-Deferred Annuities
Tax-Deferred Annuities VS. IRAs and 401(k)s
401(k)s or traditional IRAs also allow tax deferrals. However, delaying taxes through a fixed index annuity (FIA) can have extra benefits that 401(k)s or traditional IRAs do not provide.
For example, fixed index annuities (FIAs) do not impose a limit on much money you can invest into it. The rules let you deposit as much money as you wish, as long as you abide by certain other conditions. While you may have a traditional IRA, 401(k), or another type of insurance plan that qualifies for tax deferral, these products have a maximum contribution limit. This makes fixed index annuities (FIAs) a great choice for retirees who want to save more than an IRA and or a 401(k) will allow.
Something else to consider is a “rollover” option. It’s possible in many cases to “rollover” your 401(k) or IRA into a fixed index annuity. At Green Line NW, whatever your financial needs, we are here to help.
Retiring Early with a Tax-Deferred Annuity
How are annuities taxed if you retire early? You may receive bonus tax benefits, depending on your situation. For these benefits to apply, you must meet a few fundamental criteria.
You must be able to check yes to all three situations.
- You must be under the age of 59 ½
- You have received a large lump-sum payment from your 401(k) profit-sharing
- This lump-sum payment was part of an early retirement package or severance package
If you answered “yes” to all of the above statements, you could have options. Your money may be able to “rollover” into an annuity policy, without being taxed. There are a few methods you can obtain this money without being penalized. Usually, if you withdraw funds before you turn 59 ½ there would be a penalty. However, if you set a “Substantially Equal Periodic Payments” (SEPP) program, you may be to get funds from the account. This a potential tactic to access your money you believed you couldn’t attain until retirement. Deferred annuity taxation can have its benefits for retirees.
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A tax-deferred annuity allows you to put off taxes on the money you invest until you need it for retirement. Contact us at Green Line NW, today to see if a tax-deferred annuity is an option that’s right for you.