What is the difference between qualified and non qualified annuities

All annuities fall into one of two categories — qualified and non-qualified — which differ in how the funds are taxed.

The Difference Between Qualified and Non-Qualified Annuities

Annuities are long-term investment vehicles used to protect financial assets and secure financial futures. While they come in many forms including fixed, variable, deferred and immediate, annuities fall into one of two main classifications: qualified and non-qualified. These two categories of annuities determine how contributions or withdrawals from the accounts are taxed.

A qualified annuity is bought with pre-tax dollars that usually come from an IRA account, 401(k) or some other retirement fund. Non-qualified annuities are an outside investment bought with after-tax dollars and are typically not used to fund a retirement plan.

Qualified Annuities

As with many annuity investments, a qualified annuity is a financial tool used to help accumulate funds for retirement. Bought with pre-tax dollars, this type of annuity is usually set up through an employer and taxes are paid only when distributions are received. Some common sources of qualified annuity plans include:

  • IRA accounts
  • 401(k) plans
  • 403(b) plans
  • Simplified Employee Pension (SEP)
  • Tax exempt savings plans

All contributions made to a qualified annuity account grow tax-deferred until disbursed, typically at the age of 70½. Unlike a non-qualified account, disbursements from a qualified annuity are mandatory at the age of 70½. However, annuity owners can begin withdrawing funds from this account at the age of 59½ without penalty. Funds withdrawn before that time will be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty.

Because a qualified annuity was purchased with pre-tax dollars, all withdrawals are taxable. Qualified annuity earnings can also be rolled over into a similar account without causing any excess tax liability.

Death Benefit

In the event an annuity owner dies before receiving all of their assets, qualified annuity funds can be transferred to a surviving spouse or death beneficiary. A spouse can roll over the annuity into a similar IRA account and can postpone withdrawal until the age of 70½.

If the beneficiary is a non-spouse, annuity funds can be withdrawn in annual installments for a designated number of years. Taxes must be paid on all withdrawn assets.

Non-Qualified Annuities

A non-qualified annuity is a privately purchased annuity bought outside of an employee benefit. The funds used to buy this account have already been taxed, so the initial investment is not subject to taxes once disbursed. Some common sources of funds for non-qualified annuities include:

  • Mutual funds
  • Non-IRA accounts
  • Certificates of deposit
  • Inheritance accounts
  • Savings accounts

There is no limit to how much can be contributed to an annuity account, and there is no mandatory distribution age. Non-qualified annuity investments grow tax-deferred — an opportunity that allows the initial investment to accumulate interest without tax liability. As long as funds remain in this account, any income growth will not be taxed. However, as soon as the annuity begins disbursing to the annuity owner, any growth beyond the original investment will be taxed.

Similar to a qualified annuity account, early withdrawals from a non-qualified annuity before the age of 59½ are subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty.

Non-qualified annuities are unique because funds can be transferred from one policy to another without tax consequences. In a 1035 tax-free exchange, an annuitant can choose to invest in a new annuity, which in turn could help to increase income returns on an annuity account.

Death Benefit

Similar to many annuity accounts, non-qualified annuities can include a death benefit within the contract. In the event an annuity owner dies before receiving the full disbursement value, remaining funds can be transferred to a beneficiary or an heir. If no beneficiary or heir has been listed, funds may be forfeited to the insurance company.

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Securities are offered through Woodmen Financial Services, Inc. (WFS), 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-664-3332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (collectively “WoodmenLife”). Securities other than the WoodmenLife Variable Annuity are issued by companies that are not affiliated with WoodmenLife. This material is intended for general use with the public. WFS is not providing investment advice for any individual or any individual situation, and you should not look to this material for any investment advice. WFS has financial interests that are served by the sale of these products or services.

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Do I have to pay taxes on a non

Nonqualified variable annuities don't entitle you to a tax deduction for your contributions, but your investment will grow tax-deferred. When you make withdrawals or begin taking regular payments from the annuity, that money will be taxed as ordinary income.

What is the difference between a qualified and a nonqualified annuity?

A qualified annuity is a retirement savings plan that is funded with pre-tax dollars. A non-qualified annuity is funded with post-tax dollars. To be clear, the terminology comes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How do I know if my annuity is qualified or non

Qualified annuities are purchased with pre-tax funds, while non-qualified annuities are funded with money on which taxes have been paid. According to the IRS, a “qualified plan must satisfy the Internal Revenue Code in both form and operation.” This affects the taxes on withdrawals or payouts from the annuity.

What is the advantage of a non

A non-qualified annuity is a long-term retirement savings product entirely funded with after-tax dollars. The money grows tax-deferred, so you won't have to pay any taxes until you take distributions. At that point, you're only taxed on your earnings, since you already paid taxes on your contributions.