Annuity Learning Library
Every guide answers its question in the first sentence, shows the rules and numbers that matter, and links to the state pages and calculators that go with it.
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that turns a sum of money into guaranteed growth or guaranteed income. This library explains the basics, the product types, rates, taxes, the rules for getting money out, and how annuities compare with the other places retirement money can sit. Start with a category below.
Annuity basics
What an annuity is, how the contract works, and whether one belongs in your plan.
- Resource libraryOverview
Annuity types
Fixed, MYGA, indexed, RILA, immediate, deferred income, QLAC, variable: what each one does.
- Annuity types comparedOverview
- Fixed annuitiesGuide
- Indexed annuitiesGuide
- Immediate annuitiesGuide
- Variable annuitiesGuide
Rates
How annuity rates are set, what moves them, and where to see illustrative current rates.
- Current annuity ratesOverview
- MYGA rates by stateBy state
- Annuity rates by stateBy state
- MYGA growth calculatorCalculator
Taxes
How annuity income and withdrawals are taxed, federal rules, and what changes at death.
- Annuity taxes by stateBy state
- RMD calculatorCalculator
By amount
What a given premium can pay, from $50,000 to $1 million, and how to read the numbers.
- Payout calculatorCalculator
- SPIA calculatorCalculator
Buying an annuity
How and where to buy, how to vet a specialist, and the mistakes to avoid.
- Annuity brokers by stateBy state
- Best annuity companies by stateBy state
- Find a specialistOverview