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 libraryBy state
Annuity types
Fixed, MYGA, indexed, RILA, immediate, deferred income, QLAC, variable: what each one does.
- Annuity types comparedBy state
- 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 ratesBy state
- 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
Rules and servicing
Surrender charges, withdrawals, what happens at death, and how to get money out.
Guides for this branch are in review.
Comparisons
Annuities next to CDs, IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, bonds, and other places money can sit.
Guides for this branch are in review.
Retirement accounts
Moving 401(k), IRA, 403(b) and TSP money into an annuity, and the rules that apply.
Guides for this branch are in review.
By amount
What a given premium can pay, from $50,000 to $1 million, and how to read the numbers.
- Payout calculatorCalculator
- SPIA calculatorCalculator
By age
How age changes payout rates, issue limits, and which annuity fits each decade.
Guides for this branch are in review.
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 specialistBy state