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In the insurance parlance, Annuitant is defined as a person who benefits from a pension or annuity. It can also be said to be a contract with an insurance company which is designed to give payments to the holder of the policy at specified intervals. The insurance payments are usually made after retirement.

There are two types of annuities - fixed annuity and variable annuity. A fixed annuity ensures a certain payment amount whereas a variable annuity does not provide for a certain payment amount. Both the annuities are safe and low yielding. The advantage of the annuity is that it provides a higher payment of the current value at the time of death. In case an individual dies before the policy period is over, the beneficiaries are the heirs who receive the accumulated amount of the annuity. The payments are subject to income and estate taxes.

Factors Affecting Insurance Terms and Rates

The life span of the person affects the annuity. Date of birth is the important factor which is used (more...)

Before you think of withdrawing any money from your annuity you should look into what type of annuity cost basis is defined in your agreement with the life insurance company. This is because if you are not careful you could easily exceed your annuity cost basis and be taxed heavily from borrowing from the policy.

You should also examine the annuity cost basis before you buy an annuity of any kind as it could impact how much you might have to pay if you had to withdraw that money for an emergency one day. After all one never knows when a sudden illness or accident may require digging into your retirement money.

Technically the annuity cost basis is defined as the initial payment or premiums that you paid out when you purchased a nonqualified annuity. In this scenario you have already paid taxes on the money so you will not be taxed to the gills if you have to withdraw the money.

Sometimes the annuity cost basis is not taxed upon withdrawal. This is particularly true if it was not fully (more...)