Group Life & AnnuitiesQuestion 249 of 315

During the ACCUMULATION phase of a deferred annuity, which of the following best describes the contract's status?

a.Premiums earn interest on a tax-deferred basis, no scheduled income payments are made, and the contract may be surrendered subject to surrender charges
b.The annuitant receives level monthly income payments based on life expectancy
c.The insurer pays only the interest credited and not the principal until annuitization
d.The contract is fully taxable each year on the interest credited

Explanation

A deferred annuity has two distinct phases: ACCUMULATION (or 'pay-in' phase) — premiums earn interest tax-deferred under IRC §72, with no scheduled distributions; and ANNUITIZATION (or 'pay-out' phase) — the contract converts the accumulated value into a stream of income payments. During accumulation the owner may surrender the contract for cash (less any applicable surrender charges and possible 10% IRS penalty if under 59½). Option B describes the annuitization (payout) phase. Option C invents a non-existent payout rule. Option D is wrong — annuity inside-buildup is tax-DEFERRED, not currently taxed, which is the very purpose of the annuity tax shelter.

Law Reference: IRC §72 and Cal. Ins. Code §10168 et seq.

Practice all 315 questions free — no signup required.

Related questions on this topic

Last reviewed: · editorial process

PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against California Life & Health Insurance License Exam · How we review
Report