When choosing to liquidate or take out money from a fixed or variable annuity agreement, the issuer imposes a surrender charge. In this article, we will be providing a summary of annuity surrender fees and how they operate.
It is essential to take into account that surrender charges differ depending on the annuity contract and the surrender period duration. This information should be carefully considered before making a decision. Early withdrawal from an annuity can result in a hefty penalty fee for not holding it for the full term. Therefore, investors should carefully evaluate their financial situation and long-term goals before committing to an annuity agreement.
What Are Annuity Surrender Charges?
Annuity surrender charges are fees ranging from 5-15%, depending on the length of the surrender period stipulated in the contract. The surrender period is a timeframe lasting between 5 and 15 years. During this period, if the investor decides to take out their funds, the annuity contract enforces a fee. The issuer designs these charges to encourage investors to keep their money invested until maturity.
A surrender charge is deducted as a percentage of the withdrawn amount from an annuity with a defined surrender period. For instance, withdrawing $1,000 from a 7-year annuity with 10% fee results in $900.
So, “what is a surrender charge on an annuity?” It’s a penalty fee for withdrawing funds prematurely from an annuity agreement.
How Do Surrender Charges Work?
Surrender charge varies based on the annuity contract type and the length of the surrender period. Early withdrawal from annuity results in a penalty fee for not holding it for the full term.
Withdrawing or cashing out of a variable annuity usually involves a surrender fee. This fee is applicable during the first 7 to 10 years of the arrangement. The cost of the surrender fee will decrease after the initial surrender period. However, it will remain applicable during the entire annuity contract period.
The best age to purchase an annuity depends on individual circumstances, such as retirement goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. People in their 50s or early 60s may consider annuities to secure a stable income stream during retirement. Annuities can provide a reliable source of income during retirement.
Are Surrender Charges Waived in Certain Cases?
In certain situations, annuity suppliers may not impose surrender charges. Terms for waiving the fee vary by supplier, but may include severe financial difficulty or terminal illness.
For instance, annuitants may be exempt from surrender fees if they are facing terminal illnesses and need resources for medical costs. Let’s look at a very basic feature of the Confinement and Terminal Illness Waivers that most fixed-indexed annuities provide:
Confinement Waiver
An annuitant can withdraw up to 100% of the contract value after one year. This is applicable if they are confined in a Qualified nursing home. No withdrawal charge or MVA applies if the owner qualifies for this benefit. A qualified physician must provide written proof with supporting documentation after the contract is issued to make the diagnosis.
Terminal Illness Waiver
An annuitant can withdraw the entire accumulated value of their contract after the first year if they have a terminal illness. This benefit is available without any withdrawal charges or Market Value Adjustments (MVA) if the owner qualifies for it.
However, the medical diagnosis must be made and documented by a qualified doctor after the agreement has been signed. Additionally, evidence of the diagnosis must be provided in writing to the insurance company before any withdrawal can be made.
Each provider has their own set of policies and stipulations for canceling the surcharge. One should check the details of the annuity agreement. This will ensure all conditions for waiving the fee are met. Only then should one attempt to take out the money.
Conclusion
It is essential to be aware of the fact that the amount of surrender charges vary. This is based on the kind of annuity contract and the duration of the surrender period. Early withdrawal from an annuity can result in a hefty penalty fee for not holding it for the full term.
Therefore, investors should carefully evaluate their financial situation and long-term goals before committing to an annuity agreement.
In certain situations, annuity suppliers may not impose surrender charges. Terms for waiving the fee vary by supplier, but may include severe financial difficulty or terminal illness.
One strategy for avoiding surrender charges is to choose an annuity contract with a shorter surrender period or to consider options that waive the fee in certain situations, such as in cases of terminal illness or confinement in a qualified nursing home.
Each provider has their own set of policies and stipulations for canceling the surcharge. One should check the details of the annuity agreement. This will ensure all conditions for waiving the fee are met. Only then should one attempt to take out the money.
