How annuities are taxed
A primary-source guide to tax deferral, basis, earnings, withdrawals, and annuity payments.
Read the guide →Annuities · Taxes · Plain English
Understand how federal tax rules apply to your annuity.
Qualified or non-qualified. Withdrawals, RMDs, the exclusion ratio, and the 1099-R on your table. We explain the mechanics with links to the IRS sources.
No rates. No product picks. No lead forms. Just tax mechanics and their sources.
Core guides
Start with six recurring questions.
Each guide separates general federal rules from facts that require your own records or professional analysis.
Qualified vs. non-qualified annuities
How the source of the money changes basis, distribution treatment, and retirement-account rules.
Read the guide →The exclusion ratio, explained
How an annuity payment can contain both taxable income and a return of after-tax investment.
Read the guide →RMDs and annuities
When required minimum distribution rules reach an annuity and why account location matters.
Read the guide →Early-withdrawal penalties
The federal additional-tax framework for distributions before age 59½ and the role of exceptions.
Read the guide →Annuities inside IRAs
What an annuity changes—and does not change—when it is owned by an individual retirement arrangement.
Read the guide →Annuity tax calendar
Three timing rules to verify each year.
Weekend, holiday, account, and first-year rules can change the applicable date. The calendar explains the rule and points to the current IRS source.
Latest calendar source update: Jun 24, 2026
1099-R furnishing period
Check the current form instructions for the payer deadline and correction process.
Individual return due date
Confirm the current IRS filing deadline and any valid extension.
Most recurring RMD deadlines
First-year and plan-specific rules can differ; use the current RMD guidance.
About this desk
Built as a reference, not a storefront.
Primary sources
Claims link to IRS publications, instructions, and forms with source-edition dates.
Honest unknowns
Missing or unreviewed data stays pending. It is never converted into a zero or a conclusion.
Clear boundaries
Education only: no individualized tax strategy, product recommendations, rates, or lead collection.