Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative (Series 6)Practice Exam

What typically happens to the annuity principal when a qualified annuity is fully surrendered?

1. It remains tax-deferred until a certain age

2. It becomes taxable as long-term capital gains

3. It is counted as ordinary income

4. It results in no tax consequences

The correct answer is: It is counted as ordinary income

When a qualified annuity is fully surrendered, the principal amount, along with any accumulated earnings, is generally subject to taxation as ordinary income. This is because qualified annuities, which are funded with pre-tax dollars, allow for tax deferral until the funds are withdrawn. Upon full surrender, the entire amount is considered taxable income in the year it is withdrawn. This means that the IRS treats it as income rather than capital gains, resulting in the amount being taxed at the individual's ordinary income tax rate. The treatment of annuities as ordinary income is an important concept in the financial world because it highlights the tax implications associated with withdrawing funds from retirement accounts. Other options do not accurately reflect the tax outcomes of a qualified annuity's full surrender. For instance, the idea of tax deferral until a certain age does not apply once an annuity is surrendered, nor do the concepts of long-term capital gains or no tax consequences hold true in this scenario.