Can you turn a term life insurance into an annuity?

Asked by: Mrs. Maurine King IV  |  Last update: May 23, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (73 votes)

Using what is called a 1035 exchange, it is possible to convert the cash value of a life insurance policy to an annuity, without having to pay taxes. However, there are a lot of factors and potential expenses to consider, so it's best to speak with an agent or other financial professional before taking any action.

Can term life insurance be converted to an annuity?

In addition, you may be able to use the IRS Section 1035 exchange to trade in a whole life policy for an annuity, which pays you a regular, fixed payment while you are still alive. Most importantly, converting a policy from term to whole life is often possible even if your health has worsened.

Can I exchange life insurance to annuity?

Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code allows for the non-taxable exchange of certain insurance products. Allowable exchanges include a life insurance policy to an annuity, an annuity to an annuity, an endowment to an endowment, and a life insurance policy to a life insurance policy.

What is the biggest disadvantage of an annuity?

Annuities tie money up in a long-term investment plan that has poor liquidity and does not allow you to take advantage of better investment opportunities if interest rates increase or if the markets are on the rise. The opportunity cost of putting most of a retirement nest egg into an annuity is just too great.

How much does it cost to convert a term life insurance to permanent?

There is usually no direct cost to convert term life insurance to a permanent policy. However, your premium payments will likely be higher.

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Is converting term life to whole life a good idea?

Converting to whole life insurance can provide cash value accumulation. Premiums are higher for permanent life insurance, but there is a significant upside: Cash value accumulates in the policy and grows tax-deferred. Whole life policy owners are also eligible to receive dividends.

Can you cash out a term life insurance policy?

While you can't cash out term life insurance, you can sell your policy. Additionally, you may have other options if you want to change your coverage, such as lowering your premium payments or converting to a permanent policy.

How much does a $100,000 annuity pay per month?

Here's a look at how much cash you can expect each month from a $100,000 annuity: Immediate Income Annuity: For someone 65, you might get around $614 each month with an immediate income annuity. If you're a 65-year-old woman opting for a lifetime annuity, it might be closer to $608 a month.

Why don t retirees like annuities?

Annuities can provide a reliable income stream in retirement, but if you die too soon, you may not get your money's worth. Annuities often have high fees compared to mutual funds and other investments. You can customize an annuity to fit your needs, but you might need to pay more or accept a lower monthly income.

What is the 5 year rule for annuities?

Please note that each of these options apply to either both qualified and non-qualified annuities, or just one of them. Five-Year Rule — Under this tax law requirement, the beneficiary must take the distribution of the entire account value of the annuity within five years of the owner's death.

How to convert whole life insurance to annuity?

Converting life insurance into an annuity

A permanent life insurance policy can be converted into an annuity through a 1035 exchange, which allows for the tax-free exchange of one insurance policy or annuity contract for another.

What is the 6 month rule for 1035 exchange?

In other words, if the proceeds from a partial exchange were used by the second insurance company to set up a multiyear guaranteed deferred annuity or a fixed index annuity, then no withdrawal should be taken from the new contract for at least 6 months (instead of 12 months under the old law).

Can you cash in a life insurance annuity?

Restricts early access to the annuity balance: A life insurance annuity limits your ability to cash out early. Some contracts pay a lesser amount, called a "commuted value," if you cash out ahead of schedule. Others are irreversible, meaning you can't access the value once you start the annuity payments.

Can you transfer life to annuity?

You can exchange a life insurance policy for an annuity under the 1035 exchange rules. But the reverse is not true; you cannot exchange an annuity contract for a life insurance policy. Suppose you surrender your annuity without a 1035 exchange.

What is a death annuity?

An annuity death benefit is a feature that provides financial protection to the beneficiaries of an annuity contract by offering a lump sum payment or ongoing income stream upon the annuitant's death.

At what age is whole life insurance worth it?

Whole life insurance may be a worthwhile investment at any age, depending on your current situation and long-term financial goals. Acquiring a whole life insurance policy when you're young and healthy can result in a lower premium payment.

How much does a $50,000 annuity pay per month?

For a $50,000 immediate annuity (where you start getting payments immediately), you're looking at around $300 to $320 per month if you're about 65 years old.

What is the bad side of annuities?

Cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of annuities. Expenses erode the owner's returns, especially on a variable annuity where the value depends on the investment returns. Some annuity contracts are so complex that the full rate of the internal expenses is hard for the average person to understand.

At what age should you not buy an annuity?

While there's no federal law setting specific age restrictions for annuity purchases, many annuity companies impose their own age limitations. Typically, these range from a minimum age of 50 to a maximum age between 75 and 95. It's essential to consider these restrictions when exploring your options.

How much will a $300,000 annuity pay per month?

With a $300,000 fixed immediate annuity, a 65-year-old man could receive around $1,450 to $1,950 per month for life, while a 65-year-old woman may get $1,800 to $2,200 per month. These payments are guaranteed for as long as the annuitant lives.

What is the age 75 rule for annuities?

Most financial advisors will tell you that the best age for starting an income annuity is between 70 and 75, which allows for the maximum payout. However, only you can decide when it's time for a guaranteed stream of income.

What's the highest paying annuity right now?

Best Annuity Rates This Week
  • Year. 5.70% GBU Financial Life Insurance Company. ...
  • Years. 5.40% Aspida Life Insurance Company. ...
  • Years. 5.50% Aspida Life Insurance Company. ...
  • Years. 5.40% Oceanview Life and Annuity Company. ...
  • Years. 5.65% Aspida Life Insurance Company. ...
  • Years. 5.60% ...
  • Years. 5.65% ...
  • Years. 5.20%

Can I borrow money against my term life insurance?

Life insurance loans are only available on permanent life insurance policies — such as whole life and universal life — that have a cash value component. You likely can't borrow against a term life insurance policy since it probably doesn't have cash value. Learn more about term vs. whole life insurance.

Can you withdraw $1 million in cash?

A $1 million withdrawal may be a bigger sum than your bank branch has on-site. So, you may be required to wait for a week or two before retrieving your newly liquid currency. The money needs to be literally shipped in for special withdrawals, and your bank may require you to provide a few days' notice.

How to convert a term life insurance policy?

If you're ready to make the switch, you need to contact your insurance company to begin the process. They'll walk you through the details, including how much of your existing coverage you can convert and how much the conversion may cost (insurers may charge a one-time fee to make the switch).