Annuities can be classified in a number of ways.

According to when annuity payments begin:

Immediate Annuities

• The insurance company immediately begins payments for life or for a specified amount of time in exchange for your one-time contribution.
• Regular payments can be received on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis.
• A portion of each payment represents taxable interest, and the other portion is a tax-free return of your principal.

Deferred Annuities

• Can be funded through a single premium or through flexible payments over time.
• Can potentially help you to accumulate money for retirement, especially over an extended period of time.
• Your money grows tax deferred, which means you pay no taxes on earnings until you withdraw your money.

According to the method of premium payment:

Single Premium Annuities

• Can provide you with a way to turn a large sum of cash into guaranteed income.
• For those who have cash from an inheritance, legal settlement, business sale, etc., can fund an immediate or a deferred annuity.
• For those nearing retirement, who have assets accumulated in a retirement plan or other savings vehicle, can fund an immediate or a deferred annuity.

Flexible Premium Annuities

• Funded over a period of time, generally years.
• Allow you to pay premiums of differing amounts (within a stated minimum and maximum) on a set schedule or randomly.
• Your assets accumulate on a tax-deferred basis.
• Can fund either fixed or variable deferred annuities.

According to where assets are invested:

Fixed Annuities

• Guarantee you a specified rate of interest for a specified amount of time.
• Offer preservation of your assets and protection from market volatility.

Variable Annuities

• Provide you with a greater opportunity for asset growth through a variety of investment choices.
• With their greater opportunity for growth, comes greater risk. 

Variable annuities are offered by prospectus, which you can obtain from your financial professional or the insurance company. The prospectus contains detailed information about investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You should read the prospectus and consider this information carefully before purchasing a variable annuity contract.
Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for retirement purposes. Variable annuity contract values will fluctuate and are subject to market risk, including the possibility of loss of principal. Variable annuity contracts have limitations. For cost and complete details on coverage, contact your financial professional/licensed life insurance agent.

Life insurance and annuities are issued by AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (AXA Equitable) and by various unaffiliated carriers through AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. Co-distributed by AXA Distributors, LLC and AXA Advisors, LLC, members FINRA, SIPC. AXA Equitable, AXA Network, AXA Distributors and AXA Advisors are affiliated companies. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of AXA Equitable. The guarantees do not apply to the investment portfolios. 

AXA Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not provide tax or legal advice. This material is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax and/or legal advisors regarding your particular circumstances.

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