Variable Annuities

Variable annuities provide the opportunity for market appreciation—through a variety of investment options—with tax-deferred accumulation and future income.

Variable annuities are designed for people willing to take more risk with their money in exchange for greater growth potential. While there is more risk associated with a variable annuity, many variable annuities offer guarantees of principal and downside protection at an additional cost (depending on contract rider availability). However, these guarantees do not apply to the investment performance or safety of amounts held in the variable investment options.

Variable annuities offer:

• Tax-deferred Growth Potential: Taxes are deferred on earnings until money is withdrawn.
• The Opportunity for Market Appreciation: A variety of investment options are available. 
• Access to Account Value: Most variable annuities allow withdrawal of a portion of your account value without penalty. Withdrawals may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge within the first several years of any contribution, and if taken prior to age 59½, will be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty.
• Benefits to Beneficiaries: Death benefits paid directly to a named beneficiary are not subject to probate.
• Benefits to Spouses: Spousal beneficiaries may continue the contract and its tax deferral, if this option is chosen.

Variable annuity contracts have limitations, will fluctuate in value and are subject to market risk, including the possibility of loss of principal. Variable annuities generally impose withdrawal charges based on the withdrawal charge schedule. A combination of withdrawals and market declines could reduce a variable annuity’s account value to zero, in which case the contract would terminate.

AXA Equitable Variable Annuities

Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes. In essence, annuities are contractual agreements in which payment(s) are made to an insurance company, which agrees to pay out an income or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are contract limitations and fees and charges associated with annuities, administrative fees, and charges for optional benefits. A financial professional can provide cost information and complete details.

Withdrawals from annuities are subject to normal income tax treatment and if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty. Withdrawals may also be subject to a contractual withdrawal charge.

Please consider the charges, risk, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before purchasing a variable annuity. For a prospectus containing this and other information, please contact a financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

Variable 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, 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 Equitable 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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