What are the implications of tax deferral in annuities?

Tax deferral in annuities is a significant advantage that allows the investment to grow without immediate tax consequences. This means that taxes on any interest or earnings generated within the annuity are not due until the money is withdrawn. Because taxes are delayed, the entire amount of interest earned can remain invested, which typically leads to compounding growth over time. This can result in a substantially larger accumulation of funds by the time the annuitant decides to make withdrawals, compared to accounts where taxes are paid annually on earnings. Hence, the postponement of tax payments facilitates potential higher growth of the investment due to the effects of compounding, making this an important consideration for individuals planning for retirement or other long-term financial goals.