Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative (Series 6) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The significance of LIFO, or Last In, First Out, in relation to annuity distributions pertains to how the IRS treats the withdrawal of funds from an annuity for tax purposes. Under the LIFO method, the distribution is considered to come from the most recently contributed funds first, which typically means that earnings and interest, which are taxable, would be withdrawn before the return of the principal or original investment.

This method affects the tax treatment of withdrawals, as it prioritizes tax-deferred growth being taken out first. When a policyholder withdraws funds from their annuity, the last deposits they made – which are often earnings on the investment – are taxed, allowing the original principal amount to potentially remain tax-deferred longer.

This understanding is critical for both investors and financial representatives, as it impacts the investor's tax burden at the time of withdrawal. Understanding the LIFO method can lead to better strategies for managing withdrawals from annuities in a tax-efficient manner.