How to sell your annuity payments for cash: 5 easy steps

Selling annuity payments for cash can feel like a big step because those payments represent long-term security. Many people explore this option when they need liquidity for urgent expenses or major goals. But before you move forward, make sure you understand how the process works and the eligibility rules.

Read on to learn more about selling annuity payments to see if it makes sense for your financial situation.

Can I sell my annuity?

You can sell some or all of your annuity payments in exchange for cash, but only certain types qualify. Structured settlement annuities and lottery annuities are the most common products sold. Retirement annuities held inside IRAs or 401(k)s can’t be sold.

These are popular methods for selling an annuity when eligible. 

Full sale

With a full sale, you trade your remaining annuity payments for a single lump sum. This gives you the biggest payout. The trade-off is you lose all future payments, so the annuity no longer offers ongoing income.

Lump-sum sale

A lump-sum sale provides a one-time cash payment by selling only the payments you need to reach a set amount. The buyer looks at your payment schedule and calculates how many payments must be transferred. This method lets you keep part of your annuity while still accessing money for urgent needs. 

Partial sale

With a partial sale, you sell a portion of your annuity payments over a set period instead of for a fixed dollar amount. For example, you could sell half of your monthly payments for the next five years and keep the rest. This provides cash now while still leaving some income for the future.

Benefits of selling annuity payments

You probably bought your annuity to create financial security in retirement, but there are advantages to selling annuities or tapping into them early:

• Covering unexpected costs: Selling some or all of your annuity payments gives you cash to cover large expenses like medical bills or home repairs. 
• Paying off debt: High-interest debt eats into your savings and increases financial stress. Selling an annuity can help eliminate some of your burden, but you’ll need to consider the cost of forfeiting guaranteed income in the future.
• Reinvesting elsewhere: Selling annuity payments can give you access to cash for important life goals like purchasing real estate or starting a business. Although reinvesting that money carries risk, it could allow you to explore opportunities without giving up all your ongoing income.

Drawbacks of selling annuity payments

Annuity selling gives you cash right away, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

• Potential for overspending: Treating annuity funds as easy cash can lead to risky or impulsive decisions, such as taking an extravagant vacation. This type of focus on short-term costs impacts your long-term financial stability. 
• Risk to your future finances: Annuities are designed for steady income, so when you sell them early, it weakens your retirement security and could even derail your savings goals. When that income stream stops or shrinks, it can be difficult to find a way to replace it.
• Less money later in life: Selling annuity payments means giving up part or all of the income you would receive in the future. Buyers factor in the time value of money, so the cash you get upfront is usually less than what those payments add up to over time.

How to sell annuity payments: Step-by-step process

The process of selling an annuity is straightforward, but if you’re not prepared, you risk delays and not getting the best value. Follow these five steps to help guide your sale.

1. Confirm your annuity payments are eligible to sell

Start by confirming your annuity qualifies for a sale. Typically, structured settlements and lottery annuities can be sold, but retirement annuities like IRAs can’t. Checking eligibility early prevents confusion and helps you set realistic expectations.

2. Get quotes from factoring companies

Reach out to licensed factoring companies that specialize in purchasing annuity payments. Each buyer evaluates your contract differently based on payment timing and risk. Request multiple quotes to ensure you find the best market value for your annuity. 

3. Compare offers and understand the actual cost

Buyers calculate payouts using discount rates that reflect the present value of future payments. Pay attention to this discount rate along with the total payout, number of payments sold, and any fees or conditions that might reduce your proceeds. Comparing offers side by side helps you find the strongest offer.

4. Seek independent legal or financial advice

Before you move forward, talk with a financial advisor or an attorney who understands annuity transfers. An independent perspective can help you recognize the risks and potential tax issues. This helps avoid relying solely on the guidance from the buyer. 

5. Complete court approval and receive payment

Submit the sale for court approval to ensure the transfer is in your best interest. Once approved, the buyer processes your paperwork and releases the funds. Although timelines vary, approval and payment should take from one to three months.

When selling annuity payments makes sense

Use these questions to guide your decision on selling annuity payments.

Is income replaceable?

Selling annuity payments can make sense when you have other savings, investments, or guaranteed income streams to cover your ongoing expenses. For example, if your retirement plan includes Social Security or pensions, you may be able to replace the income you sell. This reduces the risk of long-term financial strain. 

Is the need temporary?

Determine if your cash need is temporary or long-term. Selling annuity payments can help resolve urgent issues, but it’s less suitable for recurring or extended obligations. Only sell what you need to meet your current financial challenge.

Are there dependents relying on payments?

Consider your family before deciding to sell an annuity. If someone will depend on your annuity income, selling payments could put their financial security at risk. Before you make a decision, take the time to understand their needs or even look into a partial sale first.

Selling payments versus other liquidity options

Selling annuities isn’t your only chance for quick cash. Here are other solutions that might fit your financial needs.

Partial sale vs. complete sale

A partial sale lets you access cash while retaining some of your annuity payments. A complete sale converts your annuity into cash but eliminates future income. Consider how comfortable you are with losing guaranteed income before choosing between these two options. 

Surrendering an annuity

Some types of annuities issued by an insurance company can be surrendered for their cash value. This ends the contract and may trigger surrender charges and tax consequences. 

Loans or other liquidity sources

Other options, such as borrowing against your annuity or using personal loans or lines of credit can give you cash without permanently reducing your future income. Loans may accrue interest and require repayment, but they allow you to hold on to guaranteed income.

FAQ

How long does it take to cash out an annuity?

The process for cashing out an annuity can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on its complexity and the buyer’s procedures.

What are the tax consequences of selling an annuity?

The IRS treats proceeds from selling an annuity as taxable income. Qualified and non-qualified annuities may be taxed differently, and you could face capital gains taxes if your annuity has grown in value.

How much cash can I get for an annuity?

The cash you receive depends on factors like the discount rate, payment schedule, and remaining term. Partial sales provide a portion of your income, while full sales exchange all future payments for a lump sum. 

Plan your annuity strategy with Gainbridge

As you’re deciding to keep your annuity or sell some payments, remember:

• Selling payments gives you cash now but reduces guaranteed income in the future.
• A partial sale lets you access money while still keeping some of your ongoing income.
• Court approval and discount rates can affect exactly how much you receive.

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Before selling future income, learn how modern fixed annuities work. Explore Gainbridge to compare current rates, check on income trade-offs, and see how products like FastBreak™ or SteadyPace™ can help you meet your short-term needs without sacrificing existing payments. 

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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be interpreted as, individualized investment, legal, or tax advice. The Gainbridge® digital platform provides informational and educational resources intended only for self-directed purposes.

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