Annuity Shares

(Everything you need to know - and more)

Reviewer: Jeffrey Green Written by Jeffrey Green
Reviewer: Jeffrey Green
Written by Jeffrey Green

Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career.  He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.

Reviewed by Neel Lane
Reviewed by Neel Lane

Neel Lane is an independent contract paralegal who specializes in Medicaid and VA benefits. He helps people access and maximize the benefits that they're entitled to. He has over 30 years of experience in this area.

Updated
Annuity shares

Variable annuities have features and benefits that are not available in any other investments. Of course, nothing in the investment world is free. There is a cost for the unique features of variable annuities that are reflected in fee and expense charges.

Here’s how to make sense of variable annuity share class "alphabet soup."

Contact a local independent insurance agent. They can help you decide if a variable annuity is right for you.

What Are Variable Annuity Share Classes?

Insurance companies use variable annuity share classes to slice up fees and expenses. Each share class is a combination of fees and expenses designed to suit the needs of different investors.

Variable Annuity Fee and Expense Charges

Variable annuity fees and expenses come in four flavors: Premium-based charges are a percentage of contributions. Asset-based charges are a percentage of the account value. Surrender-based charges are a percentage of money withdrawn. Flat fees are usually transaction or administrative charges.

Here’s a summary of common variable annuity fees and expenses

Charge Type Description
Mortality & Expense Asset-based Cost of providing insurance
Mortality & Expense Premium-based Cost of providing insurance. Charge declines over a period of years.
Management Fees Asset-based Fees paid to subaccount investment managers
Administrative Fees Flat fee  Cost of record-keeping and other expenses
Surrender Charges Withdrawal- based Charge declines over a period of years. Withdrawals up to 10% of the account value are usually free of surrender charges.
Optional Benefit Fees Asset-based Charges for income riders, enhanced death benefits and other optional features
Premium Tax Premium-based 8 states charge a premium tax: California, Florida, Maine, Nevada, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming
annuities

Get Annuities from the Experts

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Variable Annuity Share Class Features

The common share classes for variable annuities are B shares, L shares, I shares, C shares and O shares. A shares, once popular are rarely offered. Let’s take a look at the differences and benefits.

Share Class Surrender Period Surrender Charges Mortality & Expense
Asset-based
Mortality & Expense
Premium- Based
Investor
Goal
B Share 5 - 7 years Typically starts at 7% declining to 0 in year 8 Yes, level No Lower cost in exchange for a longer surrender period
L Share 4 years Typically starts at 7% declining to 0 in year 5 Yes, level for 4 years
reducing in year 5
No Higher cost in exchange for shorter surrender period
C Share None None Yes, level. C share M&E is higher than other share classes. No Higher cost in exchange for no surrender period
O Share 5 years Uncollected premium charge Yes, declining Yes Lower cost after surrender period
I Share None None Lower than other shares.
The investment advisor charges a fee paid directly
by the investor.
No Used for fee-based accounts

Market Share of Variable Annuity Share Classes

More than 75% of variable annuities sold are B shares because of the lower cost in the long term. L shares are the next most popular at approximately 11%. Only 3% of variable annuities sold are fee-based, or I shares.

annuities

Get Annuities from the Experts

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Why Do It Yourself?

Variable annuities can be an important part of your retirement plan. While they have many features and benefits, they are not for everyone. Contact an independent insurance agent. They can help you decide if a variable annuity is right for you.

Share this page on Twitter Share this page on Facebook Share this page on LinkedIn

Advisor’s Guide To Annuities John Olsen

Insured Retirement Institute

Morningstar

Limra Secure Retirement Institute