How to Find a Buyer for Your Annuity
Although an annuity is meant to provide steady income, particularly when you retire, there are circumstances under which you might decide to sell your annuity.[1] You might decide to sell your annuity in order to buy a home, invest in a business, or to cover the costs of an emergency. Perhaps you've done the math and discovered that your annuity isn't the best most profitable option for you, and you'd like to reinvest. To find the right buyer for your annuity, start by deciding what sort of sale you want to make. Look for buyers who can give you the terms you desire. If time permits, get competing offers rather than going for the first buyer you find.
1
Determine whether or not your annuity is transferable.
If your annuity is not transferable, then you cannot sell it under any
circumstances. Check your contract to see if it is transferable. If you
are trying to get immediate funds, list your nontransferable annuity as
an asset or form of income and apply for a bank loan.
2
Determine if your annuity is a structured settlement.
Check your contract or consult your accountant to learn about the laws
in your state. Most states have laws that protect people trying to sell
their structured annuity. If your state has a Structured Settlement
Protection Act, your transaction will have to be approved by a state
court.[2]
The Periodic Payment Settlement Act protects claimants, who received a
cash sum as a result of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits,
from quickly depleting their assets, and turning to public assistance to
meet their needs.[3]
- Don’t try to sell a structured annuity by yourself, especially if you are living in a state that does not have a structured annuity protection law. Talk to a trusted broker and attorney before you proceed.
