What factors determine the taxable portion of annuity payments?

The taxable portion of annuity payments is primarily determined by the amount of the investment made into the annuity and the expected return on that investment. When an individual purchases an annuity, they typically make a lump-sum payment or a series of payments. The total amount paid into the annuity is considered the "investment in the contract." This investment is not taxed when received; instead, it is the earnings on the investment that are taxable as payments are received.

The expected return refers to how much the annuity is anticipated to pay out over time, based on the terms of the annuity contract. Annuities often include a return of principal (the investment portion) plus interest (the earnings), and only the earnings portion is subject to tax.

In summary, when determining the taxable portion of annuity payments, it is critical to consider how much was invested compared to the expected overall return, as this will dictate the portion that is taxable versus the portion that is a return of the taxpayer's original investment.