Anuita

Anuita is a term used in some languages to refer to an annuity, a financial contract that provides a series of payments at regular intervals in exchange for an upfront premium or a series of premiums. The primary purpose of anuita is to provide a predictable income stream, often for retirement or long-term income needs. In many markets, anuita contracts are issued by insurance companies and can be structured in various ways to meet different financial goals.

Common types include immediate annuities, where payments begin soon after purchase, and deferred annuities, where payments start later. They can be fixed, guaranteeing a specific payment amount, or variable, with payments depending on the performance of underlying investments. Life annuities pay for the lifetime of the recipient, while term or period-certain options guarantee payments for a set period or provide a survivor benefit for a partner.

Key features and options include different payout structures, such as life-only, life with period certain, or joint-and-survivor arrangements, and riders that add benefits like inflation adjustment or death benefits. The payments are funded by the premium(s) and are calculated using actuarial assumptions, including interest rates, fees, and mortality expectations.

Tax treatment and regulation vary by jurisdiction. In many areas, earnings within anuita contracts grow tax-deferred until withdrawal, while distributions may be taxed as ordinary income. Some products impose surrender charges or account for administrative fees, influencing liquidity and overall return.

Related concepts include the annuitant (the person receiving payments) and beneficiary (the person who may receive benefits under certain options). Anuita products are used as a tool for retirement planning, risk management, and income smoothing.