FAQ

In most cases the industry-wide standard is a minimum of 90 days. Some companies will tell you they can get your deal processed in weeks. Unfortunately, courts do not operate that quickly. Most people want a set time frame and need the money right away. Some people will try to use that need against you. They will tell you what you want to hear, and then leave you waiting.

Why is a court order necessary?

Most states have passed a Model Act that requires annuitants to obtain a court order prior to reassigning their payments. In most cases a personal court appearance is not required.

How much do I get?

There are many variables involved. The financial rating of the insurance company making the payments, the size of your transaction and how far into the future the payments extend, all affect the amount you will receive. Our financing experts will be glad to discuss with you what your needs are and provide you with a quote.

Do I pay taxes on this?

No. On June 10, 1999, IRS issued Private Letter Ruling 119273-97, which confirmed that an individual's sale of their structured settlement payments would not create a tax liability to that individual.

Would you buy all or part of my future payments?

We can structure your deal in multiple ways. For example, we can buy all remaining payments, a partial number of payments or a percentage of your payments.

Do you charge any closing fees or other costs?

No. There are no hidden transaction costs; all fees are disclosed ahead of time.

What rate of discount do you typically use?

NAME OF THE SITE purchase rates are the most competitive rates in the industry. Rates vary based upon the type and structure of the transaction.

I didn't know I could sell my annuity... Can I really do that?

Yes, most annuity owners do have the ability to sell their annuity. In fact, J.G. Wentworth has been purchasing annuities from individuals for more than a dozen years, and we are the largest advanced funding firm of our kind in the United States. However, annuity contracts can be complex, and although we can purchase many types of annuities at various stages in their contract life, each situation needs to be reviewed on an individual basis. Please contact us if you're interested in a free evaluation of your annuity contract.

Should I sell my annuity?

While there are many benefits to holding an annuity, there are also reasons you might want to sell your annuity, including potentially better rates of return in other investment vehicles, more flexibility, more control, more tax-efficient estate planning, and perhaps one of the most basic reasons, liquidity. Ultimately, the appropriateness of an annuity for your circumstances is something you and your advisor should decide.

What if my annuity has a guaranteed life term?

If your annuity has a Life Only term or a Life with Period Certain term, there can be an opportunity for you to sell some or all of your annuity payments. For example, if you have a Life with 20 Years Certain term on your annuity contract, you can sell a portion of your annuity payments from the 20 Years Certain component, while still preserving your lifetime "guaranteed income" from the Life component of your annuity contract. Call us at PHONE NUMBER to learn more about your options or Request a Quote and one of our annuity specialists will contact you..

Is J.G. Wentworth trying to sell me another annuity?

No. We aren't trying to sell you an annuity or exchange your annuity for a new one. Instead, we are offering to purchase your annuity by providing you a lump-sum payment for your annuity or a portion of your future annuity payments. We are giving you back the flexibility to leverage your full financial resources to meet your constantly changing needs.

What are some estate planning concerns regarding my annuity?

According to current tax laws, many equity and fixed-income investments (such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds) have the tax advantage of a step-up in cost basis when distributed to heirs; however when an annuity is received by a beneficiary, he or she may face ordinary income taxes on any gains in the original annuity contract. This could have a negative impact on the overall wealth being passed on to your heirs. But please consult your tax or legal advisor to understand the impact concerning your specific circumstances.