What is the term for the period during which an individual accumulates funds in an annuity before payouts begin?

The period during which an individual accumulates funds in an annuity before payouts begin is known as the Accumulation Period. This is the phase where the investor makes contributions or deposits into the annuity, allowing the funds to grow on a tax-deferred basis. During this time, the investor is not receiving any payments; instead, they are focused on building the value of the annuity through premium payments and interest or investment returns.

This phase is crucial because it sets the stage for the future payouts. The amount accumulated during this period will ultimately determine the size of the payouts that the annuitant will receive during the distribution phase. The longer the accumulation period, the more time the invested funds have to grow, which can significantly enhance retirement income later on.

The other choices describe different aspects or types of annuities and their payment structures, but do not directly refer to the accumulation phase itself. For instance, the Annuity Period typically refers to the time frame when payments are being disbursed to the annuitant. A Deferred Annuity is a type of annuity that includes an accumulation period, but does not specifically denote just that phase. An Immediate Annuity, on the other hand, involves payouts that begin almost immediately