Congress Considers New Tax Advantages for Annuities

La Jolla, CA - February 17, 2005 - The United States Congress has proposed legislation that reforms the taxation of annuities. The bill, titled the Retirement Security for Life Act, if enacted, will waive federal taxes on half of the income generated by a lifetime annuity, up to a maximum of $20,000 annually.

Kevin W. Jackson, Executive Vice President of Retirement Strategies Group, Inc. (RSG) in La Jolla, stated, "We have been long-time advocates of increasing tax incentives for retirement programs and we're excited to see the Congress acting on these initiatives in an effort to encourage personal savings for retirement." This new law would effectively increase retirees' annuitization income and could provide a tax break of up to $5,000 for the typical retiree.

With the on-going debate regarding Social Security's long-term fiscal strength and likely decreased benefits, the average American's lack of pension benefits, and the increasing longevity of retirees, annuities are becoming a popular strategy for building individual retirement assets on a tax-deferred basis. Additional tax advantages will only increase their popularity as investment vehicles and a means of creating lifetime income.

About Retirement Strategies Group

RSG is a leading provider of investment and retirement programs to members of associations and affinity groups.  Focused on the accumulation and protection of retirement assets, RSG’s “Retirement Made Simple” approach helps association members easily learn about and purchase investment programs, annuities, long-term care insurance, disability insurance and longevity risk solutions to avoid outliving their assets. RSG is headquartered in San Diego, CA and can be accessed online at www.retirementstrategiesgroup.com.

Media Contact
Kevin W. Jackson, Vice President, Marketing
Retirement Strategies Group, Inc.
Phone (858) 642-0170
Fax (858) 642-0171
KJackson@RetirementStrategiesGroup.com