Pennsylvania has the lowest flat income tax rate in the northeast at just 3.07% — and for residents 60 and older, Pennsylvania does not tax distributions from retirement accounts including qualified annuities. That combination makes PA one of the more favorable states for annuity income. One important caveat: Pennsylvania’s guaranty association covers only $100,000 in annuity present value — far below most other states — so sizing positions carefully matters here. Start with understanding how annuities work if you’re new to the market.
Below are today’s best MYGA rates available to Pennsylvania residents, filtered to A-rated carriers only, updated daily.
2-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axonic Insurance | Waypoint 2 MYGA | 5.00%Top Rate | 2 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| GBU Life | Asset Guard Select 2 | 4.75% | 2 yr | $25,000 | 10% | |
| Oceanview Life and Annuity | Harbourview 2 | 4.60% | 2 yr | $70,000 | 10% | |
| Mass Mutual | Premier Voyage 2 | 3.45% | 2 yr | $1,000,000 | 10% |
3-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knighthead Life | Staysail 3 (Simple Interest) SI | 5.60%Top Rate | 3 yr | $100,000 | 0% | |
| Axonic Insurance | Waypoint 3 MYGA | 5.40% | 3 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Knighthead Life | Staysail 3 With Liquidity (Simple Interest) SI | 5.25% | 3 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Ibexis | MYGA Plus 3 (Simple Interest) SI | 5.20% | 3 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Athene IA | Athene Max Rate 3 (state specific) | 4.90% | 3 yr | $100,000 | Interest Only | |
| Midland National Life | MNL Guarantee Pro 3 | 4.85% | 3 yr | $100,000 | Interest Only | |
| Symetra Life Insurance Company | Symetra Select Max 3 | 4.85% | 3 yr | $250,000 | Interest Only | |
| North American Company | NAC Guarantee Plus 3 | 4.80% | 3 yr | $100,000 | Interest Only |
4-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Multi-Select 4 | 5.10%Top Rate | 4 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| Oceanview Life and Annuity | Harbourview 4 | 5.00% | 4 yr | $70,000 | 10% | |
| Clear Spring Life | Preserve MYGA 4 | 4.90% | 4 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Pacific Guardian Life | Diamond Head 4 | 4.80% | 4 yr | $10,000 | 10% | |
| GBU Life | Asset Guard Select 4 | 4.75% | 4 yr | $25,000 | 10% | |
| S.USA Life Insurance Company, Inc. | Select Choice® Plus 1 (4) Year Plan Base Policy MVA | 4.55% | 4 yr | $100,000 | 0% | |
| Corebridge Financial | Corebridge Pathway Choicesm Fixed 4 Annuity GROP | 4.50% | 4 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Guaranty Income Life | Guaranty Rate Lock 4 | 4.50% | 4 yr | $100,000 | 5% |
5-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knighthead Life | Staysail 5 (Simple Interest) SI | 6.30%Top Rate | 5 yr | $100,000 | 0% | |
| Ibexis | MYGA Plus 5 (Simple Interest) SI | 5.75% | 5 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Knighthead Life | Staysail 5 With Liquidity (Simple Interest) SI | 5.75% | 5 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Axonic Insurance | Waypoint 5 MYGA | 5.65% | 5 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Elite 5 | 5.40% | 5 yr | $10,000 | 0% | |
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Premier 5 | 5.35% | 5 yr | $10,000 | Interest Only | |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Multi-Select 5 | 5.20% | 5 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| Royal Neighbors of America | MYGA 5 Year | 5.20% | 5 yr | $100,000 | Interest Only |
6-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Multi-Select 6 | 5.55%Top Rate | 6 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| Oceanview Life and Annuity | Harbourview 6 | 5.35% | 6 yr | $70,000 | 10% | |
| Clear Spring Life | Preserve MYGA 6 | 5.10% | 6 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Pacific Guardian Life | Diamond Head 6 | 5.00% | 6 yr | $10,000 | 10% | |
| Guardian Insurance & Annuity Co. | Guardian Fixed Target Annuity 6 | 4.70% | 6 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Mass Mutual | Premier Voyage 6 | 4.70% | 6 yr | $1,000,000 | 10% | |
| American General Life Insurance Company | American Pathway VisionMYG 6 | 4.15% | 6 yr | $100,000 | 15% | |
| Corebridge Financial | American Pathway VisionMYG 6 | 4.15% | 6 yr | $100,000 | 15% |
7-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knighthead Life | Staysail 7 (Simple Interest) SI | 6.50%Top Rate | 7 yr | $100,000 | 0% | |
| Ibexis | MYGA Plus 7 (Simple Interest) SI | 5.95% | 7 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Knighthead Life | Staysail 7 With Liquidity (Simple Interest) SI | 5.95% | 7 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Axonic Insurance | Waypoint 7 MYGA | 5.50% | 7 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Elite 7 | 5.45% | 7 yr | $10,000 | 0% | |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Multi-Select 7 | 5.45% | 7 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Premier 7 | 5.40% | 7 yr | $10,000 | Interest Only | |
| Aspida | Synergy Choice 7 | 5.30% | 7 yr | $100,000 | 0% |
8-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Multi-Select 8 | 5.20%Top Rate | 8 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| Clear Spring Life | Preserve MYGA 8 | 5.10% | 8 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Pacific Guardian Life | Diamond Head 8 | 5.00% | 8 yr | $10,000 | 10% | |
| Guaranty Income Life | Guaranty Rate Lock 8 | 4.10% | 8 yr | $100,000 | 5% |
9-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Elite 9 | 5.50%Top Rate | 9 yr | $10,000 | 0% | |
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Premier 9 | 5.45% | 9 yr | $10,000 | Interest Only | |
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Premier Plus 9 | 5.35% | 9 yr | $10,000 | Interest Only | |
| Liberty Bankers Life | Heritage Classic 9 | 5.25% | 9 yr | $10,000 | 10% | |
| Securian Financial | SecureOption Choice 9 | 5.20% | 9 yr | $500,000 | 10% | |
| Clear Spring Life | Preserve MYGA 9 | 5.10% | 9 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Multi-Select 9 | 5.10% | 9 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| Pacific Guardian Life | Diamond Head 9 | 5.00% | 9 yr | $10,000 | 10% |
10-Year MYGA Rates
| Carrier | Product | AM Best | Rate | Term | Min Premium | Free Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axonic Insurance | Waypoint 10 MYGA | 5.50%Top Rate | 10 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Oceanview Life and Annuity | Harbourview 10 | 5.45% | 10 yr | $70,000 | 10% | |
| Royal Neighbors of America | MYGA 10 Year | 5.30% | 10 yr | $100,000 | Interest Only | |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Multi-Select 10 | 5.15% | 10 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| American National Insurance Company | Palladium MYG Annuity 10 | 5.10% | 10 yr | $250,000 | 10% | |
| Clear Spring Life | Preserve MYGA 10 | 5.10% | 10 yr | $100,000 | 10% | |
| Reliance Standard Life | Reliance Guarantee - 10 | 5.10% | 10 yr | $20,000 | 10% | |
| Pacific Guardian Life | Diamond Head 10 | 5.00% | 10 yr | $10,000 | 10% |
Rates shown are for informational purposes only and subject to change without notice. Only carriers rated A− or better by AM Best are included. Products marked SI use simple interest — the effective compound yield is lower than the stated rate. Minimum premiums shown are for non-qualified (after-tax) funds. Always verify current rates with a licensed annuity broker before purchasing.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania’s 3.07% flat income tax is the lowest in the Northeast — but Pennsylvania does not tax retirement income for qualifying residents, including qualified annuity distributions
- Warning: Pennsylvania’s guaranty association covers only $100,000 in annuity present value — much lower than the $250,000 standard in most states. Keep each carrier position at or below $100,000 or accept the unprotected portion.
- Pennsylvania law requires a minimum 10-day free-look period for annuity contracts
- Pennsylvania has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax on direct descendants (children, grandchildren)
- Qualifying retirees age 60+ can receive annuity income from retirement plans entirely free of Pennsylvania income tax
Are Fixed Annuities a Good Investment in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s retirement income exemption is one of the most valuable — and least-known — tax breaks for annuity buyers. Pennsylvania does not tax distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, and other qualified retirement plans for residents who are “retired” (generally age 60+ or separated from service). For most annuity buyers drawing from a rollover IRA, that means zero Pennsylvania income tax on every withdrawal.
But there’s a tradeoff: Pennsylvania’s guaranty association covers only $100,000 per person, per insurer — meaning you need to spread a $300,000 portfolio across at least three A-rated carriers to be fully protected. This is the single most important planning consideration for Pennsylvania annuity buyers. Don’t let the low tax rate distract from the need to manage carrier positions carefully.
Consider: William, age 64, lives in Philadelphia with $120,000 in a maturing CD. He splits it — $100,000 into Carrier A (5-year MYGA at 5.10%) and $20,000 into Carrier B — ensuring both positions stay within Pennsylvania’s $100,000 guaranty limit. His qualified annuity withdrawals will face zero Pennsylvania income tax under the retirement exemption. Federal tax still applies.
Pennsylvania Guaranty Association: How Your Annuity Is Protected
The Pennsylvania Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association (PLHIGA) protects Pennsylvania policyholders if a licensed insurer becomes insolvent. Pennsylvania’s $100,000 annuity limit is significantly lower than the $250,000 offered by most other states. This is a critical planning factor for any Pennsylvania annuity buyer.
| Coverage Type | Pennsylvania Protection Limit |
|---|---|
| Annuity present value | $100,000 per person, per insurer |
| Life insurance death benefit | $300,000 per person, per insurer |
| Life insurance cash value | $100,000 per person, per insurer |
| Multiple policies at same insurer | Combined subject to limits above |
The practical implication: A Pennsylvania resident with $300,000 to invest needs to split across at least three A-rated carriers — $100,000 each — to keep every dollar within guaranty protection. Any amount above $100,000 at a single insurer is unprotected if that carrier becomes insolvent.
Pennsylvania Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association
Website: palhga.com
How Pennsylvania Taxes Annuity Income
Pennsylvania’s 3.07% flat tax is the lowest in the Northeast. Critically, Pennsylvania does not tax distributions from qualified retirement plans (IRAs, 401(k)s) for individuals who are “retired” under Pennsylvania’s definition — generally age 60 and older, or those separated from service. Annuities funded through these plans typically qualify for this exemption.
| Annuity Type | Pennsylvania Tax Treatment | State Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified (IRA/401(k)) — age 60+ | Exempt from Pennsylvania income tax under retirement income exclusion | 0% |
| Qualified (IRA/401(k)) — under 60 | Taxable as ordinary income | 3.07% |
| Non-qualified (after-tax funds) | Only gains taxed; principal returned tax-free | 3.07% on gains |
| 1035 Exchange | No Pennsylvania tax triggered on the exchange itself | N/A |
Pennsylvania has no state estate tax. Pennsylvania does have an inheritance tax — but direct descendants (children, grandchildren) pay only 4.5%, and spouses pay 0%. Annuity death benefits paid to direct descendants face this 4.5% inheritance tax at the state level.
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) licenses and regulates all insurance carriers and agents operating in Pennsylvania. Before purchasing an annuity, verify the carrier’s license and your agent’s license through PID’s online verification system. Consumer complaints are handled by PID’s Consumer Services Bureau.
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) |
| Consumer services | 1-877-881-6388 |
| Website | insurance.pa.gov |
| License verification | Pennsylvania license search |
Tips for Buying an Annuity in Pennsylvania
- Never exceed $100,000 per carrier: Pennsylvania’s $100,000 guaranty limit is the most important planning rule for PA annuity buyers. Any amount over $100,000 at a single insurer is unprotected. Use multiple A-rated carriers for any investment over $100,000.
- Confirm your retirement income exemption status: If you’re 60+ and drawing from an IRA-funded annuity, Pennsylvania likely won’t tax your distributions. Confirm with a Pennsylvania CPA before assuming this — the “retired” definition has nuances.
- Plan for the inheritance tax on death benefits: Pennsylvania’s 4.5% inheritance tax applies to death benefits paid to children and grandchildren. Proper beneficiary planning can help minimize this.
- Work with an independent broker: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley have strong independent insurance broker communities. Independent brokers shop 20+ carriers for your best rate.
- Pennsylvania’s low tax rate is real but limited by the $100k cap: The 3.07% rate and retirement exemption are genuine advantages — but they only help if you’ve managed the guaranty risk first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pennsylvania’s guaranty association limit so low?
Pennsylvania’s guaranty association covers only $100,000 in annuity present value — the lowest among major states. This limit is set by Pennsylvania state law and has not been updated to match the $250,000 standard most other states now offer. It makes careful carrier diversification essential for any PA annuity buyer investing over $100,000.
Does Pennsylvania tax annuity income?
For qualifying retirees age 60 and older drawing from qualified retirement plans (IRAs, 401(k)s), Pennsylvania generally does not tax annuity distributions. For non-qualified annuities or those under 60, Pennsylvania taxes the gain at its 3.07% flat rate — the lowest in the Northeast.
What is the best annuity rate in Pennsylvania today?
The best MYGA rates available to Pennsylvania residents from A-rated carriers range from approximately 4.50%–5.50% depending on the term as of early 2026. See the live rate table above for current figures updated daily.
Does Pennsylvania have an inheritance tax on annuity death benefits?
Yes. Pennsylvania has an inheritance tax. Spouses pay 0%, direct descendants (children, grandchildren) pay 4.5%, siblings pay 12%, and others pay 15%. This applies to annuity death benefits paid to named beneficiaries. Proper beneficiary planning can help minimize the impact.
What is the free-look period for annuities in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires a minimum 10-day free-look period for annuity contracts. During this window you can return the contract for a full refund of your premium.
Who regulates annuities in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) licenses and regulates all insurance carriers and agents in Pennsylvania. Verify licenses and file complaints at insurance.pa.gov or by calling 1-877-881-6388.
How many carriers should I use for a large annuity investment in Pennsylvania?
As many as needed to keep each carrier position at or below $100,000 — Pennsylvania’s guaranty limit. For a $400,000 investment, that means at least four A-rated carriers. Use an independent broker who can place business across multiple companies efficiently.