### Question
Can you define what qualified joint and survivor annuity means?


### Answer
**Qualified joint and survivor annuity** is defined as the following in *26 U.S.C. § 417*:

> an annuity—


(1) for the life of the participant with a survivor annuity for the life of the spouse which is not less than 50 percent of (and is not greater than 100 percent of) the amount of the annuity which is payable during the joint lives of the participant and the spouse, and


(2) which is the actuarial equivalent of a single annuity for the life of the participant

#### Citation:
  - *26 U.S.C. § 417*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-Income Taxes > CHAPTER 1-NORMAL TAXES AND SURTAXES > Subchapter D-Deferred Compensation, Etc. > PART I-PENSION, PROFIT-SHARING, STOCK BONUS PLANS, ETC. > Subpart B-Special Rules**

