Estate planning at John Hancock

Yes, nonqualified John Hancock annuities can be owned by a trust. The new trust owner must complete both the Change of Owner and/or Beneficiary form and the Certificate for Trust or Entity Ownership form, listing the trust's grantors and beneficiaries with their dates of birth. However, under IRC Section 72(u), an annuity owned by a non-natural entity generally loses tax-deferred treatment unless all trust beneficiaries are natural persons. John Hancock takes the position that a trust holding an annuity as agent for a natural person may qualify for the exception.

To register as a trust policy owner, go to the johnhancock.com sign-in page, click "Register" underneath "Company, trustee, third party administrator," and select "Policy Owner (Trustee)" as your role. If you wish to authorize a trustee to make changes to your policy, John Hancock requires a Trust Certification form completed and signed by all named trustees. All documents submitted must reference the full trust name, date, and the policy number.