# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000826734
**File Stem:** 0001133228-26-006768
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 1282916
**Document Hash:** e0fc4ff6f9d20d54cfce6aaf250d2c1d
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001133228-26-006768.hdr.sgml**: 20260427

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001133228-26-006768

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 51

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260427

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260427

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260501

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY Co VARIABLE ACCOUNT B
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000826734

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 061241288
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** CT
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-05438
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26902163

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10 EXCHANGE PLACE
- **STREET 2:** 22ND FLOOR
- **CITY:** JERSEY CITY
- **STATE:** NJ
- **ZIP:** 07302
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 615-981-8801

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10 EXCHANGE PLACE
- **STREET 2:** 22ND FLOOR
- **CITY:** JERSEY CITY
- **STATE:** NJ
- **ZIP:** 07302

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES LIFE ASSURANCE CORP VARIABLE ACCOUNT B
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20080102

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN SKANDIA LIFE ASSUR CORP VAR ACCT B CL 1 SUB ACCTS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19950424

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN SKANDIA LIFE ASSURANCE CORP
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19891121
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY Co VARIABLE ACCOUNT B
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000826734

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 061241288
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** CT
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 033-87010
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26902162

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10 EXCHANGE PLACE
- **STREET 2:** 22ND FLOOR
- **CITY:** JERSEY CITY
- **STATE:** NJ
- **ZIP:** 07302
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 615-981-8801

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10 EXCHANGE PLACE
- **STREET 2:** 22ND FLOOR
- **CITY:** JERSEY CITY
- **STATE:** NJ
- **ZIP:** 07302

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES LIFE ASSURANCE CORP VARIABLE ACCOUNT B
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20080102

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN SKANDIA LIFE ASSUR CORP VAR ACCT B CL 1 SUB ACCTS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19950424

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN SKANDIA LIFE ASSURANCE CORP
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19891121

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY VAR ACCT B (Series ID: S000001297)

| Class ID   | Class Name                              | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000003475 | Advanced Series Advisor Plan II         |  |
| C000010696 | Advanced Series Advisor Plan II Premier |  |
| C000010699 | Harvester Variable Annuity              |  |

Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2026<br>REGISTRATION NO. 033-87010; 333-290618<br>INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT NO. 811-05438

**UNITED STATES**<br>**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**<br>**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

**FORM N-4**

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933<br>POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 27 (033-87010)<br>and<br>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940<br>AMENDMENT NO. 232 (811-05438)

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933<br>POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 (333-290618)

**FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY VARIABLE ACCOUNT B**<br>(Exact Name of Registered Separate Account)

**FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY**<br>(Name of Insurance Company)

TEN EXCHANGE PLACE, SUITE 2210<br>JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY 07302<br>(Address of Insurance Company's principal executive offices)

(615) 981-8801<br>(Insurance Company's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY<br>C/O CT CORPORATION<br>3800 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 460<br>PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012<br>(Name and address of agent for service)

COPIES TO:<br>RICHARD E. BUCKLEY<br>SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL<br>FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY<br>TEN EXCHANGE PLACE, SUITE 2210<br>JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY 07302<br>(615) 981-8801

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Continuously on and after the effective date of this Registration Statement

**It is proposed that this filing become effective: (check appropriate box)**

□ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

⊠ on May 1, 2026 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

□ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485

□ on __________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485

**If appropriate, check the following box:**

□ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

------

**Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:**

□ New Registrant (as applicable, a Registered Separate Account or Insurance Company that has not filed a Securities Act registration statement or amendment thereto within 3 years preceding this filing)

□ Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act")) on May 1, 2025 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

□ If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act

⊠ Insurance Company relying on Rule 12h-7 under the Exhchange Act

□ Smaller reporting company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act)

------

**FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY**<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B<br>A Fortitude Re Company<br>Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210, Jersey City, NJ 07302

**ADVANCED SERIES ADVISOR PLAN II ("ASAP II")**<br>

**Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity**<br>**Prospectus Dated:** **May 1, 2026**

This Prospectus describes Advanced Series Advisor Plan II, a flexible premium deferred annuity (the "Contract" or "Annuity"), offered by Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company, formerly named Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation ("we," "our," "us" or "the Company"). The Annuity provides for the potential accumulation of retirement savings through investment in the Contract's investment options during the Savings Stage and retirement income through annuitization during the Payout Period. The Contract is intended for retirement or other long-term investment purposes. This prospectus describes all material rights and obligations of Annuity Owners under the Annuity contracts. The Annuity is a complex investment that involves risks, including potential loss of principal. The Annuity is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. Withdrawals may reduce the level of various optional benefit guarantees and could result in taxes and tax penalties. In addition, premature withdrawals from a MVA Fixed Allocation will result in a Market Value Adjustment. **In extreme circumstances, the maximum potential loss** **resulting from a negative Market Value Adjustment is 100% of the amount invested in a MVA Fixed Allocation.**

This prospectus describes all the investment options, features, and benefits that we make available under the Annuity. **The availability of investment** **options, features and benefits described in this prospectus may vary depending on the broker-dealer through which the Contract is sold** **("financial intermediary variations").** We have identified all such financial intermediary variations that are known or reasonably available to us. Financial intermediary variations may be imposed by some broker-dealers without our knowledge. For example, your Financial Professional may not recommend a particular investment option or benefit to you because of a decision by the Financial Professional's broker-dealer not to offer that investment option or benefit to its customers. Taking into consideration the breadth of our distribution network, we are unable to obtain information about all financial intermediary variations without unreasonable effort or expense. **You should discuss with your Financial Professional any limitations,** **restrictions, or other variations related to the investment options, benefits or other features available to you through your Financial** **Professional.**

The types of investment options currently offered under the Annuity include variable investment options with underlying mutual funds ("Variable Options") and MVA Fixed Allocation Options that offer a fixed rate of interest for a set period of time called a "Guarantee Period." **See** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925) **for additional** **information about each investment option.**

If you are receiving this prospectus, it is because you currently own the Annuity. The Annuity is no longer offered for new sales.

The Company's obligations under the Annuity are subject to its financial strength and claims-paying ability.

In compliance with U.S. law, we deliver this prospectus to Annuity Owners that currently reside outside of the United States. In addition, we may not market or offer benefits, features, or enhancements to prospective or current Annuity Owners while outside of the United States.

These Annuities are NOT deposits or obligations of, or issued, guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank, are NOT insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.

------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

------

Additional information about certain investment products, including variable annuities and market value adjusted annuities, has been prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission's staff and is available at www.investor.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 1-800-879-7012 OR VISIT: <u>WWW.PRUDENTIAL.COM/ANNUITIES</u>

ASAPIIPROS

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**Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [**GLOSSARY OF TERMS**.......................................................................................](#chapter_2_925) | [**1**](#chapter_2_925) |
| [**OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRACT**................................................................................](#chapter_3_925) | [**3**](#chapter_3_925) |
| [**KEY INFORMATION**.........................................................................................](#chapter_4_925) | [**4**](#chapter_4_925) |
| [**FEE TABLE**................................................................................................](#chapter_5_925) | [**8**](#chapter_5_925) |
| [**PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT**..............................................................](#chapter_6_925) | [**11**](#chapter_6_925) |
| [**DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE COMPANY, REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT, AND INVESTMENT OPTIONS**..................](#a_003) | [**13**](#a_003) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHO IS FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY?....................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_2_925) | [13](#chapter_7-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT ARE THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS?.....................................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_3_925) | [13](#chapter_7-sect1_3_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [INVESTMENT OPTIONS...................................................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_4_925) | [14](#chapter_7-sect1_4_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT IS THE LEGAL STRUCTURE OF THE PORTFOLIOS?.......................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_5_925) | [14](#chapter_7-sect1_5_925) |
| [**CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**................................................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) | [**17**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [FIXED RATE OPTIONS CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS..........................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_2_925) | [19](#chapter_8-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION CHARGES......................................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_3_925) | [19](#chapter_8-sect1_3_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [EXCEPTIONS/REDUCTIONS TO FEES AND CHARGES...........................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_4_925) | [19](#chapter_8-sect1_4_925) |
| [**GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACTS**.......................................................................](#chapter_9_925) | [**20**](#chapter_9_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CHANGE OF OWNER, ANNUITANT, AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS.............................................](#chapter_9-sect1_2_925) | [20](#chapter_9-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW DO THE FIXED RATE OPTIONS WORK?..................................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_3_925) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_3_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW DO YOU DETERMINE RATES FOR FIXED RATE OPTIONS?...................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_4_925) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_4_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY GUARANTEE PERIOD MATURES?....................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_5_925) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_5_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [DO YOU OFFER ANY ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAMS?.........................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_6_RAMA2220) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_6_RAMA2220) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE A "RETURN OF PREMIUM" AT A FUTURE DATE?.................](#chapter_9-sect1_6_925) | [22](#chapter_9-sect1_6_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TRANSFER AND REBALANCING PROGRAMS..................................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_8_925) | [22](#chapter_9-sect1_8_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS BETWEEN INVESTMENT OPTIONS...............................................](#chapter_9-sect1_9_925) | [23](#chapter_9-sect1_9_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL PERMISSION TO FORWARD TRANSACTION INSTRUCTIONS...............................](#chapter_9-sect1_10_925) | [24](#chapter_9-sect1_10_925) |
| [**ANNUITY PERIOD**...........................................................................................](#chapter_10_925) | [**26**](#chapter_10_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW AND WHEN DO I CHOOSE THE ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION?................................................](#chapter_10-sect1_2_925) | [26](#chapter_10-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW ARE ANNUITY PAYMENTS CALCULATED?...............................................................](#chapter_10-sect1_3_925) | [27](#chapter_10-sect1_3_925) |
| [**BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**...................................................................](#chapter_11_925) | [**28**](#chapter_11_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO)......................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_2_925) | [29](#chapter_11-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION..........................................](#chapter_11-sect1_3_925) | [31](#chapter_11-sect1_3_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GROPlus)..............................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_4_925) | [32](#chapter_11-sect1_4_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS.....................................](#chapter_11-sect1_5_925) | [36](#chapter_11-sect1_5_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE..............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_6_925) | [36](#chapter_11-sect1_6_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT IS THE "TARGET VALUE" AND HOW IS IT CALCULATED?...................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_7_925) | [37](#chapter_11-sect1_7_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN I RESTART THE 10-YEAR TARGET VALUE CALCULATIONS?..................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_8_925) | [37](#chapter_11-sect1_8_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT ARE TARGET VALUE CREDITS?.......................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_9_925) | [38](#chapter_11-sect1_9_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TRIGGERS FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT........................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_10_925) | [38](#chapter_11-sect1_10_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [BASIC DEATH BENEFIT...................................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_11_925) | [38](#chapter_11-sect1_11_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFITS..............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_12_925) | [39](#chapter_11-sect1_12_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFITS............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_13_925) | [44](#chapter_11-sect1_13_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPOUSAL CONTINUATION OF ANNUITY......................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_14_925) | [44](#chapter_11-sect1_14_925) |
| [**PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE**...........................................................................](#chapter_12_925) | [**47**](#chapter_12_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING THE ANNUITY.............................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_2_925) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [DESIGNATION OF OWNER, ANNUITANT, AND BENEFICIARY......................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_3_925) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_3_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW AND WHEN ARE PURCHASE PAYMENTS INVESTED?.......................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_4_925) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_4_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENTS........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_5_925) | [48](#chapter_12-sect1_5_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SCHEDULED PAYMENTS DIRECTLY FROM A BANK ACCOUNT....................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_6_925) | [48](#chapter_12-sect1_6_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SALARY REDUCTION PROGRAMS..........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_7_925) | [48](#chapter_12-sect1_7_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW IS MY ACCOUNT VALUE DETERMINED?.................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_8_925) | [48](#chapter_12-sect1_8_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [VALUING THE VARIABLE OPTIONS..........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_9_925) | [48](#chapter_12-sect1_9_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [VALUING THE FIXED ALLOCATIONS.........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_10_925) | [48](#chapter_12-sect1_10_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SURRENDER VALUE.....................................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_11_925) | [49](#chapter_12-sect1_11_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PROCESSING AND VALUING TRANSACTIONS.................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_12_925) | [49](#chapter_12-sect1_12_925) |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [**SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS**............................................................................](#chapter_13_925) | [**51**](#chapter_13_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TYPES OF DISTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU...............................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_2_925) | [51](#chapter_13-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES........................................](#chapter_13-sect1_3_925) | [51](#chapter_13-sect1_3_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN I WITHDRAW A PORTION OF MY ANNUITY?...............................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_4_925) | [51](#chapter_13-sect1_4_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNTS............................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_5_925) | [52](#chapter_13-sect1_5_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [IS THERE A CHARGE FOR A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL?...........................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_6_925) | [53](#chapter_13-sect1_6_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN YOU CLOSE MY ACCOUNT AND INVOLUNTARILY REDEEM MY INVESTMENT?...................................](#chapter_13-sect1_7_925) | [53](#chapter_13-sect1_7_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS..............................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_8_925) | [53](#chapter_13-sect1_8_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS UNDER SECTION 72(t) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE..............................](#chapter_13-sect1_9_925) | [53](#chapter_13-sect1_9_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS.......................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_10_925) | [54](#chapter_13-sect1_10_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SURRENDER VALUE.....................................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_11_925) | [54](#chapter_13-sect1_11_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [MEDICALLY-RELATED SURRENDERS.......................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_12_925) | [54](#chapter_13-sect1_12_925) |
| [**TAXES**...................................................................................................](#chapter_14_925) | [**56**](#chapter_14_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES...............................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_2_925) | [56](#chapter_14-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [QUALIFIED ANNUITIES...................................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_3_925) | [60](#chapter_14-sect1_3_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_4_925) | [66](#chapter_14-sect1_4_925) |
| [**LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**......................................................................................](#chapter_15_925) | [**67**](#chapter_15_925) |
| [**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**....................................................................................](#chapter_16_925) | [**68**](#chapter_16_925) |
| [**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**...................................................................................](#chapter_17_925) | [**69**](#chapter_17_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW WILL I RECEIVE STATEMENTS AND REPORTS?...........................................................](#chapter_17-sect1_2_925) | [69](#chapter_17-sect1_2_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW TO CONTACT US...................................................................................](#chapter_17-sect1_3_925) | [69](#chapter_17-sect1_3_925) |
| [**APPENDIX A – INVESTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**............................................](#chapter_18_925) | [**A-1**](#chapter_18_925) |
| [**APPENDIX B – SALE OF THE CONTRACTS TO RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK**.................................](#chapter_19_925) | [**B-1**](#chapter_19_925) |
| [**APPENDIX C – PLUS 40 OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE RIDER**.........................................................](#chapter_20_925) | [**C-1**](#chapter_20_925) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [**APPENDIX D – DESCRIPTION AND CALCULATION OF THE ENHANCED BENIFICIARY PROTECTION OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT** <br>**AND THE GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT**...................................................](#chapter_21_925) | [**D-1**](#chapter_21_925) |
| [**APPENDIX E – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION BENEFIT**........................................](#chapter_22_925) | [**E-1**](#chapter_22_925) |
| [**APPENDIX F – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS BENEFIT**...................................](#chapter_23_925) | [**F-1**](#chapter_23_925) |
| [**APPENDIX G – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM**.........................................](#chapter_24_925) | [**G-1**](#chapter_24_925) |

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[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_925)

**GLOSSARY OF TERMS**

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Many terms used within this Prospectus are described within the text where they appear. The description of those terms are not repeated in this Glossary of Terms.

**Account Value:** The value of each allocation to a Variable Option or a Fixed Allocation prior to the Annuity Date, plus any earnings, and/or less any losses, distributions and charges. The Account Value is calculated before we assess any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") and/or any Annual Maintenance Fee. The Account Value includes any additional amounts we applied to your Purchase Payments that we are entitled to recapture under certain circumstances. The Account Value is determined separately for each Variable Option and for each Fixed Allocation, and then totaled to determine the Account Value for your entire Annuity. The Account Value of each Fixed Allocation on other than its Maturity Date may be calculated using a Market Value Adjustment.

**Accumulation Period:** The period of time from the Issue Date through the last Valuation Day immediately preceding the Annuity Date.

**Annuities Service Center ("Service Center")**: The place to which all requests and payments regarding the Annuity are to be sent. We may change the address of the Annuities Service Center at any time, and will notify you in advance of any such change of address. Please see "[<u>How to Contact Us</u>](#chapter_17-sect1_3_925)" for the Annuities Service Center address.

**Annuitization:** The application of Account Value to one of the available annuity options for the Annuitant to begin receiving periodic payments for life, for a guaranteed minimum number of payments or for life with a guaranteed minimum number of payments.

**Annuity Date:** The date you choose for annuity payments to commence. A maximum Annuity Date may apply.

**Annuity Year:** A 12-month period commencing on the Issue Date of the Annuity and each successive 12-month period thereafter.

**Code:** The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

**Co-Annuitant:** The person shown on the contract data pages who becomes the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant before the Annuity Date. No Co-Annuitant may be designated if the Owner is a non-natural person.

**Contingent Annuitant:** The natural person named to become the Annuitant upon the death of Annuitant prior to the Annuity Date. A Contingent Annuitant may be named only in limited circumstances involving an Annuity issued to a Custodial Account or to a tax-qualified retirement plan.

**Custodial Account:** A trust or Custodial Account that qualifies as an individual retirement account as defined in Section 408(a) of the Code, including a Roth IRA that satisfies the definitions in Sections 408(a) and 408A of the Code.

**Fixed Allocation:** An allocation of Account Value that is to be credited a fixed rate of interest for a specified Guarantee Period during the Accumulation Period.

**Free Withdrawal:** The Free Withdrawal amount is the amount that can be withdrawn from your Annuity each Annuity Year without the application of any CDSC.

**Guarantee Period:** A period of time during the Accumulation Period where we credit a fixed rate of interest on a Fixed Allocation.

**Interim Value:** The value of a Fixed Allocation on any date other than the Maturity Date. The Interim Value is equal to the initial value allocated to the Fixed Allocation plus all interest credited to the Fixed Allocation as of the date calculated, less any transfers or withdrawals from the Fixed Allocation.

**Issue Date:** The effective date of your Annuity.

**Market Value Adjustment:** A Market Value Adjustment used in the determination of Account Value of each Fixed Allocation on any day other than the Maturity Date of such Fixed Allocation.

**MVA Fixed Allocation:** An investment option that offers a fixed rate of interest for a specified Guarantee Period during the accumulation period that is subject to a market value adjustment if you withdraw Account Value prior to the maturity of the Fixed Allocation. Your Annuity may include Fixed Allocations that are not subject to a market value adjustment, such as a benefit fixed rate account.

**Maturity Date:** The last day of the Guarantee Period.

**Owner:** With an Annuity issued as an individual annuity contract, the Owner is either an eligible entity or person named as having ownership rights in relation to the Annuity. With an Annuity issued as a certificate under a group annuity contract, the "Owner" refers to the person or entity who has the rights and benefits designated as to the "Participant" in the certificate.

**Payout Period:** The period starting on the Annuity Date and during which annuity payments are made.

**Portfolio:** Any underlying mutual fund which may be selected as an investment option by the Owner. The terms "Fund" and "Portfolio" are used interchangeably. Some of the Portfolios use the term "Fund" and others use the term "Portfolio" in their respective prospectuses.

**Purchase Payment:** A cash consideration in currency of the United States of America given to us in exchange for the rights, privileges, and benefits of the Annuity.

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**Registered Separate Account:** Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Co Variable Account B, which holds the assets supporting the Variable Options. Assets held in the Registered Separate Account are kept separate from all of our other assets and may not be charged with liabilities arising out of any other business we may conduct. The Registered Separate Account may be referred to as the "Separate Account" in this prospectus and the Contract.

**Surrender Value:** The value of your Annuity available upon surrender prior to the Annuity Date. It equals the Account Value as of the date we price the surrender minus any applicable CDSC, Annual Maintenance Fee, Tax Charge, the charge for any optional benefits and any additional amounts we applied to your Purchase Payments that we are entitled to recapture upon surrender of your Annuity.

**Unit:** A measure used to calculate your Account Value in a Variable Option during the Accumulation Period.

**Valuation Day:** Every day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading or any other day the Securities and Exchange Commission requires mutual funds or unit investment trusts to be valued.

**Variable Option:** A division of the Registered Separate Account. The Variable Option also may be referred to in this prospectus and the Annuity as a Variable Sub-account or Sub-account.

**"We", "our", "us", "FLIAC", or "the Company":** Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company.

**"You" or "your":** the Owner(s) shown in the Annuity.

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**OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRACT**

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**The Annuity referenced in this prospectus and its applicable riders are no longer available for new sales.**

**Purpose of the Contract**

The Annuity is a long-term investment designed for long-term retirement purposes because it allows you to accumulate retirement savings and also offers annuity payment options when you are ready to begin receiving income. This Annuity is a "flexible premium deferred annuity." It is called "flexible premium" because you have considerable flexibility in the timing and amount of premium payments. Generally, investors "defer" receiving annuity payments until after an Accumulation Period. This Annuity may be appropriate for investors accumulating retirement savings on a tax deferred basis and would seek guaranteed income through an annuity payment option.

**Phases of the Contract**

The Annuity features two distinct phases – the Accumulation Period and the Payout Period. During the Accumulation Period your Account Value is allocated to one or more investment options. See "Investment Options" below. During the Payout Period (after Annuitization), you can elect to receive annuity payments (1) for life; (2) for life with a guaranteed minimum number of payments; (3) based on joint lives; or (4) for a guaranteed number of payments. We currently make annuity payments available on a fixed basis. After Annuitization, the Death Benefits and optional benefits described in this prospectus will no longer apply. We reserve the right to make available other annuity options. See the [<u>"Annuity Period"</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_925) section of this prospectus.

**Investment Options**

*Variable Options:* The Variable Options we make available each invest in an underlying Portfolio whose share price generally fluctuates each day. The Variable Options do not provide any level of protection against negative returns. You are at risk of losing principal and any earnings if you allocate funds to a Portfolio.

*Fixed Rate Options:* The Annuity offers one fixed interest rate option ("Fixed Rate Options"). The Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation provides a guaranteed annual interest rate for a term of 1-10 years (in most states) called the "Guarantee Period".

An investment in the Fixed Rate Options may be appropriate for investors who seek a fixed rate of return on either all or a portion of their Account Value and do not need access to their money before the end of the Guarantee Period. If you withdraw or transfer assets from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation more than 30 days prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. **You could lose a significant amount of money due to a negative Market Value Adjustment.** The following transactions, when they occur more than 30 days prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled DCA transfers), and (v) the deduction of fees, and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.

**Additional information about the Investment Options is provided in** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18_925) **to the prospectus.**

**Contract Features**

*Death Benefits:* The Annuity also offers a basic Death Benefit that could protect your retirement savings if you die during a period of declining markets, depending on when you die. It also offers optional Death Benefits that provide enhanced levels of protection for your beneficiary(ies) for an additional charge.

*Living Benefits:* We offer optional benefits for an additional fee that guarantee your Account Value to a certain level after a period of years. As part of these benefits, you are required to invest only in certain permitted investment options. **For more information, see** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925)**.**

*Withdrawals:* You can withdraw a limited amount of money from your Annuity on an annual basis without any charges.

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**KEY INFORMATION**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** |
| **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** |
|  Are there Charges or Adjustments for Early Withdrawals? | **Yes.**<br>*Surrender Charges:* If you withdraw money from the Contract within 7 years following your last premium payment, you may be assessed a surrender charge. The maximum surrender charge is 7.5% of the premium payment, and a surrender charge may be assessed up to 7 years after the last premium payment under the Contract. If you make an early withdrawal, you could pay a surrender charge of up to $7,500 on a $100,000 withdrawal.<br>*Market Value Adjustments:* If you withdraw or transfer assets from a MVA Fixed Allocation Option prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. You could lose up to 100% of your investment in a MVA Fixed Allocation Option as a result of a negative Market Value Adjustment. For example, if you allocate $100,000 to a MVA Fixed Allocation Option with a 1 year Guarantee Period and later withdraw the entire amount before the 1 year has ended, you could lose up to $100,000 of your investment. This loss will be greater if you also have to pay taxes and tax penalties. The following transactions, when they occur prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals, Required Minimum Distributions, and withdrawals under elected optional benefits), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled DCA transfers), (v) the deduction of fees, and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.<br>For more information on early withdrawal charges and Market Value Adjustments, please refer to the [<u>"Charges and</u> <u>Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) section of this prospectus. |
|  Are there Transaction Charges? | **Yes.**<br>In addition to Market Value Adjustments and surrender charges, charges may be applied to transfers (if more than 20 in an Contract Year), to requests for duplicate reports, or if state or local premium taxes are assessed.<br>For more information on transaction charges, please refer to the [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) section of this prospectus. |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** |
| **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) for more information. | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) for more information. | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) for more information. |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Annual Fee** | **Minimum** | **Maximum** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Base Contract Fees** | 1.449%\* | 1.449%\* |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Portfolio Company fees and** **expenses** | 0.58%\* | 1.94%\* |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Optional benefits available for an** **additional charge**<br>(for a single optional benefit, if elected) | 0.25%<sup>1</sup> | 10.50%<sup>2</sup> |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \*Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) **section and** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925) **for more information.**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<br> Charge based on a percentage of the net assets allocated to the Variable Options or the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option (GRO)/GRO Plus, Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit, and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<br> Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br> Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **surrender charges and negative Market Value Adjustments that substantially increase costs.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \*Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) **section and** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925) **for more information.**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<br> Charge based on a percentage of the net assets allocated to the Variable Options or the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option (GRO)/GRO Plus, Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit, and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<br> Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br> Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **surrender charges and negative Market Value Adjustments that substantially increase costs.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \*Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) **section and** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925) **for more information.**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<br> Charge based on a percentage of the net assets allocated to the Variable Options or the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option (GRO)/GRO Plus, Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit, and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<br> Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br> Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **surrender charges and negative Market Value Adjustments that substantially increase costs.** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Lowest Annual Cost**<br>**$2,054** | **Highest Annual Cost**<br>**$6,293** |  |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assumes:<br> Investment of $100,000<br> 5% annual appreciation<br> Least expensive Portfolio fees and<br>expenses<br> No optional benefits<br> No sales charges<br> No additional Purchase Payments,<br>transfers or withdrawals | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assumes:<br> Investment of $100,000<br> 5% annual appreciation<br> Most expensive combination of<br>optional benefits and Portfolio fees<br>and expenses<br> No sales charges<br> No additional Purchase Payments,<br>transfers or withdrawals |  |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the [<u>"Fee Table"</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_925) and [<u>"Charges and</u> <u>Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) section of this prospectus. | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the [<u>"Fee Table"</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_925) and [<u>"Charges and</u> <u>Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) section of this prospectus. | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the [<u>"Fee Table"</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_925) and [<u>"Charges and</u> <u>Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) section of this prospectus. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Risks** | **Risks** |
|  Is there a Risk of Loss from Poor Performance? | **Yes.**<br>You can lose money by investing in the Contract.<br>For more information on the risk of loss from poor performance, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus. |
|  Is this a Short-Term Investment? | **No.**<br>The Contract is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. The Contract is designed to provide benefits on a long-term basis. Because of the long-term nature of the Contract, you should consider whether the Contract is consistent with your financial situation and objectives.<br>Withdrawals may generally reduce the level of various optional benefit guarantees provided and may be subject to federal and state income taxes, as well as a 10% additional tax. If you withdraw or transfer assets from the MVA Fixed Allocation Options prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested.<br>For more information on the short-term investment risks, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus. |
|  What are the Risks Associated with the Investment Options? | An investment in the Contract is subject to the risk of poor investment performance and can vary depending on the performance of the Investment Options you select. Each of the investment options available under the Contract, including the Variable Options and Fixed Allocations, has its own unique risks. You should review the investment options before making an investment decision. The Fixed Allocations may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be negative, causing you to lose money.<br>For more information on the risks associated with investment options, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus. |
|  What are the Risks Related to the Insurance Company? | An investment in the Contract is subject to the risks related to the Company. Any obligations (including under any Fixed Allocation), guarantees, or benefits are subject to the claims-paying ability of the Company. More information about the Company, including its financial strength ratings, is available upon request. Such requests can be made toll-free at 1-800-879-7012.<br>For more information on insurance company risks, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Restrictions** | **Restrictions** |
|  Are there Restrictions on the Investment Options? | **Yes.**<br>There are restrictions that may limit the investment options that you may choose, and there are limitations on the transfer of Account Value among investment options.<br>• You may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Contract Year. After the twentieth transfer in each Contract Year, we will charge $10 for each additional transfer <br>• If you select an optional benefit, your selection of investment options may be limited.<br>We reserve the right to:<br>• Remove or substitute Portfolios as investment options. Or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or Annuities purchased on or after specified dates;<br>• Impose limitations on an investment professional's or investment Advisor's ability to request financial transactions on your behalf.<br>• Limit the number of transfers you may make or to impose a minimum transfer amount; and<br>• Limit, suspend or reject any additional Purchase Payment at any time on a non-discriminatory basis. If we do so, you may no longer be able to increase the values associated with an optional living benefit or increase the amount of the death benefit under an optional death benefit through subsequent Purchase Payments. This would also impact your ability to make annual contributions to certain qualified Annuities.<br>Certain Investment Options may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the [<u>Cover Page</u>](#chapter_1-sect1_1_925) for additional information.<br>**For more information on investment and transfer restrictions, please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and Adjustments Section"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) **section,** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925)**,** [**<u>"Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract"</u>**](#chapter_6-sect1_1_925)**, the** [**<u>"General Description of Contracts"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_1_925) **section, the** [**<u>"Restrictions</u>** **<u>on Transfers Between Investment Options"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_9_925) **section, and the** [**<u>"Financial Professional Permission to Forward Transaction</u>** **<u>Instructions"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_10_925) **section of** **this prospectus.** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Restrictions** | **Restrictions** |
|  Are there any Restrictions on Contract Benefits? | **Yes.**<br>There are restrictions and limitations relating to benefits offered under the Contract. Except as otherwise provided, Contract benefits may not be modified or terminated by the Company.<br>• You may be able to obtain optional benefits, which may require additional charges. If you elect to purchase one or more optional benefits, we will deduct an additional charge on a daily basis from your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. The charge for each optional benefit is deducted in addition to the insurance charge due to the increased insurance risk associated with the optional benefits.<br>• Any withdrawals that exceed limits specified by the terms of an optional benefit may affect the availability of the benefit by reducing the benefit by an amount greater than the value withdrawn, and/or could terminate the benefit.<br>Certain Contract Benefits may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the [<u>Cover Page</u>](#chapter_1-sect1_1_925) for additional information.<br>For more information on optional benefits under the Contract, please refer to the "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Taxes** | **Taxes** |
|  What are the Contract's Tax Implications? | You should consult with a tax professional to determine the tax implications of an investment in and payments received under the Contract. There is no additional tax benefit if you purchase the Contract through a tax-qualified plan or individual retirement account (IRA). Withdrawals will be subject to ordinary income tax, and may be subject to the 10% additional tax for distributions taken prior to age 59 1/2.<br>For more information on tax implications, please refer to "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Conflicts of Interest** | **Conflicts of Interest** |
|  How are Investment Professionals Compensated? | Investment professionals may receive compensation for selling the Annuity to investors and may have a financial incentive to offer or recommend the Annuity over another investment. This compensation is paid in the form of commissions, based on your investment in the Annuity.<br>For more information on investment professional compensation, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information. |
|  Should I Exchange My Contract? | Some investment professionals may have a financial incentive to offer you a new Contract in place of the one you already own. You should only exchange your contract if you determine after comparing the features, fees, and risks of both contracts, and any fees or penalties to terminate the existing contract, that it is preferable to purchase the new contract, rather than continue to own your existing contract. This Annuity is no longer sold.<br>For more information on exchanges, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information. |

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**FEE TABLE**

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**The following tables describe the fees, expenses, and adjustments that you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering or making** **withdrawals from an Investment Option or from the Annuity.**

**The first table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you buy the Annuity, surrender or make withdrawals from the** **Annuity, transfer Account Value between investment options, or request duplicate reports. State premium taxes may also be deducted. These** **fees and charges are described in more detail within this prospectus in the** [**<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_925) **section.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Transaction Expenses** | **Maximum** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of each Purchase Payment)<sup>1</sup> | 7.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Transfer Fee<sup>2</sup> | $10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Additional Copies of Reports<sup>3</sup> | $50 |

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1. The
 charge is a percentage of each applicable Purchase Payment deducted upon surrender or withdrawal. The period is measured from the date
 of each Purchase Payment.

2. You
 may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Annuity Year. We will charge $10 for each transfer after the twentieth
 in each Annuity Year.
 We guarantee that the number of free transfers per Annuity Year will never be less than 8.

3. We
 do not currently assess this fee. However, we reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each additional report (i.e. confirmation statement
 or quarterly statement)
 you request.

**The next table describes the adjustments, in addition to any transaction expenses, that apply if all or a portion of the Account Value is** **removed from an MVA Fixed Allocation before the expiration of a specified period.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Adjustments** | **Adjustments** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Market Value Adjustment Maximum Potential Loss (as a percentage of Unadjusted Account Value in the MVA Fixed Allocation)<sup>1</sup> | 100% |

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1. The
 following transactions, when they occur prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial
 withdrawals (including systematic
 withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled
 DCA transfers), (v)
 the deduction of fees, and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.

**The following Contingent Deferred Sales Charge percentages apply based on the year of the surrender or withdrawal:**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Yr. 1 | Yr. 2 | Yr. 3 | Yr. 4 | Yr. 5 | Yr. 6 | Yr. 7 | Yr. 8+ |
|  7.5% | 7.0% | 6.0% | 5.0% | 4.0% | 3.0% | 2.0% |  |

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**The next table describes the maximum fees and expenses that you will pay each year during the time that you own the Annuity (not including** **Portfolio fees and expenses). Your current fees and expenses may be less than the maximum.**

**If you choose to purchase an optional benefit, you will pay additional charges, as shown below.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Annual Annuity Expenses** | **Maximum** |
|  Administrative Expenses<sup>1</sup> (assessed annually on the Annuity's anniversary date or upon surrender) | Lesser of $30 or 2% of Account Value |
|  Base Contract Expenses<sup>2</sup> (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 1.40% |
|  **Optional Benefit Fees and Charges** |  |
|  Guaranteed Return Option (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 0.50% |
|  Guaranteed Return Option Plus (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 0.50% |
|  Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options)<sup>3</sup> | 0.75% |
|  Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 0.75% |
|  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (based on the current Death Benefit amount). **Please refer** **to** [**<u>Appendix D</u>**](#chapter_21-sect1_1_925) **for a complete description of the charges.** | 0.55% |
|  Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider (based on your age and your Account Value as of the Issue Date of your Annuity). **Please refer to** [**<u>"Appendix C"</u>**](#chapter_20-sect1_1_925) **for a complete description of** **charges.** | Charges range from .80% for Owners age 40 - 75 to 10.50% for Owners age 95. |

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1. The
 Administrative Expense is referred to as "Annual Maintenance Fee" elsewhere in this Prospectus.

2. The
 Base Contract Expense is referred to as the "insurance charge" elsewhere in this Prospectus.

3. If
 the Annuity was purchased before November 18, 2002, the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit fee was based on the Account Value.

**The next item shows the minimum and maximum total operating expenses charged by the Portfolios that you may pay periodically during the** **time that you own the Annuity. Expenses shown may change over time and be higher or lower in the future. A complete list of Portfolios** **available under the Annuity, including their annual expenses, may be found at** [**<u>"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925)[**<u>Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925) **of this prospectus.**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Annual Portfolio Expenses** | **Annual Portfolio Expenses** | **Annual Portfolio Expenses** |
|  (expenses that are deducted from Portfolio assets, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses) | *<u>Minimum</u>* | *<u>Maximum</u>* |
|  (expenses that are deducted from Portfolio assets, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses) | 0.58% | 1.94% |

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**Example**

**This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Variable Options with the cost of investing in other annuity** **contracts that offer variable options. These costs include Transaction Expenses, Annual Annuity Expenses, and Annual Portfolio Expenses.**

**The Example assumes all Account Value is allocated to the Variable Options. The Example does not reflect Market Value Adjustment. Your** **costs could differ from those shown below if you invest in the MVA Fixed Allocation**

**The Example assumes that you invest $100,000 in the Variable Options for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your** **investment has a 5% return each year and assumes the most expensive combination of Annual Portfolio Expenses and optional benefits** **available for an additional charge. The first example assumes a contract with GRO Plus, Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit and Plus40.** **The second example assumes a contract with GRO Plus and Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit. Although, your actual costs may be** **higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:**

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS, HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** |
|  | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit |
|  | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs |
|  If you surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $13793 | $24918 | $35594 | $71646 | $12456 | $21106 | $29580 | $62341 |
|  If you annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $6293 | $18918 | $31594 | $71646 | $4956 | $15106 | $25580 | $62341 |
|  If you do not surrender or annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $6293 | $18918 | $31594 | $71646 | $4956 | $15106 | $25580 | $62341 |

---

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II WITH GRO PLUS AND HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT** |
|  | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit |
|  | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs |
|  If you surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $12189 | $20096 | $27542 | $47325 | $10830 | $16149 | $21186 | $35777 |
|  If you annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $4689 | $14096 | $23542 | $47325 | $3330 | $10149 | $17186 | $35777 |
|  If you do not surrender or annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $4689 | $14096 | $23542 | $47325 | $3330 | $10149 | $17186 | $35777 |

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**PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT**

------

The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the Annuity. The Annuity may be subject to additional risks other than those identified and described in this prospectus.

**Risk of Loss:** You could lose money by investing in the Annuity, including your principal investment. An investment in the Annuity is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Risks Associated with Variable Options:** You take all the investment risk for amounts allocated to one or more of the Variable Options, which invest in Portfolios. If the Variable Options you select increase in value, then your Account Value goes up; if they decrease in value, your Account Value goes down. How much your Account Value goes up or down depends on the performance of the Portfolios in which your Variable Options invest. We do not guarantee the investment results of any Portfolio. An investment in the Annuity is subject to the risk of poor investment performance, and the value of your investment can vary depending on the performance of the selected Portfolio(s), each of which has its own unique risks. You should review the Portfolios before making an investment decision. We reserve the right to add, eliminate, substitute or combine Variable Options as Investment Options available under the Annuity or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or for Annuities purchased on or after specified dates.

**Risks Associated with the MVA Fixed Allocation:** We determine the interest rates credited to the MVA Fixed Allocation in our sole discretion, subject to guaranteed minimums, and we may change the rates for new Guarantee Periods at any time. Any change in interest rates do not affect Guarantee Periods that began before the date of the change. There is a risk that the interest rates for new Guarantee Periods will be lower than the rates that were previously in effect. In addition, if you withdraw or transfer assets from a MVA Fixed Allocation prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. **You could lose up to 100% of your investment in a MVA** **Fixed Allocation as a result of a negative Market Value Adjustment.** Generally, if yields are higher at the time of Market Value Adjustment application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee Period, the Market Value Adjustment will be negative.

**Early Withdrawal Risk:** The Annuity is not a short-term investment vehicle and is not an appropriate investment for an investor who needs ready access to cash. The Annuity is designed to provide benefits on a long-term basis. Because of the long-term nature of the Annuity, you should consider whether the Annuity is consistent with your financial situation and objectives. Withdrawals under the Annuity, including partial withdrawals and a full surrender, may be subject to negative Market Value Adjustments and negative tax consequences. If you have elected certain Optional Benefits, a withdrawal may reduce the amount of your Benefit on more than a dollar-for-dollar basis. While the Annuity provides a Death Benefit, the amount of that benefit is subject to investment gains and losses and is reduced for any withdrawals you take.

**Insurance Company Risk:** No company other than us has any legal responsibility to pay amounts that we owe under the Annuity, including amounts allocated to the Fixed Allocations, which are supported by our general account and are subject to our claims-paying ability. Assets in the general account are not segregated for the exclusive benefit of any particular contract or obligation. General account assets are also available to our general creditors and for conducting routine business activities, such as the payment of salaries, rent and other ordinary business expenses. You should look to our financial strength for our claims-paying ability. We are also subject to risks related to disasters and other events, such as storms, earthquakes, fires, outbreaks of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19), utility failures, terrorist acts, political and social developments, and military and governmental actions. These risks are often collectively referred to as "business continuity" risks. These events could adversely affect us and our ability to conduct business and process transactions. Although we have business continuity plans, it is possible that the plans may not operate as intended or required and that we may not be able to provide required services, process transactions, deliver documents or calculate values. It is also possible that service levels may decline as a result of such events.

**Possible Adverse Tax Consequences:** The tax considerations associated with the Annuity vary and can be complicated. The tax considerations discussed in this prospectus are general in nature and describe only federal income tax law (not state, local, foreign or other federal tax laws). Before making a Purchase Payment or taking other action related to your Annuity, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor for complete information and advice. For example, distributions from your Annuity are generally subject to ordinary income taxation on the amount of any investment gain unless the distribution qualifies as a non-taxable exchange or transfer. In addition, if you take a distribution prior to the taxpayer's age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% additional tax in addition to ordinary income taxes on any gain.

**Possible Fees on Access to Account Value:** We may apply fees if you access your Account Value during the Accumulation Period or surrender your Annuity. For example, in addition to possible tax consequences discussed above, you may incur fees for accessing your Account Value such as a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Annual Maintenance Fee, Tax Charge, and/or a charge for any optional benefits. In addition, we may assess a Market Value Adjustment for withdrawals from a Fixed Allocation.

**Annuity Changes Risk:** We reserve the right to limit the number of transfers you may make or to impose a minimum transfer amount. We also reserve the right to add, eliminate, substitute or combine Variable Options as Investment Options available under the Annuity or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or for Annuities purchased on or after specified dates. We may limit, suspend or reject any additional Purchase Payment at any time on a non-discriminatory basis. If we do so, you may no longer be able to increase the values associated with an optional living benefit or increase the amount of the death benefit under an optional death benefit through subsequent Purchase Payments. This would also impact your ability to make annual contributions to certain qualified Annuities. In addition, we may impose limitations on an investment professional's or investment advisor's ability to request financial transactions on your behalf.

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**Cyber Security and Business Continuity Risks:** With the increasing use of technology and computer systems in general and, in particular, the Internet to conduct necessary business functions, the Company is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. These risks, which are often collectively referred to as "cyber security" risks, may include deliberate or malicious attacks, as well as unintentional events and occurrences. These risks are heightened by our offering of increasingly complex products, such as those that feature automatic asset transfer or reallocation strategies, and by our employment of complex investment, trading and hedging programs. Cyber security is generally defined as the technology, operations and related protocol surrounding and protecting a user's computer hardware, network, systems and applications and the data transmitted and stored therewith. These measures ensure the reliability of a user's systems, as well as the security, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data assets.

Deliberate cyber attacks can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access (including physical break-ins) to computer systems in order to misappropriate and/or disclose sensitive or confidential information; deleting, corrupting or modifying data; and causing operational disruptions. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (in order to prevent access to computer networks). In addition to deliberate breaches engineered by external actors, cyber security risks can also result from the conduct of malicious, exploited or careless insiders, whose actions may result in the destruction, release or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information stored on an organization's systems.

The Company is also subject to risks related to disasters and other events, such as storms, earthquakes, fires, outbreaks of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19), utility failures, terrorist acts, political and social developments, and military and governmental actions. These risks are often collectively referred to as "business continuity" risks. These events could adversely affect the Company and our ability to conduct business and process transactions. Although the Company has business continuity plans, it is possible that the plans may not operate as intended or required and that the Company may not be able to provide required services, process transactions, deliver documents or calculate values. It is also possible that service levels may decline as a result of such events.

Cyber security events, disasters and similar events, whether deliberate or unintentional, that could impact the Company and Contract owners could arise not only in connection with our own administration of the Annuity, but also with entities operating the Annuity's Portfolios and with third-party service providers. Cyber security and other events affecting any of the entities involved with the offering and administration of the Annuity may cause significant disruptions in the business operations related to the Annuity. Potential impacts may include, but are not limited to, potential financial losses under the Annuity, your inability to conduct transactions under the Annuity and/or with respect to a Portfolio, an inability to calculate unit values with respect to the Annuity and/or the net asset value ("NAV") with respect to a Portfolio, and disclosures of your personal or confidential account information.

In addition to direct impacts to you, cyber security and other events described above may result in adverse impacts to the Company, including regulatory inquiries, regulatory proceedings, regulatory and/or legal and litigation costs, and reputational damage. Costs incurred by the Company may include reimbursement and other expenses, including the costs of litigation and litigation settlements and additional compliance costs. Considerable expenses also may be incurred by the Company in enhancing and upgrading computer systems and systems security following a cyber security failure or responding to a disaster or similar event. The rapid proliferation of technologies, as well as the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and others continue to pose new and significant cyber security threats. In addition, the global spread of COVID-19 has caused the Company and its service providers to implement business continuity plans, including widespread use of work-from-home arrangements. Although the Company, our service providers, and the Portfolios offered under the Annuity may have established business continuity plans and risk management systems to mitigate risks, there can be no guarantee or assurance that such plans or systems will be effective, or that all risks that exist, or may develop in the future, have been completely anticipated and identified or can be protected against. Furthermore, the Company cannot control or assure the efficacy of the cyber security and business continuity plans and systems implemented by third-party service providers, the Portfolios, and the issuers in which the Portfolios invest.

The military invasion of Ukraine initiated by Russia in February 2022 and the resulting response by the United States and other countries have led to economic disruptions, as well as increased volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. It is not possible to predict the ultimate duration and scope of the conflict, or the future impact on U.S. and global economies and financial markets.

**Artificial Intelligence Risk:** In addition to the cyber security risks described above, the development, adoption and use of AI, including generative artificial intelligence ("Generative AI"), by us and by third parties on whom we rely may increase existing operational risks or create new operational risks that we are not currently anticipating. AI technologies offer potential benefits in areas such as customer service personalization and process automation, and we expect to use AI and Generative AI to help deliver products and services and support critical functions. We also expect third parties on whom we rely to do the same. There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI, and there can be no assurance that its use will enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability. The risk that AI and Generative AI may be misused is increased by the relative newness of the technology, the speed at which it is being adopted, and the lack of laws, regulations or standards governing its use. Such misuse could expose the Company to legal or regulatory risk, damage customer relationships or cause reputational harm. Further, our ability to continue to develop and efficiently deploy AI technologies depends on access to specific third-party equipment and other physical infrastructure, such as processing hardware and network capacity, the availability and pricing of which is difficult to control, especially in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors may also adopt AI or Generative AI more quickly or more effectively than we do, which could cause competitive harm. Because the Generative AI technology is so new, some of the potential risks of Generative AI are currently unknowable.

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**DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE COMPANY, REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT, AND INVESTMENT** **OPTIONS**

------

**WHO IS FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY?**

Annuities and Life Insurance are issued by Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), located at Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210, Jersey City, NJ 07302. FLIAC is obligated to pay all amounts promised to investors under the Annuity, subject to its financial strength and claims-paying ability. Fortitude Re has retained The Prudential Insurance Company of America ("PICA") as an unaffiliated Third-Party Administrator. Variable Annuities are distributed by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. ("PAD"), Shelton, CT (main office). PICA and PAD are Prudential Financial Inc. companies. Each company (FLIAC, PICA, PAD) is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

Fortitude Re is the marketing name for FGH Parent, L.P. and its subsidiaries, including FLIAC. Each subsidiary is responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

Pursuant to the delivery obligations under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 159 thereunder, we deliver this prospectus to current contract owners that reside outside of the United States. In addition, we may not market or offer benefits, features or enhancements to prospective or current contract owners while outside of the United States.

**<u>Rule 12h-7</u>**

With respect to the offering of Market Value Adjusted options, the Company relies on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from the requirement to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of that Act.

**<u>Claims of Creditors</u>**

To the extent permitted by law, no payment or value under this Annuity is subject to the claims of your creditors or those of any other Owner, any Annuitant, or any Beneficiary.

**<u>Deferral of Transactions</u>**

We may defer any annuity payment for a period not to exceed the lesser of 6 months or the period permitted by law. If we defer a distribution or transfer from any annuity payout for more than thirty days, we will pay interest as required by state law. We may defer any distribution from any Allocation Option or any transfer from Allocation Options for a period not to exceed seven calendar days from the date the transaction is affected.

**WHAT ARE THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS?**

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Separate Account B**

During the Accumulation Period, the assets supporting obligations based on allocations to the Variable Options are held in Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B (the "Registered Separate Account"). Income, gains and losses credited to, or charged against, the Registered Separate Account reflect the Registered Separate Account's own investment experience and not the investment experience of our other assets. The assets of the Registered Separate Account may not be used to pay any liabilities of ours other than those arising from the Annuity and other annuity contracts issued in connection with the Registered Separate Account.

The Registered Separate Account consists of multiple Variable Options. Each Variable Option invests only in a single Portfolio. The name of each Variable Option generally corresponds to the name of the Portfolio. Each Variable Option may have several different Unit Prices to reflect charges that are offered under annuities issued by us through the Registered Separate Account. The Registered Separate Account is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") as a unit investment trust, which is a type of investment company. The SEC does not supervise investment policies, management or practices of the Registered Separate Account. We may offer new Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, or combine Variable Options at our sole discretion. We may also close Variable Options to additional Purchase Payments on existing annuities or close Variable Options for annuities purchased on or after specified dates.

In addition to rights that we specifically reserve elsewhere in this prospectus, we reserve the right to perform any or all of the following:

• offer
 new Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, substitute Variable Options or combine Variable Options;

• close
 Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or close Variable Options for Annuities purchased on or after
 specified dates;

• combine
 the Registered Separate Account with separate accounts;

• deregister
 the Registered Separate Account under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

• manage
 the Registered Separate Account as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or in any other
 form permitted by law;

• make
 changes required by any change in the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
 the Investment Company Act of 1940, or any other changes to the Securities and Exchange Commission's interpretation
 thereof;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• establish
 a provision in the Annuity for federal income taxes if we determine, in our sole discretion, that we will incur a tax as the result of the operation of
 the Registered Separate Account;

• make
 any changes required by federal or state laws with respect to annuity contracts; and

• to
 the extent dictated by any underlying Portfolio, impose a redemption fee or restrict transfers within any Variable Option.

We will first notify you and receive any necessary SEC and/or state approval before making such a change. If an underlying Portfolio is liquidated, we will ask you to reallocate any amount in the liquidated fund. If you do not reallocate these amounts, we will reallocate such amounts only in accordance with SEC pronouncements and only after obtaining an order from the SEC, if required. If investment in the Portfolios or a particular Portfolio is no longer possible, or in our discretion becomes inappropriate for purposes of the Annuity, or for any other rationale in our sole judgment, we may substitute another Portfolio or investment Portfolios without your consent. The substituted Portfolio may have different fees and expenses. Substitution may be made with respect to existing investments or the investment of future Purchase Payments, or both. However, we will not make such substitution without any required approval of the SEC and any applicable state insurance departments. In addition, we may close Portfolios to allocation of Purchase Payments or Account Value, or both, at any time in our sole discretion. We do not control the Portfolios, so we cannot guarantee that any of those Portfolios will always be available.

**INVESTMENT OPTIONS**

**VARIABLE OPTIONS**

Each Variable Option is a sub-account that invests exclusively in a single Portfolio. Account Value allocated to the Variable Option will vary based on the investment experience of the Portfolio in which the Variable Option invests. There is a risk of loss of the entire amount invested. **Please refer to** [**<u>"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_925)[**<u>Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18_925) **for certain information regarding each Portfolio, including (i) its name, (ii) its type (** **e.g** **., money market fund, bond fund,** **balanced fund, etc.), (iii) its investment advisor and any Sub-advisor, (iv) current expenses, and (v) performance.** There is no guarantee that any underlying Portfolio will meet its investment objective. Each Portfolio has issued a prospectus that contains more detailed information about the Portfolio. The prospectuses for the Portfolios can be found online at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2-USP</u>. You can also request this information at no cost by calling 1- 800-879-7012.

**MARKET VALUE ADJUSTED FIXED ALLOCATION INVESTMENT**

We offer fixed investment options of different durations during the Accumulation Period. These "Fixed Allocations" earn a guaranteed fixed rate of interest for a specified period of time, called the "Guarantee Period." In most states, we offer Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods from 1 to 10 years. We may also offer special purpose Fixed Allocations for use with certain optional investment programs. We guarantee the fixed rate for the entire Guarantee Period. However, if you withdraw or transfer Account Value before the end of the Guarantee Period, we will adjust the value of your withdrawal or transfer based on a formula, called a "Market Value Adjustment". The Market Value Adjustment can either be positive or negative, depending on the rates that are currently being credited on Fixed Allocations. You may allocate Account Value to more than one Fixed Allocation at a time.

Fixed Allocations may not be available in all states. Availability of Fixed Allocations is subject to change and may differ by state and by the annuity <br>product you purchase. Please call us at 1-800-879-7012 to determine availability of Fixed Allocations in your state and for your annuity product.

Market Value Adjusted Fixed Allocation Investments are supported by our general account and are subject to our claims paying ability. Assets in the general account are not segregated for the exclusive benefit of any particular contract or obligation. General account assets are also available to our general creditors and for conducting routine business activities.

The interest rate declared for a MVA Fixed Allocation will be no less than the minimum guaranteed interest rate. The minimum guaranteed interest rate that applies to you may vary depending on the state in which your Annuity was issued, but it will be shown on your Annuity specifications page and will never be less than 0% or the minimum rate required under state law or regulation; whichever is greater. We may, from time to time, declare new interest rates for new Purchase Payments that are higher than the minimum guaranteed interest rate. Any change in interest rates does not affect MVA Fixed Allocation that were in effect before the date of the change. At the time that we confirm the allocation of your Purchase Payment to an MVA Fixed Allocation, we will advise you of the interest rate in effect. To inquire as to the current rates, please contact our Annuity Service Center at 1-800-879-7012.

Each underlying Portfolio is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act. Shares of the underlying Portfolios are sold to separate accounts of life insurance companies offering variable annuity and variable life insurance products. The shares may also be sold directly to qualified pension and retirement plans.

**Voting Rights**

We are the legal Owner of the shares of the underlying Portfolios in which the Variable Options invest. However, under current SEC rules, you have voting rights in relation to Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. If an underlying Portfolio requests a vote of shareholders, we will vote our shares based on instructions received from Owners with Account Value allocated to that Variable Option. Owners have the right to vote an amount equal to the number of shares attributable to their Annuity. If we do not receive voting instructions in relation to certain shares, we will vote those shares in the same manner and proportion as the shares for which we have received instructions. This voting procedure is sometimes referred to as "mirror voting"

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because, as indicated in the immediately preceding sentence, we mirror the votes that are actually cast, rather than decide on our own how to vote. We will also "mirror vote" shares that are owned directly by us or an affiliate (excluding shares held in the separate account of an affiliated insurer). In addition, because all the shares of a given Portfolio held within the Registered Separate Account are legally owned by us, we intend to vote all of such shares when that underlying Portfolio seeks a vote of its shareholders. As such, all such shares will be counted towards whether there is a quorum at the underlying Portfolio's shareholder meeting and toward the ultimate outcome of the vote. Thus, under "mirror voting," it is possible that the votes of a small percentage of Owners who actually vote will determine the ultimate outcome.

We may, if required by state insurance regulations, disregard voting instructions if they would require shares to be voted so as to cause a change in the sub-classification or investment objectives of one or more of the available Variable Options or to approve or disapprove an investment advisory contract for a Portfolio. In addition, we may disregard voting instructions that would require changes in the investment policy or investment advisor of one or more of the Portfolios associated with the available Variable Options, provided that we reasonably disapprove such changes in accordance with applicable federal or state regulations. If we disregard Owner voting instructions, we will advise Owners of our action and the reasons for such action in the next available annual or semi-annual report.

We will furnish those Owners who have Account Value allocated to a Variable Option whose underlying Portfolio has requested a "proxy" vote with proxy materials and the necessary forms to provide us with their voting instructions. Generally, you will be asked to provide instructions for us to vote on matters such as changes in a fundamental investment strategy, adoption of a new investment advisory agreement, or matters relating to the structure of the underlying Portfolio that require a vote of shareholders. We reserve the right to change the voting procedures described above if applicable SEC rules change.

**Similar Funds**

The Portfolios are not publicly traded mutual funds. They are only available as investment options in variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by insurance companies, or in some cases, to participants in certain qualified retirement plans. However, some of the Portfolios available as Variable Options under the Annuity are managed by the same advisor or Sub-advisor as a retail mutual fund of the same or similar name that the Portfolio may have been modeled after at its inception. Certain retail mutual funds may also have been modeled after a Portfolio. While the investment objective and policies of the retail mutual funds and the Portfolios may be substantially similar, the actual investments will differ to varying degrees. Differences in the performance of the funds can be expected, and in some cases could be substantial. You should not compare the performance of a publicly traded mutual fund with the performance of any similarly named Portfolio offered as a Variable Option.

**Material Conflicts**

In the future, it may become disadvantageous for separate accounts of variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts to invest in the same underlying Portfolios. Neither the companies that invest in the Portfolios nor the Portfolios currently foresee any such disadvantage. The Board of Directors for each Portfolio intends to monitor events in order to identify any material conflict between variable life insurance policy Owners and variable annuity contract Owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken. Material conflicts could result from such things as:

1. changes
 in state insurance law;

2. changes
 in federal income tax law;

3. changes
 in the investment management of any Variable Options; or

4. differences
 between voting instructions given by variable life insurance policy owners and variable annuity contract Owners.

**Fees and Payments Received by Us**

As detailed below, we receive substantial payments from the underlying Portfolios and/or related entities, such as the Portfolios' advisors and subadvisors. Because these fees and payments are made to us, allocations you make to the underlying Portfolios benefit us financially. In selecting Portfolios available under the Annuity, we consider the payments that will be made to us. Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. receives Rule 12b-1 fees which compensate it for distribution and administrative services (including recordkeeping services and the mailing of prospectuses and reports to Owners invested in the Portfolios). These fees are paid by the underlying Portfolio out of each Portfolio's assets and are therefore borne by Owners.

We also receive administrative services payments from the Portfolios or the advisors of the underlying Portfolios or their affiliates, which are referred to as "revenue sharing" payments. The maximum combined 12b-1 fees and administrative services payments we receive with respect to a Portfolio are generally equal to an annual rate of 0.55% of the average assets allocated to the Portfolio under the Annuity (in certain cases, however, this amount may be equal to an annual rate of 0.60% of the average assets allocated to the Portfolio). We expect to make a profit on these fees and payments and consider them when selecting the Portfolios available under the Annuity.

In addition, an advisor or subadvisor of a Portfolio or a distributor of the Annuity (not the Portfolios) may also compensate us by providing reimbursement, defraying the costs of, or paying directly for, among other things, marketing and/or administrative services and/or other services they provide in connection with the Annuity. These services may include but are not limited to: sponsoring or co-sponsoring various promotional, educational or marketing meetings and seminars attended by distributors, wholesalers, and/or broker dealer firms' registered representatives, and creating marketing material discussing the Annuity, available options, and underlying Portfolios. The amounts paid depend on the nature of the meetings, the number of meetings attended by the advisor, subadvisor, or distributor, the number of participants and attendees at the meetings, the costs expected to be incurred, and the level of the advisor's, subadvisor's or distributor's participation. These payments or reimbursements may not be offered by all advisors,

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subadvisors, or distributors and the amounts of such payments may vary between and among each advisor, subadvisor, and distributor depending on their respective participation. We may also consider these payments and reimbursements when selecting the Portfolios available under the Annuity. For the annual period ended December 31, 2025, under the kind of agreements described in this paragraph, there were no payments received.

In addition to the payments that we receive from underlying Portfolios and/or their affiliates, those same Portfolios and/or their affiliates may make payments to us and/or other insurers affiliated with us related to the offering of investment options within variable annuity contracts or life insurance policies offered by our different business units.

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**CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**

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**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC):** We do not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments you make to your Annuity. However, we may deduct a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge or CDSC if you surrender your Annuity or when you make a partial withdrawal. The CDSC reimburses us for expenses related to sales and distribution of the Annuity, including commissions, marketing materials and other promotional expenses. The CDSC is calculated as a percentage of your Purchase Payment being surrendered or withdrawn during the applicable Annuity Year. For purposes of calculating the CDSC, we consider the year following the date we receive a Purchase Payment as Year 1. The amount of the CDSC applicable to each Purchase Payment decreases over time, measured from the date the Purchase Payment is applied. The CDSC percentages are shown below.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  YEARS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8+ |
|  CHARGE (%) | 7.5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |

---

**Each Purchase Payment has its own CDSC period.** When you make a withdrawal, we assume that the oldest Purchase Payment is being withdrawn first so that the lowest CDSC is deducted from the amount withdrawn. After seven (7) complete years from the date you make a Purchase Payment, no CDSC will be assessed if you withdraw or surrender that Purchase Payment. Under certain circumstances you can withdraw a limited amount of Account Value without paying a CDSC. This is referred to as a "Free Withdrawal." Free Withdrawals are not treated as a withdrawal of Purchase Payments for purposes of calculating the CDSC on a subsequent withdrawal or surrender. Withdrawals of amounts greater than the maximum Free Withdrawal amount are treated as a withdrawal of Purchase Payments and will be assessed a CDSC. For purposes of calculating the CDSC on a surrender or a partial withdrawal, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance.

We may waive the CDSC under certain medically-related circumstances or when taking a Minimum Distribution from an Annuity purchased as a "qualified" investment. Free Withdrawals, Medically-Related Surrenders and Minimum Distributions are each explained more fully in the section entitled "[<u>Surrenders and Withdrawals</u>](#chapter_13-sect1_1_925)".

**Exceptions to the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge**

We do not apply the CDSC provision on Annuities owned by a member of the designated class, including: (a) any parent company, affiliate or subsidiary of ours; (b) an officer, director, employee, retiree, sales representative, or in the case of an affiliated broker-dealer, registered representative of such company; (c) a director, officer or trustee of any underlying mutual fund; (d) a director, officer or employee of any investment manager, sub-advisor, transfer agent, custodian, auditing, legal or administrative services provider that is providing investment management, advisory, transfer agency, custodianship, auditing, legal and/or administrative services to an underlying mutual fund or any affiliate of such firm; (e) a director, officer, employee or registered representative of a broker-dealer or insurance agency that has a then current selling agreement with us and/or with Prudential Annuities Distributors, Incorporated; (f) a director, officer, employee or authorized representative of any firm providing us or our affiliates with regular legal, actuarial, auditing, underwriting, claims, administrative, computer support, marketing, office or other services; (g) the then current spouse of any such person noted in (b) through (f), above; (h) the parents of any such person noted in (b) through (g), above; (i) the child(ren) or other legal dependent under the age of 21 of any such person noted in (b) through (h) above; and (j) the siblings of any such persons noted in (b) through (h) above.

You must notify us at the time you apply for an Annuity if you are a member of the designated class. We are not responsible for monitoring whether you qualify as a member of the designated class. **If you fail to inform us that you qualify as a member of the designated class, your Annuity will not** **be eligible for this exception to the CDSC.**

**Transfer Fee:** Currently, you may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Annuity Year. We will charge $10.00 for each transfer after the twentieth in each Annuity Year. We do not consider transfers made as part of a dollar cost averaging program when we count the twenty free transfers. Transfers made as part of a rebalancing, market timing or third party investment advisory service will be subject to the twenty-transfer limit. However, all transfers made on the same day will be treated as one (1) transfer. Renewals or transfers of Account Value from a Fixed Allocation at the end of its Guarantee Period are not subject to the transfer fee and are not counted toward the twenty free transfers. We may reduce the number of free transfers allowable each Annuity Year (subject to a minimum of eight) without charging a transfer fee unless you make use of electronic means to transmit your transfer requests. We may eliminate the transfer fee for transfer requests transmitted electronically or through other means that reduce our processing costs.

**Annual Maintenance Fee:** During the Accumulation Period we deduct an Annual Maintenance Fee. The Annual Maintenance Fee is $30.00 or 2% of your Account Value invested in the Variable Options, whichever is less. This fee will be deducted annually on the anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity or, if you surrender your Annuity during the Annuity Year, the fee is deducted at the time of surrender.

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**Tax Charges:** Some states, municipalities and other jurisdictions charge premium taxes or similar taxes on annuities that we are required to pay. The amount of tax will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and is subject to change. We currently deduct the Tax Charge from the Account Value upon Annuitization. The Tax Charge is designed to approximate the taxes that we are required to pay and is assessed as a percentage of the Account Value. The Tax Charge currently ranges up to 3.5%. We reserve the right to deduct the Tax Charge from Purchase Payments when received or from Surrender Value upon surrender. "Surrender Value" refers to the Account Value (which includes the effect of any Market Value Adjustment) less any applicable CDSC, any applicable Tax Charge, any charges assessable as a deduction from the Account Value for any optional living or death benefits provided by rider or endorsement, and any Annual Maintenance Fee. We may also assess a charge equal to any Company Taxes or other taxes which may be imposed against the Separate Accounts.

In calculating our corporate income tax liability, we may derive certain corporate income tax benefits associated with the investment of company assets, including Separate Account assets, which are treated as company assets under applicable income tax law. These benefits reduce our overall corporate income tax liability. Under current law, such benefits include foreign tax credits and corporate dividends received deductions. We do not pass these tax benefits through to holders of the Separate Account annuity contracts because (i) the contract Owners are not the Owners of the assets generating these benefits under applicable income tax law and (ii) we do not currently include company income taxes in the Tax Charges you pay under the Annuity. We reserve the right to change these tax practices.

**Insurance Charge:** We deduct an insurance charge daily against the average daily assets allocated to the Variable Options. The insurance charge is the combination of the Mortality & Expense Risk Charge (1.25%) and the Administration Charge (0.15%). The total charge is equal to 1.40% on an annual basis. The insurance charge is intended to compensate us for providing the insurance benefits under the Annuity, including the Annuity's basic death benefit that provides guaranteed benefits to your beneficiaries even if the Variable Option declines and the risk that persons we guarantee annuity payments to will live longer than our assumptions. The charge also covers administrative costs associated with providing the Annuity benefits, including preparation of the contract, confirmation statements, annual account statements and annual reports, legal and accounting fees as well as various related expenses. Finally, the charge covers the risk that our assumptions about the mortality risks and expenses under this Annuity are incorrect and **that we** **have agreed not to increase these charges over time despite our actual costs.**

We may make a profit on the insurance charge if, over time, the actual cost of providing the guaranteed insurance obligations under the Annuity are less than the amount we deduct for the insurance charge. To the extent we make a profit on the insurance charge, such profit may be used for any other corporate purpose, including payment of other expenses that we incur in promoting, distributing, issuing and administering the Annuity. The insurance charge is deducted against your Annuity's Account Value and any increases or decreases in your Account Value based on fluctuations of the Variable Options. Any profit that we may make on the insurance charge may include profits based on market appreciation of the Variable Option values.

The insurance charge is not deducted against assets allocated to a Fixed Allocation. However, the amount we credit to Fixed Allocations may also reflect similar assumptions about the insurance guarantees provided under the Annuity.

**Benefits Available Under the Contract:** For information about the benefits available under the Contract and their corresponding charges, please refer to the section titled "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_925)" in this prospectus.

**Fees and Expenses Incurred by the Portfolios:** We do not assess any charges directly against the Portfolios. However, each Portfolio pays charges, fees and expenses, which are deducted daily by each Portfolio before it provides us with the net asset value as of the close of business each day. **More** **detailed information about fees and charges can be found in** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18_925) **to this prospectus and the prospectuses for the Portfolios located at** **<u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2-USP</u>** **.**

**Charge for Additional Reports:** We send any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at your last known address of record. You may request additional reports. We reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each such additional report.

**Market Value Adjustment:** If you transfer or withdraw Account Value from an MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of its Guarantee Period, we will adjust the value of your investment based on a formula, called a "Market Value Adjustment" or "MVA". The Market Value Adjustment may be positive or negative, meaning it may increase or decrease your initial investment into the account, if you transfer or withdraw an MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of the Guarantee Period.

Generally, if yields are lower at the time of MVA application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee period, the MVA will be positive. Generally, if yields are higher at the time of MVA application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee period, the MVA will be negative.

You may request a quote of the impact an early distribution would have on your Account Value by contacting our Service Center at 1-800-879-7012. Values fluctuate daily and the actual Market Value Adjustment applied at the time a transaction is processed may be more or less than the values quoted at the time of your call. **Additional information about the calculation of the Market Value Adjustment, including the Market Value Adjustment** **formula and examples, can be found in the Statement of Additional Information.**

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**Fixed Rate Option Charges and Adjustments:** No specific fee or expenses are deducted when determining the rate we credit to a Fixed Allocation. However, for some of the same reasons that we deduct the insurance charge against Account Value allocated to the Variable Options, we also consider mortality, expense, administration, profit and other factors in determining the interest rates we credit to Fixed Allocations. Any CDSC or Tax Charge applies to amounts that are taken from the Variable Options or the Fixed Allocations. A Market Value Adjustment may also apply to transfers, certain withdrawals, surrender or Annuitization from a Fixed Allocation.

**Annuity Payment Option Charges and Adjustments:** In certain states a tax is due if and when you exercise your right to receive periodic annuity payments. The amount payable will depend on the applicable jurisdiction and on the annuity payment option you select. If you select a fixed payment option, the amount of each fixed payment will depend on the Account Value of your Annuity when you elected to annuitize. There is no specific charge deducted from these payments; however, the amount of each annuity payment reflects assumptions about our insurance expenses.

**Exceptions/Reductions to Fees and Charges:** We may reduce or eliminate certain fees and charges or alter the manner in which the particular fee or charge is deducted. For example, we may reduce the amount of the CDSC or the length of time it applies, reduce or eliminate the amount of the Annual Maintenance Fee or reduce the portion of the total insurance charge that is deducted as an Administration Charge. Generally, these types of changes will be based on a reduction to our sales, maintenance or administrative expenses due to the nature of the individual or group purchasing the Annuity. Some of the factors we might consider in making such a decision are: (a) the size and type of group; (b) the number of Annuities purchased by an Owner; (c) the amount of Purchase Payments or likelihood of additional Purchase Payments; and/or (d) other transactions where sales, maintenance or administrative expenses are likely to be reduced. We will not discriminate unfairly between Annuity purchasers if and when we reduce the portion of the insurance charge attributed to the charge covering administrative costs.

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**GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACTS**

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**CHANGE OF OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS**

You may change the Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary designations. Where allowed by law, such changes will be subject to our acceptance. We assume no responsibility for the validity or tax consequences of any change of ownership. Some of the changes we will not accept include, but are not limited to:

• a
 new Owner subsequent to the death of the Owner or the first of any joint Owners to die, except where a spouse-Beneficiary has become
 the Owner as a result of an Owner's death;

• a
 new Annuitant subsequent to the Annuity Date;

• for
 "Non-qualified" investments, a new Annuitant prior to the Annuity Date if the Annuity is owned by an entity;

• a
 change in Beneficiary if the Owner had previously made the designation irrevocable;

• a
 new Owner or Annuitant that is a certain ownership type, including but not limited to corporations, partnerships, endowments, and grantor
 trusts with multiple grantors (if allowed by state law); and

• a
 new Annuitant for a contract issued to a grantor trust where the new Annuitant is not the grantor of the trust.

Unless prohibited by applicable State Law, we reserve the right to refuse a proposed change of Owner and/or Beneficiary, and a proposed assignment of the Annuity.

We will reject a proposed change where the proposed Owner, Annuitant, Beneficiary or assignee is any of the following:

• a
 company(ies) that issues or manages viatical or structured settlements;

• an
 institutional investment company;

• an
 Owner with no insurable relationship to the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant (a "Stranger-Owned Annuity" or "STOA");
 or

• a
 change in designation(s) that does not comply with or that we cannot administer in compliance with Federal and/or state law.

**Spousal Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries**

If an Annuity is co-owned by spouses, we will assume that the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving spouse. Upon the death of either spousal Owner, the surviving spouse may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Death Benefit payment. The Death Benefit that would have been payable will be the new Account Value of the Annuity as of the date of due proof of death and any required proof of a spousal relationship. As of the date the assumption is effective, the surviving spouse will have all the rights and benefits that would be available under the Annuity to a new purchaser of the same attained age. For purposes of determining any future Death Benefit for the beneficiary of the surviving spouse, the new Account Value will be considered as the initial Purchase Payment. No CDSC will apply to the new Account Value. However, any additional Purchase Payments applied after the date the assumption is effective will be subject to all provisions of the Annuity, including the CDSC when applicable.

Spousal assumption is also permitted, subject to our rules and regulatory approval, if the Annuity is held by a Custodial Account established to hold retirement assets for the benefit of the natural person Annuitant pursuant to the provisions of Section 408(a) of the Code ("Code") (or any successor Code section thereto) ("Custodial Account") and, on the date of the Annuitant's death, the spouse of the Annuitant is (1) the Contingent Annuitant under the Annuity and (2) the beneficiary of the Custodial Account. The ability to continue the Annuity in this manner will result in the Annuity no longer qualifying for tax deferral under the Code. However, such tax deferral should result from the ownership of the Annuity by the Custodial Account. Please consult your tax or legal advisor.

Note that any division of your Annuity due to divorce will be treated as a withdrawal and the non-Owner spouse may then decide whether he or she would like to use the withdrawn funds to purchase a new Annuity that is then available to new contract Owners. Note that any division of your Annuity due to divorce will be treated as a withdrawal and CDSC may apply. If CDSC is applicable, it cannot be divided between the Owner and the non-Owner ex-spouses. The non-Owner ex-spouse may decide whether he or she would like to use the withdrawn funds to purchase a new Annuity that is then available to new contract Owners. Depending upon the method used for the division of the Annuity, the CDSC may be applied to the existing or new Annuity. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding your personal situation if you will be transferring or dividing your Annuity pursuant to a divorce.

The federal and state tax law provisions applicable to an opposite sex spouse will also apply to a same sex spouse. Please note that a civil union or registered domestic partnership is generally not recognized as a marriage.

**Contingent Annuitant**

Generally, if an Annuity is owned by an entity and the entity has named a Contingent Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant, and no Death Benefit is payable. Unless we agree otherwise, the Annuity is only eligible to have a Contingent Annuitant designation if the entity which owns the Annuity is (1) a plan described in Code Section 72(s)(5)(A)(i) (or any successor Code section thereto); (2) an entity described in Code Section 72(u)(1) (or any successor Code section thereto); or (3) a Custodial Account, as described in the above section.

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Where the Annuity is held by a Custodial Account, the Contingent Annuitant will not automatically become the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant. Upon the death of the Annuitant, the Custodial Account will have the choice, subject to our rules, to either elect to receive the Death Benefit or elect to continue the Annuity. If the Custodial Account elects to continue the Annuity, the Death Benefit payable will equal the Death Benefit described in the Spousal Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries section of the "[<u>Payment of Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_13_925)" section of this prospectus. See the section entitled "[<u>Spousal</u> <u>Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_2_925)" for more information about how the Annuity can be continued by a Custodial Account.

**HOW DO THE FIXED RATE OPTIONS WORK?**

The interest rate credited to a Fixed Allocation is the rate in effect when the Guarantee Period begins and does not change during the Guarantee Period. The rates are an effective annual rate of interest. We determine the interest rates for the various Guarantee Periods. At the time that we confirm your Fixed Allocation, we will advise you of the interest rate in effect and the date your Fixed Allocation matures. We may change the rates we credit new Fixed Allocations at any time. Any change in interest rate does not affect Fixed Allocations that were in effect before the date of the change. To inquire as to the current rates for Fixed Allocations, please call 1-800-879-7012.

A Guarantee Period for a Fixed Allocation begins:

• when
 all or part of a net Purchase Payment is allocated to that particular Guarantee Period;

• upon
 transfer of any of your Account Value to a Fixed Allocation for that particular Guarantee Period; or

• when
 you "renew" a Fixed Allocation by electing a new Guarantee Period.

To the extent permitted by law, we may establish different interest rates for Fixed Allocations offered to a class of Owners who choose to participate in various optional investment programs we make available. This may include, but is not limited to, Owners who elect to use Fixed Allocations under a dollar cost averaging program (see "[<u>Transfer and Rebalancing Programs -</u> <u>Dollar Cost Averaging Programs</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_8_925)") or a balanced investment program (see [<u>"Do</u> <u>You Offer Programs Designed to Guarantee a "Return of Premium" at a Future Date?"</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_6_925)). The interest rate credited to Fixed Allocations offered to this class of purchasers may be different than those offered to other purchasers who choose the same Guarantee Period but who do not participate in an optional investment program. Any such program is at our sole discretion.

**HOW DO YOU DETERMINE RATES FOR FIXED RATE OPTIONS?**

We do not have a specific formula for determining the fixed interest rates for Fixed Allocations. Generally, the interest rates we offer for Fixed Allocations will reflect the investment returns available on the types of investments we make to support our fixed rate guarantees. These investment types may include cash, debt securities guaranteed by the United States government and its agencies and instrumentalities, money market instruments, corporate debt obligations of different durations, private placements, asset-backed obligations and municipal bonds. In determining rates we also consider factors such as the length of the Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation, regulatory and tax requirements, liquidity of the markets for the type of investments we make, commissions, administrative and investment expenses, our insurance risks in relation to the Fixed Allocations, general economic trends and competition. Some of these considerations are similar to those we consider in determining the insurance charge that we deduct from Account Value allocated to the Variable Options.

We will credit interest on a new Fixed Allocation in an existing Annuity at a rate not less than the rate we are then crediting to Fixed Allocations for the same Guarantee Period selected by new Annuity purchasers in the same class.

**WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY GUARANTEE PERIOD MATURES?**

The "Maturity Date" for a Fixed Allocation is the last day of the Guarantee Period. Before the Maturity Date, you may choose to renew the Fixed Allocation for a new Guarantee Period of the same or different length or you may transfer all or part of that Fixed Allocation's Account Value to another Fixed Allocation or to one or more Variable Options. We will notify you before the end of the Guarantee Period about the fixed interest rates that we are currently crediting to all Fixed Allocations that are being offered. The rates being credited to Fixed Allocations may change before the Maturity Date. We will not charge a Market Value Adjustment if you choose to renew a Fixed Allocation on its Maturity Date or transfer the Account Value to one or more Variable Options.

If you do not specify how you want a Fixed Allocation to be allocated on its Maturity Date, it will be renewed for a Fixed Allocation of the same duration if then available.

**DO YOU OFFER ANY ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAMS?**

We currently do not offer any asset allocation programs for use with your Annuity. Prior to December 5, 2005, we made certain asset allocation programs available. If you enrolled in one of the asset allocation programs prior to December 5, 2005, **see the** [**<u>Appendix G</u>**](#chapter_24-sect1_1_925) **entitled, "Additional Information on** **the Asset Allocation Programs" for more information on how the programs are administered.**

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**DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE A "RETURN OF PREMIUM" AT A FUTURE DATE?**

We offer two different programs for investors who wish to invest in the Variable Options but also wish to protect their principal, at least as of a specific date in the future. You may not want to use either of these programs if you expect to begin taking annuity payments before the program would be completed.

**Balanced Investment Program**

We offer a balanced investment program where a portion of your Account Value is allocated to a Fixed Allocation and the remaining Account Value is allocated to the Variable Options that you select. When you enroll in the Balanced Investment Program, you choose the duration that you wish the program to last. This determines the duration of the Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation. Based on the fixed rate for the Guarantee Period chosen, we calculate the portion of your Account Value that must be allocated to the Fixed Allocation to grow to a specific "principal amount" (such as your initial Purchase Payment). We determine the amount based on the rates then in effect for the Guarantee Period you choose. If you continue the program until the end of the Guarantee Period and make no withdrawals or transfers, at the end of the Guarantee Period, the Fixed Allocation will have grown to equal the "principal amount". Withdrawals or transfers from the Fixed Allocation before the end of the Guarantee Period will terminate the program and may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. You can transfer the Account Value that is not allocated to the Fixed Allocation between any of the Variable Options available under the Annuity. Account Value you allocate to the Variable Options is subject to Variable Option fluctuations and may increase or decrease in value. We do not deduct a charge for participating in the Balanced Investment Program.

**Example**<br>Assume you invest $100,000. You choose a 10-year program and allocate a portion of your Account Value to a Fixed Allocation with a 10-year Guarantee Period. The rate for the 10-year Guarantee Period is 2.50%\*. Based on the fixed interest rate for the Guarantee Period chosen, the factor is 0.781198 for determining how much of your Account Value will be allocated to the Fixed Allocation. That means that $78,120 will be allocated to the Fixed Allocation and the remaining Account Value ($21880) will be allocated to the Variable Options. Assuming that you do not make any withdrawals or transfers from the Fixed Allocation, it will grow to $100,000 at the end of the Guarantee Period. Of course we cannot predict the value of the remaining Account Value that was allocated to the Variable Options.

• The
 rate in this example is hypothetical and may not reflect the current rate for Guarantee Periods of this duration.

**Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) Guaranteed Return Option Plus (GRO Plus)**

We also offer a seven-year program where we monitor your Account Value daily and systematically transfer amounts between Fixed Allocations and the Variable Options you choose. For more information about this option, please refer to the "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus.

**TRANSFER AND REBALANCING PROGRAMS**

**Dollar Cost Averaging Programs**

We offer Dollar Cost Averaging during the Accumulation Period. Dollar Cost Averaging allows you to systematically transfer an amount each month from one investment option to one or more other investment options. You can choose to transfer earnings only, principal plus earnings or a flat dollar amount. Dollar Cost Averaging allows you to invest regularly each month, regardless of the current Unit value (or price) of the Variable Option(s) you invest in. This enables you to purchase more Units when the Variable Option price is low and fewer Units when the Variable Option price is high. This may result in a lower average cost of Units over time. However, there is no guarantee that Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or protect against a loss in a declining Variable Option. We do not deduct a charge for participating in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $10,000 to enroll in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

You can Dollar Cost Average from Variable Options or Fixed Allocations. Dollar Cost Averaging from Fixed Allocations is subject to a number of rules that include, but are not limited to the following:

• You
 may only use Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods of 1, 2 or 3 years.

• You
 may only Dollar Cost Average earnings or principal plus earnings. If transferring principal plus earnings, the program must be designed
 to last the entire Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation.

• Dollar
 Cost Averaging transfers from Fixed Allocations are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

**NOTE:** When a Dollar Cost Averaging program is established from a Fixed Allocation, the fixed rate of interest we credit to your Account Value is applied to a declining balance due to the transfers of Account Value to the Variable Options during the Guarantee Period. This will reduce the effective rate of return on the Fixed Allocation over the Guarantee Period.

**We originally offered Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods of 6 months or 12 months exclusively for use with a Dollar Cost Averaging** **program ("DCA Fixed Allocations"). DCA Fixed Allocations are designed to automatically transfer Account Value in either 6 or 12 payments** **under a Dollar Cost Averaging program. DCA Fixed Allocations may only be established with your initial Purchase Payment or additional** **Purchase Payments. You may not transfer existing Account Value to a DCA Fixed Allocation. We discontinued offering these 6 and 12 month** **Fixed Allocations beginning on May 1, 2009.**

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Account Value allocated to the DCA Fixed Allocation will be transferred to the Variable Options you choose under the Dollar Cost Averaging program. Dollar Cost Averaging transfers will begin on the day following the date the DCA Fixed Allocation is established and each month following until the entire principal amount plus earnings is transferred. If you terminate the Dollar Cost Averaging program before the entire principal amount plus earnings has been transferred to the Variable Option(s), you must transfer all remaining Account Value to any other investment option. Unless you provide alternate instructions at the time you terminate the Dollar Cost Averaging program, Account Value will be transferred to the AST Money Market Variable Option. Transfers from Fixed Allocations as part of a Dollar Cost Averaging program are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment. However, a Market Value Adjustment will apply if you terminate the Dollar Cost Averaging program before the entire principal amount plus earnings has been transferred to the Variable Option(s).

**Automatic Rebalancing Programs**

During the Accumulation Period, we offer automatic rebalancing among the Variable Options you choose. You can choose to have your Account Value rebalanced monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. On the appropriate date, your Variable Options are rebalanced to the allocation percentages you request. For example, over time the performance of the Variable Options will differ, causing your percentage allocations to shift. With automatic rebalancing, we transfer the appropriate amount from the "overweighted" Variable Options to the "underweighted" Variable Options to return your allocations to the percentages you request. If you request a transfer from or into any Variable Option participating in the automatic rebalancing program, we will assume that you wish to change your rebalancing percentages as well, and will automatically adjust the rebalancing percentages in accordance with the transfer unless we receive alternate instructions from you.

You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $10,000 to enroll in automatic rebalancing. All rebalancing transfers made on the same day as part of an automatic rebalancing program are considered as one transfer when counting the number of transfers each year toward the maximum number of free transfers. We do not deduct a charge for participating in an automatic rebalancing program.

**RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS BETWEEN INVESTMENT OPTIONS**

During the Accumulation Period you may transfer Account Value between investment options. Transfers are not subject to taxation on any gain. We currently limit the number of Variable Options you can invest in at any one time to twenty (20). However, you can invest in an unlimited number of Fixed Allocations. We may require a minimum of $500 in each Variable Option you allocate Account Value to at the time of any allocation or transfer. If you request a transfer and, as a result of the transfer, there would be less than $500 in the Variable Option, we may transfer the remaining Account Value in the Variable Option on a proportional basis to the other investment options to which you transferred.

We may impose specific restrictions on financial transactions for certain Portfolios based on the Portfolio's investment restrictions. Currently, any purchase, redemption or transfer involving the Rydex or ProFunds VP Variable Options must be received by us no later than one hour prior to any announced closing of the applicable securities exchange (generally, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to be processed on the current Valuation Day. The "cut-off" time for such financial transactions involving a Rydex or ProFunds VP Variable Option will be extended to ½ hour prior to any announced closing (generally, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) for transactions submitted electronically through our website (<u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>).

Currently, we charge $10 for each transfer after the twentieth (20<sup>th</sup>) in each Annuity Year, including transfers made as part of any rebalancing, market timing, asset allocation or similar program which you have authorized. Transfers made as part of a dollar cost averaging program do not count toward the twenty free transfer limit. Renewals or transfers of Account Value from a Fixed Allocation at the end of its Guarantee Period are not subject to the transfer charge. We may reduce the number of free transfers allowable each Annuity Year (subject to a minimum of eight) without charging a Transfer Fee unless you make use of electronic means to transmit your transfer requests. We may eliminate the Transfer Fee for transfer requests transmitted electronically or through other means that reduce our processing costs.

**Frequent Transfers**<br>Frequent transfers among investment options in response to short-term fluctuations in markets, sometimes called "market timing," can make it very difficult for a Portfolio manager to manage a Portfolio's investments. Frequent transfers may cause the Portfolio to hold more cash than otherwise necessary, disrupt management strategies, increase transaction costs, or affect performance. Considering the risks posed to Owners and other investors by frequent transfers, we reserve the right to limit the number of transfers in any Annuity Year for all Owners and to take the other actions discussed below. We also reserve the right to limit the number of transfers in any Annuity Year or to refuse any transfer request for an Owner or certain Owners if: (a) we believe that excessive transfer activity (as we define it) or a specific transfer request or group of transfer requests may have a detrimental effect on Unit Values or the share prices of the Portfolios; or (b) we are informed by a Portfolio (*e.g.,* by a Portfolio's Portfolio manager) that the purchase or redemption of shares in the Portfolio must be restricted because the Portfolio believes the transfer activity to which such purchase and redemption relates would have a detrimental effect on the share prices of the affected Portfolio. Without limiting the above, the most likely scenario where either of the above could occur would be if the aggregate amount of a trade or trades represented a relatively large proportion of the total assets of a particular Portfolio. In furtherance of our general authority to restrict transfers as described above, and without limiting other actions we may take in the future, we have adopted the following specific restrictions. With respect to each Annuity, we track amounts exceeding a certain dollar threshold that were transferred into a Variable Option. If you transfer such amount into a particular Variable Option, and within 30 calendar days thereafter transfer (the "Transfer Out") all or a portion of that amount into another Variable Option, then upon the Transfer Out, the former Variable Option becomes restricted (the "Restricted Variable Option"). Specifically, we will not permit subsequent transfers into the Restricted Variable Option for 90 calendar days after the Transfer Out if the Restricted Variable Option invests in a non-international Portfolio, or 180 calendar days after the Transfer Out if the Restricted Variable Option invests in an international Portfolio. For purposes of this rule, we (i) do not count transfers made in connection with one of our systematic programs; (ii) do not count

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any transfer that solely involves a holding account; and (iii) do not categorize as a transfer the first transfer that you make after the Issue Date, if you make that transfer within 30 calendar days after the Issue Date. Even if an amount becomes restricted under the foregoing rules, you are still free to redeem the amount from your Annuity at any time.

We reserve the right to effect transfers on a delayed basis for all annuities in accordance with our rules regarding frequent transfers. That is, we may price a transfer involving the Variable Options on the Valuation Day subsequent to the Valuation Day on which the transfer request was received. Before implementing such a practice, we would issue a separate written notice to Owners that explains the practice in detail.

If we deny one or more transfer requests under the foregoing rules, we will inform you or your financial professional promptly of the circumstances concerning the denial.

There are Owners of different variable annuity contracts that are funded through the same Separate Account that may not be subject to the above-referenced transfer restrictions and, therefore, might make more numerous and frequent transfers than Owners who are subject to such limitations. Finally, there are Owners of other variable annuity contracts or variable life contracts that are issued by us as well as other insurance companies that have the same Portfolios available to them. Since some Owners are not subject to the same transfer restrictions, unfavorable consequences associated with such frequent trading within the Portfolios (*e.g.*, greater Portfolio turnover, higher transaction costs, or performance or tax issues) may affect all Owners. Similarly, while contracts managed by a financial professional are subject to the restrictions on transfers between Variable Options that are discussed above, if the financial professional manages a number of contracts in the same fashion unfavorable consequences may be associated with management activity since it may involve the movement of a substantial portion of an Portfolio's assets which may affect all Owners invested in the affected Portfolios. Apart from jurisdiction-specific and contract differences in transfer restrictions, we will apply these rules uniformly (including contracts managed by a financial professional) and will not waive a transfer restriction for any Owner.

Although our transfer restrictions are designed to prevent excessive transfers, they are not capable of preventing every potential occurrence of excessive transfer activity. The Portfolios have adopted their own policies and procedures with respect to excessive trading of their respective shares, and we reserve the right to enforce any such current or future policies and procedures. The prospectuses for the Portfolios describe any such policies and procedures, which may be more or less restrictive than the policies and procedures we have adopted. Under SEC rules, we are required to: (1) enter into a written agreement with each Portfolio or its principal underwriter or its transfer agent that obligates us to provide to the Portfolio promptly upon request certain information about the trading activity of individual Owners (including an Owner's TIN number), and (2) execute instructions from the Portfolio to restrict or prohibit further purchases or transfers by specific Owners who violate the excessive trading policies established by the Portfolio. In addition, you should be aware that some Portfolios may receive "omnibus" purchase and redemption orders from other insurance companies or intermediaries such as retirement plans. The omnibus orders reflect the aggregation and netting of multiple orders from individual Owners of variable insurance contracts and/or individual retirement plan participants. The omnibus nature of these orders may limit the Portfolios in their ability to apply their excessive trading policies and procedures. In addition, the other insurance companies and/or retirement plans may have different policies and procedures or may not have any such policies and procedures because of contractual limitations. For these reasons, we cannot guarantee that the Portfolios (and thus you) will not be harmed by transfer activity relating to other insurance companies and/or retirement plans that may invest in the Portfolios.

A Portfolio also may assess a short-term trading fee (also referred to as "redemption fee") in connection with a transfer out of the Variable Option investing in that Portfolio that occurs within a certain number of days following the date of allocation to the Variable Option. Each Portfolio determines the amount of the short-term trading fee and when the fee is imposed. The fee is retained by or paid to the Portfolio and is not retained by us. The fee will be deducted from your Account Value, to the extent allowed by law. At present, no Portfolio has adopted a short-term trading fee.

**FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL PERMISSION TO FORWARD TRANSACTION INSTRUCTIONS**

If you have provided the necessary authorization on the application for your Annuity, the individual who signed the application for your Annuity may forward instructions regarding the allocation of your Account Value, and request financial transactions involving Investment Options. We refer to this person as your "financial professional." You may have another person providing investment advisory services to you with respect to this Annuity and who you have separately authorized on the form we require to forward instructions to us regarding the allocation of your Account Value or certain financial transactions. Please be aware that if you authorize more than one person to provide investment instructions to us, we will follow all instructions received from authorized persons in the order in which we receive them. **If your financial professional or investment advisor has this authority, we deem** **that all such transactions that are directed by your financial professional or investment advisor, as applicable, with respect to your Annuity** **have been authorized by you.** You will receive a confirmation of any financial transaction involving the purchase or sale of Units of your Annuity. You must contact us immediately if and when you revoke such authority. We will not be responsible for acting on instructions from your financial professional or authorized investment advisor until we receive notification of the revocation of such person's authority. We may also suspend, cancel or limit these authorizations at any time. In addition, we may restrict the Investment Options available for transfers or allocation of Purchase Payments by such financial professional or investment advisor. We will notify you and your financial professional if we implement any such restrictions or prohibitions.

**Please Note:** Annuity contracts managed by your financial professional or investment advisor also are subject to the restrictions on transfers between Investment Options that are discussed in the section titled "[<u>Restrictions on Transfers Between Investment Options</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_9_925)." We may also require that your financial professional or investment advisor transmit all financial transactions using the electronic trading functionality available through our website (<u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>). Limitations that we may impose on your financial professional or investment advisor under the agreement (e.g., a custodial agreement) do not apply to financial transactions requested by an Owner on his or her own behalf, except as otherwise described in this prospectus.

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**It is your responsibility to arrange for the payment of the advisory fee charged by your investment advisor. Similarly, it is your responsibility** **to understand the advisory services provided by your investment advisor and the advisory fees charged for the services.**

***<u>For certain Broker Dealers:</u>*** If instructed by your Broker Dealer, we may allow your financial professional to effectuate withdrawals on your behalf. In the event you do not wish that your financial professional has this authority, please contact us immediately.

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**ANNUITY PERIOD**

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We currently make annuity options available that provide fixed annuity payments. Your Annuity provides certain fixed annuity payment options. We do not guarantee to continue to make available any other option other than the fixed annuity payment options set forth in your Annuity. Fixed options provide the same amount with each payment. You must annuitize your entire Account Value; partial Annuitizations are not allowed.

When you purchase an Annuity, or at a later date, you may choose an Annuity Date, an annuity option and the frequency of annuity payments. You may change your choices before the Annuity Date under the terms of the contract. A maximum Annuity Date may be required by law. The Annuity Date may depend on the annuity option you choose. Certain annuity options may not be available depending on the age of the Annuitant. For qualified annuities, the period certain option may be limited to 10 years or less depending on the circumstances.

Certain of these annuity options may be available to Beneficiaries who choose to receive the Death Benefit proceeds as a series of payments instead of a lump sum payment. For qualified annuities, the period certain option may be limited to 10 years or less depending on the circumstances.

**<u>Option 1</u>**

**Payments for Life:** Under this option, income is payable periodically until the death of the "Key Life". The "Key Life" (as used in this section) is the person or persons upon whose life annuity payments are based. No additional annuity payments are made after the death of the Key Life. Since no minimum number of payments is guaranteed, this option offers the largest amount of periodic payments of the life contingent annuity options. *It is possible that only one payment will be payable if the death of the Key Life occurs before the date the second payment was due, and no other payments nor death benefits would be payable.* Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.

**<u>Option 2</u>**

**Payments Based on Joint Lives:** Under this option, income is payable periodically during the joint lifetime of two Key Lives, and thereafter during the remaining lifetime of the survivor, ceasing with the last payment prior to the survivor's death. No minimum number of payments is guaranteed under this option. *It is possible that only one payment will be payable if the death of all the Key Lives occurs before the date the second payment was due, and no other payments or death benefits would be payable. Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.*

**<u>Option 3</u>**

**Payments for Life with a Certain Period:** Under this option, income is payable until the death of the Key Life. However, if the Key Life dies before the end of the period selected (5, 10 or 15 years), the remaining payments are paid to the Beneficiary until the end of such period.

**<u>Option 4</u>**

**Fixed Payments for a Certain Period:** Under this option, income is payable periodically for a specified number of years. If the payee dies before the end of the specified number of years, the remaining payments are paid to the Beneficiary until the end of such period. *Note that under this option, payments are not based on any assumptions of life expectancy. Therefore, that portion of the insurance charge assessed to cover the risk that Key Lives outlive our expectations provides no benefit to an Owner selecting this option.* Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.

<br>We may make different annuity and settlement options available in the future. We do not guarantee to continue to make available or any other option other than the fixed annuity payment options set forth in your contract.

**HOW AND WHEN DO I CHOOSE THE ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION?**

Unless prohibited by law, we require that you elect either a life annuity or an annuity with a certain period of at least 5 years if any CDSC would apply were you to surrender your Annuity on the Annuity Date. Therefore, making a Purchase Payment within seven years of the Annuity Date limits your annuity payment options. Certain annuity payment options may not be available if your Annuity Date occurs during the period that a CDSC would apply.

If you have not provided us with your Annuity Date or annuity payment option in writing, then:

• the
 Annuity Date will be the first day of the calendar month following the later of the Annuitant's 85 <sup>th</sup> birthday or the fifth anniversary of our receipt
 of your request to purchase an Annuity; and

• the
 annuity payments, where allowed by law, will be calculated on a fixed basis under Option 3, Payments for Life with 10 years certain.

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**HOW ARE ANNUITY PAYMENTS CALCULATED?**

**Fixed Annuity Payments**

If you choose to receive fixed annuity payments, you will receive equal fixed-dollar payments throughout the period you select. The amount of the fixed payment will vary depending on the annuity payment option and payment frequency you select. Generally, the first annuity payment is determined by multiplying the Account Value, minus any state premium taxes that may apply, by the factor determined from our table of annuity rates. The table of annuity rates differs based on the type of annuity chosen and the frequency of payment selected. Our rates will not be less than our guaranteed minimum rates. These guaranteed minimum rates are derived from the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality Table with an assumed interest rate of 3% per annum. Where required by law or regulation, such annuity table will have rates that do not differ according to the gender of the Key Life. Otherwise, the rates will differ according to the gender of the Key Life.

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**BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**

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**The following table summarizes information about the benefits available under the Annuity. Certain Contract Benefits may not be available** **through certain financial intermediaries. See the** [**<u>Cover Page</u>**](#chapter_1-sect1_1_925) **for additional information.**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Benefit** | **Purpose** | **Standard or** **Optional** | **Maximum Fee** | **Restrictions/Limitations** |
|  Guaranteed Return Option (GRO)<sup>1</sup>/Guaranteed Return Option Plus (GRO Plus)<sup>2</sup> | Guarantees a "return of premium" at a future date, while allowing you to allocate all or a portion of your Account Value to the Variable Options of your choice. | Optional | 0.50%<br>(based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | Account Value subject to systematic transfers to and from Fixed Allocations. We may restrict the selection of certain Portfolios. Please refer to [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18_925) for variable Variable Option availability. |
|  Basic Death Benefit | Provides protection for your beneficiary(ies) by ensuring that they do not receive less than your Account Value. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit<sup>3</sup> | Provides an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiary(ies) by providing amounts in addition to the basic Death Benefit that can be used to offset federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. | Optional | 0.75%<br>(based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options)<sup>4</sup> | None. |
|  Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit<sup>3</sup> | Provides an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiary(ies) by providing a death benefit equal to the greater of the basic Death Benefit or the Highest Anniversary Value. | Optional | 0.75%<br>(based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | You may not select certain Portfolios. Please refer to [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18_925) for variable Variable Option availability. |
|  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit<sup>3</sup> | Provides an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiary(ies) by providing amounts in addition to the basic Death Benefit. Please refer to [**<u>Appendix</u>** **<u>D</u>**](#chapter_21-sect1_1_925) for a complete description of the charges. | Optional | 0.55%<br>(based on the current Death Benefit amount) | None. |
|  Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider<sup>3</sup> | Provides an income tax-free life insurance benefit for your Beneficiary(ies) that may be useful in offsetting federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. Please refer to [<u>"Appendix C"</u>](#chapter_20-sect1_1_925) for a complete description of the charges. | Optional | 10.50%<br>(based on your age and your Account Value as of the Issue Date of your Annuity) | None. |
|  Annuity Rewards<sup>5</sup> | Provides an enhancement to the Death Benefit that captures any Variable Option gains since the Issue Date of your Annuity so that your beneficiary(ies) would not receive less than an Annuity's value as of the effective date of the benefit. After the 10<sup>th</sup> Annuity Year, the Death Benefit would equal the Account Value. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Performance Advantage | Provides an increase to the Account Value if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded a "target value" on its 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Dollar Cost Averaging | Allows you to systematically transfer a percentage amount out of an investment option and into any other Variable Option(s). | Standard | None. | Minimum allocation requirements. |
|  Automatic Rebalancing | You can direct us to automatically rebalance your assets to return to your original allocation percentage or to a subsequent allocation percentage you select. | Standard | None. | None. |

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1. The
 Guaranteed Return Option benefit is no longer available for election. If you currently participate in this benefit, you may re-start the
 benefit on each anniversary of the Issue Date.

2. The
 Guaranteed Return Plus Option benefit is no longer available for election.

3. These
 benefits are no longer offered and must have been elected at the time that you purchased your Annuity.

4. If
 the Annuity was purchased before November 18, 2002, the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit fee was based on the Account Value. **Please see** [**<u>Appendix D</u>**](#chapter_21_925) **for additional** **information.** 

5. This
 benefit may be referred to as "Prudential Annuities' Annuity Rewards" in certain documents.

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**GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO)**

**GRO is no longer available for new elections.**

GRO is an optional benefit that, after a seven-year period following commencement of the benefit (we refer to the end of that period as the "Maturity Date") guarantees your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your benefit (called the "Protected Principal Value").

The benefit monitors your Account Value daily and, if necessary, systematically transfers amounts pursuant to a mathematical formula between the Variable Options you choose and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation used to support the Protected Principal Value. There is an additional charge if you elect the Guaranteed Return Option benefit.

The guarantee provided by the benefit exists only on the applicable Maturity Date. However, due to the ongoing monitoring of your Account Value and the transfer of Account Value between the Variable Options and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support our future guarantee, the benefit may provide some protection from significant Variable Option losses if you choose to surrender your Annuity or begin receiving annuity payments prior to a Maturity Date.

**Key Feature – Protected Principal Value**

Under the GRO benefit, we guarantee that on the Maturity Date, your Account Value will be no less than the Protected Principal Value. On the Maturity Date if your Account Value is below the Protected Principal Value, we will apply additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase your Account Value to be equal to the Protected Principal Value. A subsequent Purchase Payment increases the amount of the Protected Principal Value by the amount of the Purchase Payment, and withdrawals reduce the Protected Principal Value (as discussed below).

We will notify you of any amounts added to your Annuity under the benefit. If our assumptions are correct and the operations relating to the administration of the benefit work properly, we do not expect that we will need to add additional amounts to an Annuity. The Protected Principal Value is generally referred to as the "Guaranteed Amount" in the rider we issue for this benefit.

**Key Feature – Allocation of Account Value**

GRO uses a mathematical formula that we operate to help manage your guarantees through all market cycles. The formula weighs a number of factors, including the current Account Value, the value in the Variable Options, the value in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the Protected Principal Value, the expected value of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations used to support the guarantee, the time remaining until maturity, and the current crediting rates associated with the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. In essence, and as detailed in the formula, the formula will transfer Account Value into the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations if needed to support an anticipated guarantee. **The formula is set forth in** [**<u>Appendix</u>** **<u>E</u>**](#chapter_22-sect1_1_925)**.** This required formula thus helps us manage our financial exposure under the benefit, by moving assets to a more stable option (i.e., the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations).

Each Valuation Day, the formula determines if any portion of your Account Value needs to be transferred into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, through reference to a "reallocation trigger". At any given time, some, none, or all of your Account Value may be allocated to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If your entire Account Value is transferred to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the formula will not transfer amounts out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options and the entire Account Value would remain in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If you make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity, they will be allocated to the Variable Options according to your allocation instructions. Such additional Purchase Payments may or may not cause the formula to transfer money in or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Once the Purchase Payments are allocated to your Annuity, they will also be subject to the formula, which may result in immediate transfers to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, if dictated by the formula. The amount of any such transfers will vary, as dictated by the formula, and will depend on the factors listed below.

Each market cycle is unique, therefore the performance of your Variable Options, and its impact on your Account Value, will differ from market cycle to market cycle producing different transfer activity under the formula. The amount and timing of transfers to and from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations pursuant to the formula depend on various factors unique to your Annuity and are not necessarily directly correlated with the securities markets, bond markets, interest rates or any other market or index. Some of the factors that determine the amount and timing of transfers (as applicable to your Annuity), include:

• The
 difference between your Account Value (including any Market Value Adjustment) and your Protected Principal Value(s);

• The
 amount of time until the maturity of your Guarantee(s);

• The
 amount invested in, and the performance of, the Variable Options;

• The
 amount invested in, and interest earned within, the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• The
 current crediting rates associated with Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• Additional
 Purchase Payments, if any, that you make to the Annuity; and

• Withdrawals,
 if any, taken from the Annuity.

Any amounts invested in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will affect your ability to participate in a subsequent recovery within the Variable Options. Conversely, the Account Value may be higher at the beginning of the recovery, e.g. more of the Account Value may have been protected from decline and volatility than it otherwise would have been had the benefit not been elected.

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While you are not notified when your Account Value reaches a reallocation trigger, you will receive a confirmation statement indicating the transfer of a portion of your Account Value either to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation.

You may not allocate Purchase Payments to or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

You should be aware of the following potential ramifications of the formula:

• A
 Market Value Adjustment will apply when we reallocate Account Value from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to the Variable Options. Transfers
 of your Account Value can be frequent, and under some scenarios may occur on a daily basis. As indicated, each such transfer
 may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be positive or negative. Thus, a Market Value Adjustment will directly increase
 or reduce your Account Value.

• As
 indicated, some or even all, of your Account Value may be maintained in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. The greater the
 Account Value held in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the larger (in dollar terms) the Market Value Adjustment upon any transfer
 of such Account Value to the Variable Options.

• If
 your Account Value is less than the reallocation trigger, a portion of your Account Value in the Variable Options will be transferred
 from the Variable
 Options on a proportional basis according to your allocations to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) to support the
 applicable guaranteed amount. The new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will have a Guarantee Period equal to the time remaining
 until the applicable maturity date(s). The Account Value allocated to the new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will be credited
 with the fixed interest rate(s) then being credited to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) maturing on the applicable maturity
 date(s) (rounded to the next highest yearly duration). The Account Value will remain invested in each applicable Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation until the applicable maturity date unless, at an earlier date, your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation
 trigger and, therefore, amounts can be transferred to the Variable Options while maintaining the guaranteed protection under the
 program (as described above).

• If
 your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger, and Account Value must be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options, then those amounts will be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations
 and re-allocated to the Variable Options according to any asset allocation programs (including an Automatic Rebalancing program)
 established on your Annuity or in the absence of such programs, on a proportional basis, based on the Account Values in such Variable
 Options at that time. A Market Value Adjustment will apply upon a transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, which
 may result in an increase or decrease in your Account Value.

• Transfers
 under the formula do not impact your guarantees under GRO that have already been locked-in.

Withdrawals from your Annuity, while the benefit is in effect, will reduce the Protected Principal Value proportionally. The proportion will be equal to the proportionate reduction in the Account Value due to the withdrawal as of that date. Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Systematic Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations up to growth in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations and thereafter on a proportional basis solely from the Variable Options. The growth in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations at any point in time consists of the remaining earnings since the program of systematic withdrawal began. Withdrawals will be subject to all other provisions of your Annuity, including any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Market Value Adjustment that would apply.

**Election of the Benefit**

We no longer permit new elections of GRO. If you currently participate in GRO, your existing guarantees are unaffected by the fact that we no longer offer GRO. **Please note that if you terminate a living benefit such as GRO and elect a new living benefit, you lose the guarantees that you had** **accumulated under your existing benefit and we will base any guarantees under the new benefit on your Account Value as of the date the new** **benefit becomes active. We reserve the right to waive, change and/or further limit the election frequency in the future.**

**Restart of the Benefit**

Once each Annuity Year you may request to restart the Benefit. Such a request is an election by you to terminate the existing Benefit (and all guarantees under the benefit) and start a new one. Restarts only take effect on anniversaries of the Issue Date. To make such a request for a restart, you must notify us in advance in accordance with our administrative requirements. If we accept your request, we then terminate the existing Benefit as of that valuation period, if it is an anniversary of the Issue Date, or, if not, as of the next following anniversary of the Issue Date. The new Benefit starts at that time. The initial Protected Principal Value for the new Benefit is the Account Value as of the effective date of the new Benefit. Unless you tell us otherwise, the duration of the new Benefit will be the same as that for the existing Benefit. However, if we do not then make that duration available, you must elect from those we make available at that time. For those who elect to re-start the benefit, the charge will be assessed according to the current methodology prior to re-starting the benefit. – see "Charges under the Program" below.

As part of terminating the existing Benefit, we transfer any amounts in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, subject to a Market Value Adjustment, to the Variable Options on a proportional basis. If your entire Account Value was then in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, you must first provide us instructions as to how to allocate the transferred Account Value among the Variable Options.

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**Termination of the Benefit**

The Annuity Owner also can terminate the Guaranteed Return Option benefit. Upon termination, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will be transferred as follows: (a) if only a portion of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options on a proportional basis based on the Account Values in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive at our office other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program (b) if your entire Account Value is in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive at our Office prior instructions from you. A Market Value Adjustment will apply (except that if the benefit has terminated automatically due to payment of a death benefit, whether a Market Value Adjustment applies depends solely on the terms of the death benefit – see the "[<u>Optional Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_12_925)" section of this prospectus).

In general, you may cancel GRO and then elect another living benefit available post issue, effective on any Valuation Day after your cancellation of GRO. If you terminate GRO, you will lose all guarantees under that benefit. Your election of another living benefit is subject to State and firm availability and our eligibility rules.

The benefit will terminate automatically upon: (a) the death of the Owner or the Annuitant (in an entity owned contract); (b) as of the date Account Value is applied to begin annuity payments; or (c) upon full surrender of your Annuity. If you elect to terminate the benefit, the Guaranteed Return Option will no longer provide any guarantees.

The charge for the Guaranteed Return Option benefit will no longer be deducted from your Account Value after the benefit has been terminated, although for those Annuities for which the GRO charge is deducted annually rather than daily (see "Charges under the Program" below), we will deduct the final annual charge upon termination of the benefit.

**Special Considerations under the Guaranteed Return Option**

This benefit is subject to certain rules and restrictions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Upon
 inception of the benefit, 100% of your Account Value must have been allocated to the Variable Options. The Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation must not have been in effect as of the date that you elected to participate in the benefit. However, the formula may
 transfer Account Value to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation as of the effective date of the benefit under some circumstances.

• Annuity
 Owners cannot allocate any portion of Purchase Payments or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocation while participating in the benefit; however, all or a portion of any Purchase Payments may be allocated by us to the Market
 Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support the amount guaranteed. You cannot participate in any dollar cost averaging benefit that
 transfers Account Value from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to a Variable Option.

• Transfers
 from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation made as a result of the formula under the benefit will be subject to the Market
 Value Adjustment formula under an Annuity; however, the 0.10% liquidity factor in the formula will not apply. A Market Value Adjustment
 may be either positive or negative. Transfer amounts will be taken from the most recently established Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation.

• Transfers
 from the Variable Options to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to
 the Variable Options under the benefit will not count toward the maximum number of free transfers allowable under an Annuity. Any amounts
 applied to your Account Value by us on the maturity date will not be treated as "investment in the contract" for income tax purposes.

• Any
 amounts that we add to your Annuity to support our guarantee under the benefit will be applied to the Variable Options on a proportional
 basis, after first transferring any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations as follows: (a) if only a portion
 of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options
 on a proportional basis based on the Account Values in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive at our office
 other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative
 support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program
 and (b) if your entire Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable
 Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive at our Office prior instructions from you.

• Low
 interest rates may require allocation to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation even when the current Account Value exceeds the
 guarantee.

• As
 the time remaining until the applicable maturity date gradually decreases the benefit will become increasingly sensitive to moves to the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation.

• We
 currently limit the Variable Options in which you may allocate Account Value if you participate in this benefit. Should we prohibit access to any investment
 option, any transfers required to move Account Value to eligible investment options will not be counted in determining the
 number of free transfers during an Annuity Year.

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**Charges under the Benefit**

The maximum charge for Guaranteed Return Option is 0.50% annually of the daily net assets of the Variable Options. The annual charge is deducted daily against your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. Account Value allocated to Fixed Allocations under the program is not subject to the charge. The charge is deducted to compensate us for: (a) the risk that your Account Value on the Maturity Date of the program is less than the amount guaranteed; and (b) administration of the program.

Effective November 18, 2002, we changed the way in which the annual charge for the Guaranteed Return Option is deducted to the method described above. The annual charge for the Guaranteed Return Option for Owners who elected the benefit between May 1, 2001 and November 15, 2002 and subsequent to November 19, 2002 in those states where the daily deduction of the charge has not been approved, is deducted annually, in arrears, according to the prospectus in effect as of the date the program was elected. Owners who terminate and then re-elect the Guaranteed Return Option or elect to restart the Guaranteed Return Option at any time after November 18, 2002 will be subject to the charge method described above.

**Examples**

Example 1. Benefit Maturity

This example is purely hypothetical and does not reflect the charges for the benefit or any other fees and charges under the annuity. It is intended to illustrate the benefit maturity on a guarantee amount under this benefit.

A Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) program begins on July 1, 2015. Your Account Value (AV) at the start of the program is $100,000. As of program maturity on July 1, 2022, there have been no additional Purchase Payments and no prior withdrawals, so your Guaranteed Amount remains at $100,000. The Account Value is $93,000.

Since the Guaranteed Amount exceeds the Account Value, a total of $7,000, the amount by which the guaranteed exceeds the AV, is added to the variable Variable Options which you have elected (or the AST Money Market Variable Option if such elections have not been made).

Example 2. Proportional reduction for withdrawal.

This example is purely hypothetical and does not reflect the charges for the benefit or any other fees and charges under the Annuity. It is intended to illustrate the proportional reduction of a withdrawal on each guarantee amount under this benefit.

A Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) program begins on July 1, 2015. Your Account Value (AV) at the start of the program is $100,000. As of July 1, 2020, there have been no additional Purchase Payments and no prior withdrawals, so your Guaranteed Amount remains at $100,000. The Account Value is $120,000. You then elect to take a $6,000 withdrawal. Assume that no CDSC, Market Value Adjustment or other charges apply.

The Guaranteed Amount is reduced as follows:

• Guaranteed
 Amount prior to withdrawal × (1 - withdrawal / AV prior to withdrawal)

= $100,000 × (1 - $6,000 / $120,000)

= $95,000

**GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GRO PLUS)**

**GRO Plus is no longer available for new elections.**

GRO Plus is an optional benefit that, after a seven-year period following commencement of the benefit (we refer to the end of that period and any applicable subsequent period as the "Maturity Date") and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter while the benefit remains in effect, guarantees your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your benefit (called the "Protected Principal Value"). The benefit also offers you the opportunity to elect a second, enhanced guaranteed amount at a later date if your Account Value has increased, while preserving the guaranteed amount established on the effective date of your benefit. The enhanced guaranteed amount (called the "Enhanced Protected Principal Value") guarantees that, after a separate period following election of the enhanced guarantee and on each anniversary thereafter while this enhanced guarantee amount remains in effect, your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your election of the enhanced guarantee. If the Maturity Date of any guarantee under GRO Plus is not a Valuation Day, and we are required to contribute an amount to your Account Value with respect to that maturing guarantee, we would contribute such an amount on the next Valuation Day.

The benefit monitors your Account Value daily and, if necessary, systematically transfers amounts between the Variable Options you choose and Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations used to support the Protected Principal Value(s). The benefit may be appropriate if you wish to protect a principal amount against poor Variable Option performance as of a specific date in the future. There is an additional charge if you elected the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit.

The guarantees provided by the benefit exist only on the applicable Maturity Date(s) and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date(s) thereafter.

**Key Feature – Protected Principal Value/Enhanced Protected Principal Value**

The Guaranteed Return Option Plus offers a base guarantee as well as the option of electing an enhanced guarantee at a later date.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• **Base Guarantee:** Under
 the base guarantee, we guarantee that on the Maturity Date and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter
 that the benefit remains in effect, your Account Value will be no less than the Protected Principal Value. On the Maturity Date and
 on each anniversary after the Maturity Date that the benefit remains in effect, if your Account Value is below the Protected Principal Value, we will apply
 additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase your Account Value to be equal to the Protected
 Principal Value. A subsequent Purchase Payment increases the amount of the base guarantee by the amount of the Purchase Payment,
 and withdrawals reduce the base guarantee (as discussed below). Any amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity
 Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will first be applied to any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations then required to
 support guarantees due on subsequent Maturity Dates. We will allocate the remainder to the Variable Options on a proportional basis, based
 on the Account Value in the Variable Options at that time.

• **Enhanced Guarantee:** On
 any anniversary following commencement of the benefit, you can establish an enhanced guarantee amount based
 on your current Account Value. Under the enhanced guarantee, we guarantee that at the end of the specified period following the election
 of the enhanced guarantee (also referred to as its "Maturity Date"), and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter
 that the enhanced
 guaranteed amount remains in effect, your Account Value will be no less than the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. You can
 elect an enhanced guarantee more than once; however, a subsequent election supersedes the prior election of an enhanced guarantee.
 Election of an enhanced guarantee does not impact the base guarantee. In addition, you may elect an "auto step-up" feature that will automatically
 create an enhanced guarantee (or increase your enhanced guarantee, if previously elected) on each anniversary of the
 benefit (and create a new maturity period for the new enhanced guarantee) if the Account Value as of that anniversary exceeds the Protected
 Principal Value and Enhanced Protected Principal Value by 7% or more. You may also elect to terminate an enhanced guarantee.
 If you elect to terminate an enhanced guarantee, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations for the enhanced
 guarantee will be liquidated, on the Valuation Day the request is processed, (which may result in a Market Value Adjustment), and
 such amounts will be transferred according to the rules described in "Termination of the Benefit/ Enhanced Guarantee". Termination
 of an enhanced guarantee
 will not result in termination of the base guarantee. If you have elected the enhanced guarantee, on the guarantee's
 Maturity Date and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter that the enhanced guarantee amount remains in effect, if
 your Account Value is below the Enhanced Protected Principal Value, we will apply additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase
 your Account Value to be equal to the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. Any amounts applied to your Account Value
 by us on the Maturity Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will first be applied to any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations
 then required to support guarantees due on subsequent Maturity Dates. We will allocate the remainder to the Variable Options on
 a proportional basis, based on the Account Value in the Variable Options at that time.

If our assumptions are correct and the operations relating to the administration of the benefit work properly, we do not expect that we will need to add additional amounts to your Annuity. The Protected Principal Value is referred to as the "Base Guarantee" and the Enhanced Protected Principal Value is referred to as the "Step-Up Guarantee" in the rider we issue for this benefit.

**Withdrawals under your Annuity**

Withdrawals from your Annuity, while the benefit is in effect, will reduce the base guarantee under the benefit as well as any enhanced guarantee. Cumulative annual withdrawals up to 5% of the Protected Principal Value as of the effective date of the benefit (adjusted for any subsequent Purchase Payments) will reduce the applicable guaranteed amount by the actual amount of the withdrawal (referred to as the "dollar-for-dollar limit"). If the amount withdrawn is greater than the dollar-for-dollar limit, the portion of the withdrawal equal to the dollar-for-dollar limit will be treated as described above, and the portion of the withdrawal in excess of the dollar-for-dollar limit will reduce the base guarantee and the enhanced guarantee proportionally, according to the formula as described in the rider for this benefit (see the examples of this calculation below). Withdrawals other than Systematic Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and any Fixed Allocations. Withdrawals will be subject to all other provisions of your Annuity, including any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Market Value Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) that would apply.

Charges for other optional benefits under your Annuity that are deducted as an annual charge in arrears will not reduce the applicable guaranteed amount under the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit, however, any partial withdrawals in payment of charges for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider (not currently offered for sale) and any third party investment advisory service will be treated as withdrawals and will reduce the applicable guaranteed amount.

The following examples of dollar-for-dollar and proportional reductions assume that: 1.) the Issue Date and the effective date of the GRO Plus benefit are October 13, 2004; 2.) an initial Purchase Payment of $250,000; 3.) a base guarantee amount of $250,000; and 4.) a dollar-for-dollar limit of $12,500 (5% of $250,000). The values set forth here are purely hypothetical and do not reflect the charge for GRO Plus or other fees and charges.

**Example 1. Dollar-for-dollar reduction**

A $10,000 withdrawal is taken on November 29, 2004 (in the first Annuity Year). No prior withdrawals have been taken. As the amount withdrawn is less than the Dollar-for-dollar Limit:

• The
 base guarantee amount is reduced by the amount withdrawn (i.e., by $10,000, from $250,000 to $240,000).

• The
 remaining dollar-for-dollar limit ("Remaining Limit") for the balance of the first Annuity Year is also reduced by the amount
 withdrawn (from $12,500
 to $2,500).

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**Example 2. Dollar-for-dollar and proportional reductions**

A second $10,000 withdrawal is taken on December 18, 2004 (still within the first Annuity Year). The Account Value immediately before the withdrawal is $180,000. As the amount withdrawn exceeds the Remaining Limit of $2,500 from Example 1:

• The
 base guarantee amount is first reduced by the Remaining Limit (from $240,000 to $237,500);

• The
 result is then further reduced by the ratio of A to B, where:

○ A
 is the amount withdrawn less the Remaining Limit ($10,000 - $2,500, or $7,500).

○ B
 is the Account Value less the Remaining Limit ($180,000 - $2,500, or $177,500).

The resulting base guarantee amount is: $237,500 × (1 - $7,500 / $177,500), or $227,464.79.

• The
 Remaining Limit is set to zero (0) for the balance of the first Annuity Year.

**Example 3. Reset of the Dollar-for-Dollar Limit**

A $10,000 withdrawal is made on December 19, 2005 (second Annuity Year). The Remaining Limit has been reset to the dollar-for-dollar limit of $12,500. As the amount withdrawn is less than the dollar-for-dollar limit:

• The
 base guarantee amount is reduced by the amount withdrawn (i.e., reduced by $10,000, from $227,464.79 to $217,464.79)

• The
 Remaining Limit for the balance of the second Annuity Year is also reduced by the amount withdrawn (from $12,500 to $2,500).

**Key Feature – Allocation of Account Value**

GRO Plus uses a mathematical formula that we operate to help manage your guarantees through all market cycles. Each Valuation Day, the formula determines if any portion of your Account Value needs to be transferred into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, through reference to a "reallocation trigger". The formula does this by (a) first identifying each guarantee that is outstanding under GRO Plus (b) then discounting the value of each such guarantee to a present value, based on crediting rates associated with the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, then (c) identifying the largest of such present values. Then, the formula compares the largest present value to both the Account Value and the value of assets allocated to the Variable Options to determine whether a transfer into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations is required. As detailed in the formula, if that largest present value exceeds the Account Value less a percentage of the Variable Option value, a transfer into the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will occur. Conversely, if the largest present value is less than the Account Value less a percentage of the Variable Option value, a transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will occur. This required formula helps us manage our financial exposure under the benefit, by moving assets to a more stable option (i.e., the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations). **The formula is set forth in** [**<u>Appendix F</u>**](#chapter_23-sect1_1_925)**.**

If your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger, then:

• your
 Account Value in the Variable Options will remain allocated according to your most recent instructions; and

• if
 a portion of your Account Value is allocated to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support the applicable guaranteed amount, all or a portion
 of those amounts will be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation and re-allocated to the Variable Options
 according to any asset allocation programs (including an Automatic Rebalancing program) established on your Annuity or in the absence
 of such programs, on a proportional basis, based on the Account Values in such Variable Options at that time;

• if
 all of your Account Value is allocated to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation, then all or a portion of that amount may be transferred
 from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation and re-allocated to the Variable Options, according to the following hierarchy:
 (i) first according to any asset allocation program that you may have in effect (ii) if no such program is in effect, then in accordance
 with any automatic rebalancing program that you may have in effect and (iii) if neither such program is in effect, then to the AST
 Government Money Market Variable Option; and

• a
 Market Value Adjustment will apply when we reallocate Account Value from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to the Variable Options,
 which may result in a decrease or increase in your Account Value.

If your Account Value is less than the reallocation trigger, a portion of your Account Value in the Variable Options will be transferred from the Variable Options on a proportional basis according to your allocations to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) to support the applicable guaranteed amount. The new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will have a Guarantee Period equal to the time remaining until the applicable maturity date(s). The Account Value allocated to the new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will be credited with the fixed interest rate(s) then being credited to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) maturing on the applicable maturity date(s) (rounded to the next highest yearly duration). The Account Value will remain invested in each applicable Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation until the applicable maturity date unless, at an earlier date, your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger and, therefore, amounts can be transferred to the Variable Options while maintaining the guaranteed protection under the program (as described above).

At any given time, some, none, or all of your Account Value may be allocated to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. With respect to any amounts held within the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we can give no assurance how long the amounts will reside there or if such amounts will transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If you make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity, they will be allocated to the Variable Options according to your allocation instructions. Such additional Purchase Payments may or may not cause the formula to transfer money in or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Once the Purchase Payments are allocated to your Annuity, they will also be subject to the formula,

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which may result in immediate transfers to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, if dictated by the formula. The amount of such transfers will vary, as dictated by the formula, and will depend on the factors listed below. Market Value Adjustment will always be applicable on withdrawals and/or surrenders when allocated to the Market Value Adjusted Fixed Allocation Investment Option.

Each market cycle is unique, therefore the performance of your Variable Options, and its impact on your Account Value, will differ from market cycle to market cycle producing different transfer activity under the formula. The amount and timing of transfers to and from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations pursuant to the formula depend on various factors unique to your Annuity and are not necessarily directly correlated with the securities markets, bond markets, interest rates or any other market or index. Some of the factors that determine the amount and timing of transfers (as applicable to your Annuity), include:

• The
 difference between your Account Value (including any Market Value Adjustment) and your Protected Principal Value(s);

• The
 amount of time until the maturity of your guarantee(s);

• The
 amount invested in, and the performance of, the Variable Options;

• The
 amount invested in, and interest earned within, the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• The
 current crediting rates associated with Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• Additional
 Purchase Payments, if any, that you make to the Annuity; and

• Withdrawals,
 if any, taken from the Annuity.

Any amounts invested in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will affect your ability to participate in a subsequent recovery within the Variable Options. Conversely, the Account Value may be higher at the beginning of the recovery, e.g. more of the Account Value may have been protected from decline and volatility than it otherwise would have been had the benefit not been elected.

While you are not notified when your Account Value reaches a reallocation trigger, you will receive a confirmation statement indicating the transfer of a portion of your Account Value either to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

You may not allocate Purchase Payments to or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

Separate Fixed Allocations may be established in support of the Protected Principal Value and the Enhanced Protected Principal Value (if elected). There may also be circumstances when a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation will be established only in support of the Protected Principal Value or the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. If you elect an enhanced guarantee, it is more likely that a portion of your Account Value may be allocated to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations and will remain allocated for a longer period of time to support the Enhanced Protected Principal Value, even during a period of positive Variable Option performance and/or under circumstances where Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations would not be necessary to support the Protected Principal Value. Further, there may be circumstances where Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations in support of the Protected Principal Value or Enhanced Protected Principal Value are transferred to the Variable Options under the formula differently than each other because of the different guarantees they support.

You should be aware of the following potential ramifications of the formula:

• Transfers
 of your Account Value can be frequent, and under some scenarios may occur on a daily basis. As indicated, each such transfer may
 be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be positive or negative. Thus, a Market Value Adjustment will directly increase or reduce your Account
 Value.

• As
 indicated, some or even all, of your Account Value may be maintained in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. The greater the
 Account Value held in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the larger (in dollar terms) the Market Value Adjustment upon any transfer
 of such Account Value to the Variable Options.

• Transfers
 under the formula do not impact your guarantees under GRO Plus that have already been locked-in.

**Election of the Benefit**

We no longer permit new elections of GRO Plus. If you currently participate in GRO Plus, your existing guarantees are unaffected by the fact that we no longer offer GRO Plus. **Please note that if you terminate a living benefit such as GRO Plus and elect a new living benefit, you lose the** **guarantees that you had accumulated under your existing benefit and we will base any guarantees under the new benefit on your Account** **Value as of the date the new benefit becomes active. We reserve the right to waive, change and/or further limit the election frequency in the** **future.**

**Termination of the Benefit/Enhanced Guarantee**

You can elect to terminate the enhanced guarantee but maintain the protection provided by the base guarantee. You also can terminate the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit entirely, in which case you will lose any existing guarantees.

Upon termination of the benefit or of the enhanced guarantee, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations related to the guarantee(s) being terminated will be transferred as follows: (a) if only a portion of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options on a proportional basis, based on your Account Value in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program (b) if your entire Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable Option

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corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive prior instructions from you. A Market Value Adjustment will apply (except that if the benefit has terminated automatically due to payment of a death benefit, whether a Market Value Adjustment applies depends solely on the terms of the death benefit – see the "[<u>Optional Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_12_925)" section of this prospectus).

In general, you may cancel GRO Plus and then elect another living benefit that is available post issue, effective on any Valuation Day after your cancellation of GRO Plus. If you terminate GRO Plus, you will lose all guarantees under that benefit. Your election of another living benefit is subject to State and firm availability and our eligibility rules.

The benefit will terminate automatically upon: (a) the death of the Owner or the Annuitant (in an entity owned contract); (b) as of the date Account Value is applied to begin annuity payments; or (c) upon full surrender of the Annuity. If you elect to terminate the benefit, the Guaranteed Return Option Plus will no longer provide any guarantees.

**Special Considerations under the Guaranteed Return Option Plus**

This benefit is subject to certain rules and restrictions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Upon
 inception of the benefit, 100% of your Account Value must have been allocated to the Variable Options. No Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations may be in effect as of the date that you elect to participate in the benefit. However, the formula may transfer Account Value
 to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations as of the effective date of the benefit under some circumstances.

• You
 cannot allocate any portion of Purchase Payments or transfer Account Value to or from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation while
 participating in the benefit; however, all or a portion of any Purchase Payments may be allocated by us to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations to support the amount guaranteed. You cannot participate in any dollar cost averaging benefit that transfers Account Value
 from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to a Variable Option.

• Transfers
 from Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations made as a result of the formula under the benefit will be subject to the Market Value
 Adjustment formula under an Annuity; however, the 0.10% liquidity factor in the formula will not apply. A Market Value Adjustment may
 be either positive or negative. Transfer amounts will be taken from the most recently established Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation.

• Transfers
 from the Variable Options to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations or from Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations to the
 Variable Options under the benefit will not count toward the maximum number of free transfers allowable under an Annuity.

• Any
 amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the maturity date or any anniversary of the maturity date will not be treated as "investment
 in the contract" for income tax purposes.

• Low
 interest rates may require allocation to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations even when the current Account Value exceeds the guarantee.

• As
 the time remaining until the applicable maturity date gradually decreases the benefit will become increasingly sensitive to moves to Market
 Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

• We
 currently limit the Variable Options in which you may allocate Account Value if you participate in this benefit. Should we prohibit access to any investment
 option, any transfers required to move Account Value to eligible investment options will not be counted in determining the
 number of free transfers during an Annuity Year.

**Charges under the Benefit**

The maximum charge for Guaranteed Return Option Plus is 0.50% annually of the daily net assets of the Variable Options. The annual charge is deducted daily. The charge is deducted to compensate us for: (a) the risk that your Account Value on the Maturity Date is less than the amount guaranteed; and (b) administration of the benefit. You will begin paying this charge as of the effective date of the benefit. We will not refund the charges you have paid even if we never have to make any payments under the benefit.

If you elect the Enhanced Guarantee under the benefit, and on the date you elect to step-up, the charges under the benefit have changed for new purchases, your benefit may be subject to the new charge level. These charges will not exceed the maximum charges shown in the section of this prospectus entitled "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_925)."

**PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE**

**Performance Advantage was offered, in those states where approved, between May 15, 1999 and October 22, 2000. The description below of** **the Performance Advantage benefit applies to those Contract Owners who purchased an Annuity during that time period when the** **Performance Advantage feature was offered.**

When determining the <u>Account Value</u> and <u>Surrender Value</u> of the Annuity, both amounts will not include any Target Value Credits (described below) that we are entitled to recapture upon Surrender of your Annuity.

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**Do you provide any guarantees on my investment?**

The Annuity provides Variable Options and fixed investment options. Only the fixed investment options provide a guaranteed return on your investment, subject to certain terms and conditions. However, your Annuity includes a feature at no additional cost that provides certain benefits if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded a "target value" on its 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary. If, on the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, your Account Value has not reached the target value (as defined below) you can choose either of the following benefits:

• You
 may continue your Annuity without electing to receive Annuity payments and receive an <u>annual</u> Credit to your Account Value payable until
 you begin receiving Annuity payments. The Credit is equal to 0.25% of the average of your Annuity's Account Value for the preceding four complete calendar
 quarters. This Credit is applied to your investment options on a proportional basis based on the allocation of your then
 current Account Value.

**OR**

• You
 may begin receiving Annuity payments within one year and accept a one-time Credit to your Annuity equal to 10% of the net of the Account
 Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of its Issue Date minus the sum of all Purchase Payments allocated in the prior five years. The annuity
 option you select must initially guarantee payments for not less than seven years.

Following the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, we will inform you if your Account Value did not meet or exceed the Target Value. We will assume that you have elected to receive the annual Credit to your Account Value unless, not less than 30 days prior to the next anniversary of the Annuity, we receive at our home office your election to begin receiving Annuity payments.

Certain provisions of this benefit and of the Target Value Credits described below may differ if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, from any other Annuity we issue.

**What is the "Target Value" and how is it calculated?**

The Target Value is a tool used to determine whether you are eligible to elect either of the benefits described above. The Target Value does not impact the Account Value available if you surrender your Annuity or make a partial withdrawal and does not impact the Death Benefit available to your Beneficiary(ies). The Target Value assumes a rate of return over ten (10) Annuity Years that will allow your initial investment to double in value, adjusted for any withdrawals and/or additional Purchase Payments you make during the 10-year period. We calculate the "Target Value" as follows:

1. Accumulate
 the initial Purchase Payment at an annual interest rate of 7.2% until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date; plus

2. Accumulate
 any additional Purchase Payments at an annual interest rate of 7.2% from the date applied until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's
 Issue Date; minus

3. Each
 "proportional reduction" resulting from any withdrawal, accumulating at an annual interest rate of 7.2% from the date the
 withdrawal is processed
 until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date. We determine each "proportional reduction" by determining the percentage
 of your Account Value then withdrawn and reducing the Target Value by that same percentage. We include any withdrawals under
 your Annuity in this calculation, as well as the charge we deduct for any optional benefits you elect under the Annuity, but not the charge
 we deduct for the Annual Maintenance Fee or the Transfer Fee.

**Examples**

1. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no further Purchase Payments. The Target Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your
 Annuity's Issue Date would be $20,042, assuming no withdrawals are made. This is equal to $10,000 accumulating at an
 annual rate of 7.2% for the 10-year period. In this example if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded the Target Value of $20,042
 on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, you may choose to elect either of the benefits described above.

2. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no further Purchase Payments. Assume at the end of Year 6, your Account
 Value has increased to $15,000 and you make a withdrawal of 10% or $1,500. The Target Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary would be $18,722.
 This is equal to $10,000 accumulating at an annual rate of 7.2% for the 10-year period, minus the proportional reduction accumulating
 at an annual interest rate of 7.2%. In this example if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded the Target Value of $18,722
 on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, you may choose to elect either of the benefits described above.

**Can I restart the 10-year Target Value calculation?**

You can elect to lock in the growth in your Annuity by "restarting" the 10-year period on any anniversary of the Issue Date. If you elect to restart the calculation period, we will treat your Account Value on the restart date as if it was your Purchase Payment when determining if your Annuity's Account Value meets or exceeds the Target Value on the appropriate tenth (10<sup>th</sup>) anniversary. You may elect to restart the calculation more than once, in which case, the 10-year calculation period will begin on the date of the last restart date. We must receive your election to restart the calculation at our home office not later than 30 days after each anniversary of the Issue Date.

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**What are Target Value Credits?**

Target Value Credits are additional amounts that we apply to your Account Value to increase the likelihood that your Account Value will meet or exceed the Target Value. We add Target Value Credits to your Account Value at the time a Purchase Payment is applied to your Annuity. Only those Purchase Payments made before the first anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity are eligible to receive Target Value Credits. Target Value Credits are separate and distinct from other Credits we apply to all Purchase Payments.

The amount of the Target Value Credit is equal to 1.0% of each qualifying Purchase Payment. Target Value Credits are only payable on qualifying Purchase Payments if the Owner(s) of the Annuity is(are) less than age 81 on its Issue Date. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the age restriction applies to the age of the Annuitant on the Issue Date. The Target Value Credit is payable from our general account and is allocated to the investment options in the same ratio that the qualifying Purchase Payment is allocated. Payment of the Target Value Credit is subject to our claims-paying ability and financial strength.

Target Value Credits will not be available if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, of an Annuity we issued that has the same or a similar benefit.

The amount of any Target Value Credits is not immediately vested and can be recaptured by us under the circumstances and for the time periods shown below. If we exercise our right to recapture the amount of any Target Value Credit, any investment gain on the Target Value Credit will not be recaptured.

1. If
 you surrender your Annuity before the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Issue Date of the Annuity.

2. If
 you elect to begin receiving Annuity payments before the first anniversary of the Issue Date.

3. If
 a person on whose life we pay the Death Benefit dies, or if a "contingency event" occurs which triggers a medically-related
 surrender:

• within
 12 months after the date a Target Value Credit was allocated to your Account Value; or

• within
 10 years after the date a Target Value Credit was allocated to your Account Value if any Owner was over age 70 on the Issue Date,
 or, if the Annuity was then owned by an entity, the Annuitant was over age 70 on the Issue Date.

Following completion of the above time periods, the amount of any Target Value Credits is vested in the Owner.

\* Performance Advantage may be referred to as "Prudential Annuities' Performance Advantage" in certain instances.

**TRIGGERS FOR PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT**

The Annuity provides a Death Benefit during its Accumulation Period. **If the Annuity is owned by one or more natural persons, the Death Benefit is** **payable upon the first death of an Owner. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Death Benefit is payable upon the Annuitant's death, if there** **is no Contingent Annuitant.** If a Contingent Annuitant was designated before the Annuitant's death and the Annuitant dies, then the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant and a Death Benefit will not be paid at that time. The person upon whose death the Death Benefit is paid is referred to below as the "decedent."

**BASIC DEATH BENEFIT**

The Annuity provides a basic Death Benefit at no additional charge. The insurance charge we deduct daily from your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options is used, in part, to pay us for the risk we assume in providing the basic Death Benefit guarantee under the Annuity.

**Considerations for Contingent Annuitants**: We may allow the naming of a Contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity contract is held by a pension plan or a tax favored retirement plan or held by a Custodial Account (as defined in this prospectus). In such a situation, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the Annuity contract continues after the death of the Annuitant. In some of our Annuities held by these same types of entities we allow for the naming of a Co-Annuitant, which also is used to mean the successor annuitant (and not another life used for measuring the duration of an annuity payment option). Like in the case of a Contingent Annuitant, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the contract continues after the death of the Annuitant. However, tax deferral should be provided instead by the pension plan, tax favored retirement plan, or Custodial Account. We may also allow the naming of a Contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity contract is held by an entity which is not eligible for tax deferral benefits under Section 72(u) of the Code. This does not supersede any benefit language which may restrict the use of the Contingent Annuitant. The basic Death Benefit depends on the decedent's age on the date of death:

*If death occurs before the decedent's age 90: The Death Benefit is the greater of:*

• The
 sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all withdrawals; and

• The
 sum of your Account Value in the Variable Options and your Interim Value in the Fixed Allocations. Please note that your Account Value
 includes and applicable Market Value Adjustment.

*If death occurs when the decedent is age 90 or older: The Death Benefit is your Account Value.*

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**Here is an example of how the basic death benefit is calculated if death occurs before the decedent reaches age 90:**

The contract was issued with Purchase Payments totaling $100,000 but, due to negative Variable Option performance, the Account Value had decreased to $80,000. If the Owner died, the death benefit would still be $100,000. This amount, however, is reduced when you make a withdrawal from the contract. If the contract Owner had withdrawn $10,000 of the remaining $80,000, the death benefit would also be reduced by $10,000. Since the death benefit had been $100,000, it would now be $90,000.

**Here is an example of how the basic death benefit is calculated if death occurs after the decedent reaches age 90:**

The contract was issued with Purchase Payments totaling $100,000 but, due to negative Variable Option performance, the Account Value had decreased to $80,000. If the Owner died, the death benefit would be $80,000.

**OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFITS**

Optional Death Benefits are offered for purchase with your Annuity to provide an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiaries.

------

**These benefits are no longer offered and must have been elected at the time that you purchased your Annuity. Certain terms and conditions** **may differ if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, from any other Annuity we issue.**

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**ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT**

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit can provide additional amounts to your Beneficiary that may be used to offset** **federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. Whether this benefit is appropriate for you may** **depend on your particular circumstances, including other financial resources that may be available to your Beneficiary to pay taxes on your** **Annuity should you die during the Accumulation Period. No benefit is payable if death occurs on or after the Annuity Date.**

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit provides a benefit that is payable in addition to the basic Death Benefit.** If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 75 or less at the time the benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 75 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 75 or less.

**Calculation of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit**

If you purchase the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit, the Death Benefit is calculated as follows:

1. the **basic Death Benefit** described above;

**PLUS**

2. 40%
 of your **"Growth"** under the Annuity, as defined below.

The amount calculated in items 1 & 2 above may be reduced by any Credits or Target Value Credits under certain circumstances.

**<u>"Growth"</u>** means the sum of your Account Value in the Variable Options and your Interim Value in the Fixed Allocations, minus the total of all Purchase Payments reduced by the sum of all proportional withdrawals.

**<u>"Proportional withdrawals"</u>** are determined by calculating the percentage of your Account Value that each prior withdrawal represented when withdrawn.

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is subject to a maximum of 100% of all Purchase Payments applied to the** **Annuity at least 12 months prior to the death of the decedent that triggers the payment of the Death Benefit.**

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit described above was offered in those jurisdictions where we received regulatory** **approval. Please see** [**<u>Appendix D</u>**](#chapter_21-sect1_1_925) **for a description of the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit offered before November** **18, 2002 in those jurisdictions where we received regulatory approval. Please refer to the section entitled "**[**<u>Taxes</u>**](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)**" for a discussion of special** **tax considerations for purchasers of this benefit.**

**Examples of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes that a $50,000 initial Purchase Payment is made. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 50 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options. The formula for determining the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is as follows:

Growth = Account Value of Variable Options plus Interim Value of Fixed Allocations (no Market Value Adjustment applies) minus Purchase Payments – proportional withdrawals

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**<u>Example with Variable Option increase</u>**

Assume that the Owner has made no withdrawals and that the Account Value has been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $75,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, which ever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $75,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($75,000) **PLUS** 40% of the "Growth" under the Annuity.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Growth | = | $75,000 - [$50,000 - $0] |
|  | = | $25000 |
| Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth | Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth | Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth |
|  | = | $25,000 × 0.40 |
|  | = | $10000 |
| Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit |
|  | = | $85000 |

---

**Examples with Variable Option decline**

Assume that the Owner has made no withdrawals and that the Account Value has been decreasing due to declines in Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $45,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, which ever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $50,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($50,000) **PLUS** the "Growth" under the Annuity.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Growth | = | $45,000 – [$50,000 – $0] |
|  | = | -$5000 |
| Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth<br> NO BENEFIT IS PAYABLE | Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth<br> NO BENEFIT IS PAYABLE | Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth<br> NO BENEFIT IS PAYABLE |
|  Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit |
|  | = | $50000 |

---

**In this example you would receive no additional benefit from purchasing the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit.**

**Example with Variable Option increase and withdrawals**

Assume that the Account Value has been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance and the Owner made a withdrawal of $15,000 in Annuity Year 5 when the Account Value was $75,000. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $90,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, whichever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $90,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($90,000) **PLUS** 40% of the "Growth" under the Annuity.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Growth | = | $90,000 – [$50,000 – ($50,000 × $15,000/$75,000)] |
|  | = | $90,000 – [$50,000 – $10,000] |
|  | = | $90000 – $40000 |
|  | = | $50000 |
| Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth | Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth | Benefit Payable under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = 40% of Growth |
|  | = | $50,000 × 0.40 |
|  | = | $20000 |
| Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Benefit Payable under Basic Death Benefit PLUS Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit |
|  | = | $110000 |

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**HIGHEST ANNIVERSARY VALUE DEATH BENEFIT ("HAV")**

If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 79 or less at the time Highest Anniversary Value Optional Death Benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 79 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 79 or less.

***We restrict certain Portfolios if you elect the Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit.***

**Key Terms Used with the Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit**

• The <u>Death Benefit Target Date</u> is the contract anniversary on or after the 80 <sup>th</sup> birthday of the current Owner, the oldest of either joint Owner
 or the Annuitant, if entity owned.

• The <u>Highest Anniversary Value</u> equals the highest of all previous "Anniversary Value" less proportional withdrawals since such anniversary and
 plus any Purchase Payments since such anniversary.

• The <u>Anniversary Value</u> is the
 Account Value as of each anniversary of the Issue Date of the Annuity. The Anniversary Value on the Issue Date
 is equal to your Purchase Payment.

• <u>Proportional Withdrawals</u> result
 in a reduction to the Highest Anniversary Value by reducing such value in the same proportion as the Account
 Value was reduced by the withdrawal as of the date the withdrawal occurred. For example, if your Highest Anniversary Value is $125,000
 and you subsequently withdraw $10,000 at a time when your Account Value is equal to $100,000 (a 10% reduction), when calculating
 the optional Death Benefit we will reduce your Highest Anniversary Value ($125,000) by 10% or $12,500.

**Calculation of Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit**

The Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit depends on whether death occurs before or after the Death Benefit Target Date.

*If the Owner dies before the Death Benefit Target Date, the Death Benefit equals the greater of:*

1. the
 basic Death Benefit described above; and

2. the
 Highest Anniversary Value as of the Owner's date of death.

*If the Owner dies on or after the Death Benefit Target Date, the Death Benefit equals the greater of:*

1. the
 basic Death Benefit described above; and

2. the
 Highest Anniversary Value on the Death Benefit Target Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all proportional withdrawals
 since the Death Benefit Target Date.

**The amount determined by this calculation is increased by any Purchase Payments received after the Owner's date of death and decreased** **by any proportional withdrawals since such date.**

**The Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit described above was offered in those jurisdictions where we received regulatory approval.** **Please see** [**<u>Appendix D</u>**](#chapter_21-sect1_1_925) **for a description of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit offered before November 18, 2002 in those jurisdictions** **where we received regulatory approval.**

**Examples of Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes an initial Purchase Payment of $50,000. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 70 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options.

**<u>Example with Variable Option increase and death before Death Benefit Target Date</u>**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value has generally been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance and that no withdrawals have been made. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $75,000; however, the Anniversary Value on the 5<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Issue Date was $90,000. Assume as well that the Owner has died before the Death Benefit Target Date. The Death Benefit is equal to the greater of the Highest Anniversary Value or the basic Death Benefit. The Death Benefit would be the Highest Anniversary Value ($90,000) because it is greater than the amount that would have been payable under the basic Death Benefit ($75,000).

**<u>Example with withdrawals</u>**

Assume that the Account Value has been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance and the Owner made a withdrawal of $15,000 in Annuity Year 7 when the Account Value was $75,000. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $80,000; however, the Anniversary Value on the 5<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Issue Date was $90,000. Assume as well that the Owner has died before the Death Benefit Target Date. The Death Benefit is equal to the greater of the Highest Anniversary Value or the basic Death Benefit.

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---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Highest Anniversary Value | = <br>=<br>= | $90,000 -[$90,000 × $15,000/$75,000]<br>$90,000 -$18,000<br>$72,000 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | =<br>=<br>= | max [$80,000, $50,000– [$50,000 × $15,000/$75,000]<br>max [$80,000, $40,000]<br>$80,000 |
|  The Death Benefit therefore is $80,000. | The Death Benefit therefore is $80,000. | The Death Benefit therefore is $80,000. |

---

**Example with death after Death Benefit Target Date**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value has generally been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance and that no withdrawals had been made prior to the Death Benefit Target Date. Further assume that the Owner dies after the Death Benefit Target Date, when the Account Value is $75,000. The Highest Anniversary Value on the Death Benefit Target Date was $80,000; however, following the Death Benefit Target Date, the Owner made a Purchase Payment of $15,000 and had taken a withdrawal of $5,000 when the Account Value was $70,000. The Death Benefit is equal to the greater of the Highest Anniversary Value plus Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals after the Death Benefit Target Date or the basic Death Benefit.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Highest Anniversary Value | = <br>=<br>= | $80,000 + $15,000 – [($80,000 + $15,000) × $5,000/$70,000]<br>$80,000 + $15,000 – $6,786<br>$88,214 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | =<br>=<br>= | max [$75,000, ($50,000 + $15,000) – {($50,000 + $15,000) × $5,000/$70,000}]<br>max [$75,000, $60,357]<br>$75,000 |
|  The Death Benefit therefore is $88,214. | The Death Benefit therefore is $88,214. | The Death Benefit therefore is $88,214. |

---

**Annuities with Joint Owners**

For Annuities with Joint Owners, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the oldest of the Joint Owners is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. NOTE: If you and your spouse own the Annuity jointly, we will pay the Death Benefit to the Beneficiary. If the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving spouse, then the surviving spouse can elect to assume ownership of the Annuity and continue the contract instead of receiving the Death Benefit.

**Annuities Owned by Entities**

For Annuities owned by an entity, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the Annuitant is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. Payment of the Death Benefit is based on the death of the Annuitant (or Contingent Annuitant, if applicable).

**Can I terminate the optional Death Benefits? Do the optional Death Benefits terminate under other circumstances?**

You can terminate the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit and Highest Anniversary Value Optional Death Benefit at any time. Both optional Death Benefits will terminate automatically on the Annuity Date. If you decide to terminate any optional Death Benefit, your decision is irrevocable, and any optional Death Benefit may not be re-elected. We may also terminate any optional Death Benefit if necessary to comply with our interpretation of the Code and applicable regulations.

**What Are The Charges For The Optional Death Benefits?**

The maximum charge for both Enhanced Beneficiary Protection and Highest Anniversary Value is 0.75%. We deduct the charge to compensate us for providing increased insurance protection under the optional Death Benefit. The additional annual charge is deducted daily against your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options.

Please refer to the section entitled "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" for additional considerations in relation to the optional Death Benefit.

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**PLUS40 OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE RIDER**<br>**No longer available for election**

------

The life insurance coverage provided under the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider ("Plus40 rider" or the "Rider") is supported by our general account and is not subject to, or registered as a security under, either the Securities Act of 1933 or the Investment Company Act of 1940. Information about the Plus40 rider is included in this prospectus to help you understand the Rider and the relationship between the Rider and the value of your Annuity. It is also included because you can elect to pay for the Rider with taxable withdrawals from your Annuity. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed this information. However, the information may be subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws regarding accuracy and completeness.

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The Plus40 rider provides an income tax-free life insurance benefit to your Beneficiary(ies) equal to 40% of the Account Value of your Annuity as of the date we receive due proof of death, subject to certain adjustments, restrictions and limitations. The Rider may be especially useful in offsetting federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. The Rider is available in addition to the death benefit payable under the Annuity. Whether the Rider is appropriate for you may depend on your particular circumstances, including other financial resources that may be available to your Beneficiary(ies) to pay taxes on the gain in your Annuity should you die during the accumulation period. No amounts are payable under the Rider if you die on or after the date your Account Value is applied to begin receiving annuity payments or after you surrender the Annuity. The Rider has no cash value.

**Please refer to** [**<u>"Appendix C"</u>**](#chapter_20-sect1_1_925) **for a more complete description of the Plus40 rider.**

**ANNUITY REWARDS**

**What is the Annuity Rewards Benefit?**

The Annuity Rewards benefit offers Owners the ability to capture any Variable Option gains since the Issue Date of their Annuity as an enhancement to their current Death Benefit so their Beneficiaries will not receive less than the Annuity's value as of the date the Owner elects the benefit. Under the Annuity Rewards benefit, we guarantee that the Death Benefit will not be less than:

• your
 Account Value in the Variable Options plus the Interim Value in any Fixed Allocations as of the effective date of the Owner's election

• <u>MINUS</u> any proportional withdrawals \* following the date of election

• <u>PLUS</u> any additional Purchase Payments applied to the Annuity following the date of election.

\* "Proportional withdrawals" are determined by calculating the percentage of the Account Value that each withdrawal represented when withdrawn. For example, a withdrawal of 50% of your Account Value would be treated as a 50% reduction in the amount payable under the Death Benefit.

The Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement does not affect the calculation of the basic Death Benefit or any Optional Death Benefits available under the Annuity to the extent such benefit provides for a change in the method of calculation based on the age of the decedent as of the date of death. For example, if prior to age 90, the basic Death Benefit is equal to the greater of Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals or the Account Value and, at age 90 and older is equal to the Account Value, the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement will only apply until age 90. If the Death Benefit amount payable under your Annuity's basic Death Benefit or any Optional Death Benefits you purchase is greater than the enhanced Death Benefit under the Annuity Rewards benefit on the date the Death Benefit is calculated, your Beneficiary will receive the higher amount. If your Annuity includes the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit, the enhanced Death Benefit under the Annuity Rewards program will be considered when calculating the amount due under the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit.

**Who is eligible for the Annuity Rewards benefit?**

Owners can elect the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement following the seventh (7<sup>th</sup>) anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date. However, the election is subject to the requirement that their Account Value on the election date is greater than the amount that would be payable to their Beneficiary under the Death Benefit provided under the Annuity as of the election date (including any Optional Death Benefits other than the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit). If an Owner is ineligible when he or she applies for the optional benefit, the Owner can elect the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement on any subsequent date if they otherwise qualify. The election must occur before annuity payments begin. An Owner can only elect the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement once. There is no additional charge for electing the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement

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**PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFITS**

**Payment of Death Benefit to Beneficiary from a Non-qualified Annuity**

Except in the case of a Spousal Continuation, upon your death, certain distributions must be made under the Non-qualified Annuity. The required distributions depend on whether you die before you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity or after you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity. If you die on or after the Annuity Date, the remaining portion of the interest in the Annuity must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of death. In the event of the Decedent's death before the Annuity Date, the Death Benefit must be distributed:

1. within
 five (5) years of the date of death (the "five-year deadline"); or

2. as
 a series of payments not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary or over the life of the Beneficiary. Payments under this
 option must begin within one year of the date of death. If the Beneficiary does not begin installments by such time, then no partial withdrawals
 will be permitted thereafter and we require that the Beneficiary take the Death Benefit as a lump sum within the five-year deadline.
 If we do not receive instructions on where to send the payment within five-years of the date of death, the funds will be escheated.

3. If
 the Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the Owner, the spouse may elect to continue the Annuity.

Unless you have made an election prior to death benefit proceeds becoming due, a Beneficiary can elect to receive the Death Benefit proceeds as a series of fixed annuity payments. See the section entitled "[<u>Annuity Period</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_925)".

**SPOUSAL CONTINUATION OF ANNUITY**

You may name your spouse as your Beneficiary. If you and your spouse own the Annuity jointly, we assume that the sole primary Beneficiary will be the surviving spouse unless you elect an alternative Beneficiary designation. Unless you elect an alternative Beneficiary designation, the spouse Beneficiary may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Death Benefit payment. Any Death Benefit (including any optional Death Benefits) that would have been payable to the Beneficiary will become the new Account Value as of the date we receive due proof of death and any required proof of a spousal relationship. As of the date the assumption is effective, the surviving spouse will have all the rights and benefits that would be available under the Annuity to a new purchaser of the same attained age. For purposes of determining any future Death Benefit for the surviving spouse, the new Account Value will be considered as the initial Purchase Payment. No CDSC will apply to the new Account Value. However, any additional Purchase Payments applied after the date the assumption is effective will be subject to all provisions of the Annuity, including any CDSC that may apply to the additional Purchase Payments.

See the section entitled "[<u>Change of Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations -</u> <u>Contingent Annuitant</u>](#a_002)" for a discussion of the treatment of a spousal Contingent Annuitant in the case of the death of the Annuitant in an entity owned Annuity.

**Alternative Death Benefit Payment Options – Annuities Held by Tax-Favored Plans**

Upon your death under an IRA or Roth IRA, any remaining interest must be distributed in accordance with federal income tax requirements. The post-death distribution requirements were amended, applicable generally with respect to deaths occurring after 2019, by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 (which includes the "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" Act (SECURE Act)), and further clarified by the associated final and proposed regulations. We reserve our rights to implement any additional regulations addressing these requirements in the future. The post-death distribution requirements under prior law continue to apply in certain circumstances. The following rules generally apply to deaths after 2019:

• 10-year
 rule: If you have a designated Beneficiary, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years after your death, unless the designated
 Beneficiary is an "eligible designated Beneficiary" ("EDB") or some other exception applies.

• Eligible
 designated beneficiaries: A designated Beneficiary is any individual designated as a Beneficiary by the IRA owner. An EDB is any designated
 Beneficiary who is (1) your surviving spouse, (2) your minor child, (3) disabled, (4) chronically ill, or (5) an individual not more than
 10 years younger than you. An individual's status as an EDB is generally determined on the date of your death.

• Other
 applicable rules: This 10-year post-death distribution period applies regardless of whether you die before your required beginning date,
 or you die on or after that date (including after distributions have commenced in the form of an annuity). However, if you die on or after
 the required beginning date, then annual distributions will be required from the Annuity during the 10-year period. If the Beneficiary
 is an EDB and the
 EDB dies before the entire interest is distributed under this 10-year rule, the remaining interest must be distributed within 10
 years after the EDB's death (i.e., a new 10-year distribution period begins).

Instead of taking distributions under the 10-year rule, an EDB can stretch distributions over life, or over a period not extending beyond life expectancy, provided that such distributions commence within one year of your death, subject to certain special rules. In addition, if your minor child is an EDB, the child will cease to be an EDB on the date the child reaches the age of 21, and any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years after that date (regardless of whether the remaining distribution period under the stretch rule was more or less than 10 years).

It is important to note that under prior law, annuity payments that commenced under a method that satisfied the distribution requirements while the IRA Owner was alive could continue to be made under that method after the death of the IRA owner. However, under the current

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law, if you commence taking distributions in the form of an annuity that can continue after your death, such as in the form of a joint and survivor annuity or an annuity with a guaranteed period of more than 10 years, any distributions after your death that are scheduled to be made beyond the applicable distribution period imposed under the current law might need to be commuted at the end of that period (or otherwise modified after your death if permitted under federal tax law and by Fortitude) in order to comply with the post-death distribution requirements.

The post-death distribution requirements do not apply if annuity payments that comply with prior law commenced prior to December 20, 2019. Also, even if annuity payments have not commenced prior to December 20, 2019, the requirements generally do not apply to an immediate annuity contract purchased prior to that date, if you have made an irrevocable election before that date as to the method and amount of the annuity.

If your Beneficiary is not an individual, such as a charity, your estate, or a trust, any remaining interest after your death generally must be distributed under prior law in accordance with the 5-year rule or the at-least-as-rapidly rule, as applicable (but not the lifetime payout rule). You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your Beneficiary designations.

In addition, the post-death distribution requirements generally do not apply if the IRA Owner died prior to January 1, 2020. However, if the designated Beneficiary of the deceased IRA Owner dies after January 1, 2020, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years of the designated Beneficiary's death. Hence, this 10-year rule will apply to (1) a contract issued prior to 2020 which continues to be held by a designated Beneficiary of an IRA Owner who died prior to 2020, and (2) an inherited IRA issued after 2019 to the designated Beneficiary of an IRA Owner who died prior to 2020.

• Spousal
 continuation. Under the current law, as under prior law, if your Beneficiary is your spouse, such surviving spouse can delay the application
 of the post-death distribution requirements until after their death by transferring the remaining interest tax-free to their own IRA,
 or by treating your IRA as their own IRA subject to specific limits under the regulations. The post-death distribution requirements are complex in numerous
 respects. In addition, the manner in which these requirements will apply will depend on your particular facts and circumstances.
 You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

For more information, see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)." You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your Beneficiary designations.

A Beneficiary has the flexibility to take out more each year than mandated under the Required Minimum Distribution rules. Until withdrawn, amounts in an IRA, 403(b) or other "qualified investment" continue to be tax deferred. Amounts withdrawn each year, including amounts that are required to be withdrawn under the Required Minimum Distribution rules, are subject to tax. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

For a Roth IRA, if death occurs before the entire interest is distributed, the Death Benefit must be distributed under the same rules applied to IRAs where death occurs before the required beginning date.

If we do not receive instructions on where to send the payment within 5 years of the date of death, the funds will be escheated.

The tax consequences to the Beneficiary may vary among the different Death Benefit payment options. See the "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" section of this prospectus, and consult your tax advisor.

Designated Beneficiaries may be eligible for the IRA Beneficiary Continuation Option; however, distribution periods may be limited by applicable tax law as stated above. Beneficiaries should consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of distribution options.

Upon election of this IRA Beneficiary Continuation option:

• the
 Annuity contract will be continued in the Owner's name, for the benefit of the Beneficiary.

• the
 Account Value will be equal to any Death Benefit (including any optional Death Benefit) that would have been payable to the Beneficiary
 if they had taken a lump sum distribution.

• the
 Beneficiary may request transfers among Variable Options, subject to the same limitations and restrictions that applied to the Owner. NOTE: The Variable
 Options offered under  the IRA Beneficiary Continuation option may be limited.

• no
 additional Purchase Payments can be applied to the Annuity.

• the
 basic Death Benefit and any optional Death Benefits elected by the Owner will no longer apply to the Beneficiary.

• the
 Beneficiary can request a withdrawal of all or a portion of the Account Value at any time without application of a CDSC.

• upon
 the death of the Beneficiary, any remaining Account Value will be paid in a lump sum to the person(s) named by the Beneficiary.

• all
 amounts in the Annuity must be paid out to the Beneficiary according to the Minimum Distribution rules described in the " [<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925) " section.

Payment under this option may be limited based on federal income tax requirements. See the "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" section for more information on the limitations that may apply to this option.

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**Are there any exceptions to these rules for paying the Death Benefit?**

There are exceptions that apply no matter how your Death Benefit is calculated. There are exceptions to the Death Benefit if the decedent was not the Owner or Annuitant as of the Issue Date and did not become the Owner or Annuitant due to the prior Owner's or Annuitant's death. Any Death Benefit (including either optional Death Benefit) that applies will be suspended for a two-year period from the date he or she first became Owner or Annuitant. After the two-year suspension period is completed, the Death Benefit is the same as if this person had been an Owner or Annuitant on the Issue Date.

**When do you determine the Death Benefit?**

We determine the amount of the Death Benefit as of the date we receive "due proof of death", any instructions we require to determine the method of payment and any other written representations we require to determine the proper payment of the Death Benefit to all Beneficiaries. "Due proof of death" may include a certified copy of a death certificate, a certified copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding of death or other satisfactory proof of death. Upon our receipt of "due proof of death" we automatically transfer the Death Benefit to the AST Money Market Variable Option until we further determine the universe of eligible Beneficiaries.

Each Beneficiary must make an election as to the method they wish to receive their portion of the Death Benefit. Absent an election of a Death Benefit payment method, no Death Benefit can be paid to the Beneficiary. We may require written acknowledgment of all named Beneficiaries before we can pay the Death Benefit. During the period from the date of death until we receive all required paper work, the amount of the Death Benefit may be subject to Variable Option fluctuations.

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**PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE**

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**The Annuity referenced in this prospectus is no longer available for new sales or re-elections.**

**REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING THE ANNUITY**

**We may apply certain limitations, restrictions, and/or underwriting standards as a condition of our issuance of an Annuity and/or acceptance** **of Purchase Payments. Certain of the current limitations, restrictions and standards are described below. We may change these limitations,** **restrictions and standards in the future.**

**Initial Purchase Payment:** We no longer allow new purchases of this Annuity. Previously, the minimum initial Purchase Payment was $1,000. However, if you decided to make payments under a systematic investment or "bank drafting" program, we accepted a lower initial Purchase Payment provided that, within the first Annuity Year, you made at least $1,000 in total Purchase Payments.

We must approve any initial and additional Purchase Payments where the total amount of Purchase Payments equal $1,000,000 or more with respect to this Annuity and any other annuities you are purchasing from us (or that you already own) and/or our affiliates. To the extent allowed by state law, that required approval also will apply to a proposed change of Owner of the Annuity, if as a result of the ownership change, total Purchase Payments with respect to this Annuity and all other annuities owned by the new Owner would equal or exceed that $1 million threshold. We may have applied certain limitations and/or restrictions on the Annuity as a condition of our acceptance, including limiting the liquidity features or the Death Benefit protection provided under the Annuity, limiting the right to make additional Purchase Payments, changing the number of transfers allowable under the Annuity or restricting the Variable Options that are available. Other limitations and/or restrictions may apply.

**Age Restrictions:** There was no age restriction to purchase the Annuity. However, the basic Death Benefit provides greater protection for persons under age 90. The availability of certain optional benefits may vary based on the age of the Owner on the Issue Date of the Annuity.

**DESIGNATION OF OWNER, ANNUITANT, AND BENEFICIARY**

**Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations:** On your Application, we asked you to name the Owner(s), Annuitant and one or more Beneficiaries for your Annuity.

• <u>Owner:</u> The Owner(s) holds all rights under the Annuity. You may name up to two Owners in which case all ownership rights are held jointly.
 Generally, joint Owners are required to act jointly; however, if each Owner provides us with a written form that we find acceptable, we
 will permit each Owner to act independently on behalf of both Owners. All information and documents that we are required to send you will
 be sent to the first named Owner. This Annuity does not provide a right of survivorship. Refer to the [<u>Glossary of Terms</u>](#chapter_2-sect1_1_925) for a complete description
 of the term "Owner."

• <u>Annuitant:</u> The Annuitant is the person we agree to make annuity payments to and upon whose life we continue to make such payments. You
 must name an Annuitant who is a natural person. We do not accept a designation of joint Annuitants during the Accumulation Period. Where
 allowed by law, you may name one or more Contingent Annuitants. A Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant if the Annuitant
 dies before the Annuity Date. Please refer to the discussion of "Considerations for Contingent Annuitants" in the " [<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925) "
 section of the Prospectus.

• <u>Beneficiary:</u> The Beneficiary is the person(s) or entity you name to receive the death benefit. If no beneficiary is named the death benefit will
 be paid to you or your estate. If no beneficiary is named for a trust owned contract, the default beneficiary will be the contract owner.

Your right to make certain designations may be limited if your Annuity is to be used as an IRA or other "qualified" investment that is given beneficial tax treatment under the Code. You should seek tax advice on the income, estate and gift tax implications of your designations.

**HOW AND WHEN ARE PURCHASE PAYMENTS INVESTED?**

(See "[<u>Processing and Valuing Transactions</u>](#chapter_12-sect1_12_925)" for a description of our procedure for pricing initial and subsequent Purchase Payments.)

**Initial Purchase Payment:** Once we accepted your application, we invested your net Purchase Payment in the Annuity. The net Purchase Payment is your initial Purchase Payment minus any tax charges that may apply. The Annuity is no longer sold.

**Subsequent Purchase Payments:** We will allocate any additional Purchase Payments you make according to your current allocation instructions. If any rebalancing or asset allocation programs are in effect, the allocation should conform with such a program. We assume that your current allocation instructions are valid for subsequent Purchase Payments until you make a change to those allocations or request new allocations when you submit a new Purchase Payment.

Depending on the tax status of your Annuity (e.g., if you own the Annuity through an IRA), there may be annual contribution limits dictated by applicable law. Please see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" for additional information on these contribution limits.

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**ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENTS**

The minimum amount that we accept as an additional Purchase Payment is $100 unless you participate in the Systematic Investment Program or a periodic Purchase Payment program. We will allocate any additional Purchase Payments you make according to your most recent allocation instructions, unless you request new allocations when you submit a new Purchase Payment.

**SCHEDULED PAYMENTS DIRECTLY FROM A BANK ACCOUNT**

You can make <u>additional</u> Purchase Payments to your Annuity by authorizing us to deduct money directly from your bank account and applying it to your Annuity. This type of program is often called "bank drafting". We call our bank drafting program the "Systematic Investment Program." Purchase Payments made through bank drafting may only be allocated to the Variable Options when applied. Bank drafting allows you to invest in your Annuity with a lower initial Purchase Payment, as long as you authorize payments that will equal at least $1,000 during the first 12 months of your Annuity. We may suspend or cancel bank drafting privileges if sufficient funds are not available from the applicable financial institution on any date that a transaction is scheduled to occur.

**SALARY REDUCTION PROGRAMS**

These types of programs are only available with certain types of qualified investments. If your employer sponsors such a program, we may agree to accept periodic Purchase Payments through a salary reduction program as long as the allocations are made only to Variable Options and the periodic Purchase Payments received in the first year total at least $1,000.

During the Accumulation Period, the Annuity has an Account Value. The Account Value is determined separately for each Variable Option allocation and for each Fixed Allocation. The Account Value is the sum of the values of each Variable Option allocation and the value of each Fixed Allocation. The Account Value does not reflect any CDSC that may apply to a withdrawal or surrender. When determining the Account Value on any day other than a Fixed Allocation's Maturity Date, the Account Value may include any Market Value Adjustment that would apply to a Fixed Allocation (if withdrawn or transferred) on that day.

**VALUING THE VARIABLE OPTIONS**

When you allocate Account Value to a Variable Option, you are purchasing Units of the Variable Option. Each Variable Option invests exclusively in shares of an underlying Portfolio. The value of the Units fluctuates with the market fluctuations of the Portfolios. The value of the Units also reflects the daily accrual for the insurance charge and if you elected one or more optional benefits whose annual charge is deducted daily, the additional charge made for such benefits. There may be several different Unit Prices for each Variable Option to reflect the insurance charge and the charges for any optional benefits. The Unit Price for the Units you purchase will be based on the total charges for the benefits that apply to your Annuity. See the section entitled "[<u>Processing and Valuing Transactions</u>](#chapter_12-sect1_12_925)" for a detailed discussion of how Units are purchased and redeemed to reflect changes in the daily charges that apply to your Annuity.

Each Valuation Day, we determine the price for a Unit of each Variable Option, called the "Unit Price." The Unit Price is used for determining the value of transactions involving Units of the Variable Options. We determine the number of Units involved in any transaction by dividing the dollar value of the transaction by the Unit Price of the Variable Option as of the Valuation Day. The investment performance of the Portfolios, expenses, and deductions of certain charges affects the Unit Price, the number of Units, or both.

**Example**

Assume you allocate $5,000 to a Variable Option. On the Valuation Day you make the allocation, the Unit Price is $14.83. Your $5,000 buys 337.154 Units of the Variable Option. Assume that later, you wish to transfer $3,000 of your Account Value out of that Variable Option and into another Variable Option. On the Valuation Day you request the transfer, the Unit Price of the original Variable Option has increased to $16.79. To transfer $3,000, we sell 178.677 Units at the current Unit Price, leaving you 158.477 Units. We then buy $3,000 of Units of the new Variable Option at the Unit Price of $17.83. You would then have 168.255 Units of the new Variable Option.

**VALUING THE FIXED ALLOCATIONS**

During the Guarantee Period, we use the concept of an Interim Value. The Interim Value can be calculated on any day and is equal to the initial value allocated to a Fixed Allocation plus all interest credited to a Fixed Allocation as of the date calculated. The Interim Value does not include the impact of any Market Value Adjustment. If you made any transfers or withdrawals from a Fixed Allocation, the Interim Value will reflect the withdrawal of those amounts and any interest credited to those amounts before they were withdrawn. To determine the Account Value of a Fixed Allocation on any day other than its Maturity Date, we multiply the Account Value of the Fixed Allocation times the Market Value Adjustment factor.

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**SURRENDER VALUE**

The Surrender Value of your Annuity is the value available to you on any day during the Accumulation Period. The Surrender Value is equal to your Account Value minus any CDSC, the Annual Maintenance Fee and the charge for any optional benefits. The Surrender Value will also include any Market Value Adjustment that may apply.

**PROCESSING AND VALUING TRANSACTIONS**

We are generally open to process financial transactions on those days that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. There may be circumstances where the NYSE does not open on a regularly scheduled date or time or closes at an earlier time than scheduled (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Financial transactions requested before the close of the NYSE which meet our requirements will be processed according to the value next determined following the close of business. Financial transactions requested on a non-Valuation Day or after the close of the NYSE will be processed based on the value next computed on the next Valuation Day. There may be circumstances when the opening or closing time of the NYSE is different than other major stock exchanges, such as NASDAQ. Under such circumstances, the closing time of the NYSE will be used when valuing and processing transactions.

There may be circumstances where the NYSE is open, however, due to inclement weather, natural disaster or other circumstances beyond our control, our offices may be closed or our business processing capabilities may be restricted. Under those circumstances, your Account Value may fluctuate based on changes in the Unit Values, but you may not be able to transfer Account Value or make a purchase or redemption request.

The NYSE is closed on certain announced holidays. On those dates, we will not process any financial transactions involving purchase or redemption orders.

We will also not process financial transactions involving purchase or redemption orders or transfers on any day that:

• trading
 on the NYSE is restricted;

• an
 emergency exists making redemption or valuation of securities held in the Separate Account impractical; or

• the
 SEC, by order, permits the suspension or postponement for the protection of security holders.

**Initial Purchase Payments:** We no longer allow new purchases of this Annuity. Previously, we allocated your initial Purchase Payment to the Variable Options within two (2) days after we receive all of our requirements to issue the Annuity. If we did not have all the required information to allow us to issue your Annuity, we may have retained the Purchase Payment while we tried to reach you or your representative to obtain all of our requirements. If we were unable to obtain all of our required information within five (5) days, we were required to return the Purchase Payment to you at that time, unless you specifically consented to our retaining the Purchase Payment while we gathered the required information. Once we obtained the required information, we invested the Purchase Payment and issued the Annuity within two (2) days. During any period that we were trying to obtain the required information, your money was not invested.

**Additional Purchase Payments:** We will apply any additional Purchase Payments on the Valuation Day that we receive the Purchase Payment with satisfactory allocation instructions.

**Scheduled Transactions:** "Scheduled" transactions include transfers under a Dollar Cost Averaging, rebalancing, or asset allocation program, Systematic Withdrawals, Minimum Distributions or annuity payments. Scheduled transactions are processed and valued as of the date they are scheduled, unless the scheduled day is not a Valuation Day. In that case, the transaction will be processed and valued on Valuation Day prior to the scheduled transaction date.

**Unscheduled Transactions:** "Unscheduled" transactions include any other non-scheduled transfers and requests for Partial Withdrawals or Free Withdrawals or Surrenders. Unscheduled transactions are processed and valued as of the Valuation Day we receive the request at our Office and have all of the required information.

**Deferral of Transactions:** If we defer a distribution or transfer from any Fixed Allocation or any fixed annuity payment for more than 10 days, we pay interest using our then current crediting rate for this purpose, which is not less than 3% per year on the amount deferred.

**Medically-related Surrenders & Death Benefits:** Medically-related surrender requests and Death Benefit claims require our review and evaluation before processing. We price such transactions as of the date we receive at our Office all supporting documentation we require for such transactions and that are satisfactory to us.

**Transactions in Rydex and ProFunds VP Variable Options:** Generally, purchase or redemption orders or transfer requests must be received by us by no later than the close of the NYSE to be processed on the current Valuation Day. However, any purchase or redemption order or transfer request involving the Rydex or ProFunds VP Variable Options must be received by us no later than one hour prior to any announced closing of the applicable securities exchange (generally, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to be processed on the current Valuation Day. The "cut-off" time for such financial transactions involving a Rydex or ProFunds VP Variable Option will be extended to ½ hour prior to any announced closing (generally, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) for transactions submitted electronically through our website (<u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>). You cannot request a transaction involving the purchase, redemption or transfer of Units in one of the Rydex or ProFunds VP Variable Options between the applicable "cut-off" time and 4:00 p.m. Transactions received after 4:00 p.m. will be treated as received by us on the next Valuation Day.

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**Termination of Optional Benefits:** If you terminate any optional benefit, we will no longer deduct the charge we apply to purchase the optional benefit. On the date the charge no longer applies, your Annuity will become subject to a different daily asset-based charge. We will process a transaction where your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options will be used to purchase new Units of the Variable Options that reflect the insurance charge and any optional benefit or program still elected, but not the charge for the optional benefit or program that you terminated. The number of Units attributed to your Annuity will be decreased and the Unit Price of each Unit of the Variable Options in which you invested will be increased. **The adjustment in the** **number of Units and Unit Price will not affect your Account Value.** Beginning on that date, your Account Value will be determined based on the change in the value of Units that reflect the insurance charge and any other optional benefits that you have elected.

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**SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS**

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**TYPES OF DISTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU**

During the Accumulation Period you can access your Account Value through Partial Withdrawals, Systematic Withdrawals, and where required for tax purposes, Minimum Distributions. You can also surrender your Annuity at any time. We may deduct a portion of the Account Value being withdrawn or surrendered as a CDSC. If you surrender your Annuity, in addition to any CDSC, we may deduct the Annual Maintenance Fee, any Tax Charge that applies and the charge for any optional benefits. We may also apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. Certain amounts may be available to you each Annuity Year that are not subject to a CDSC. These are called "Free Withdrawals." In addition, under certain circumstances, we may waive the CDSC for surrenders made for qualified medical reasons or for withdrawals made to satisfy Minimum Distribution requirements. Unless you notify us differently, withdrawals are taken on a proportional basis based on the Account Value in the investment options at the time we receive your withdrawal request. Each of these types of distributions is described more fully below.

**TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

(For more information, see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)")

**Prior to Annuitization**

For federal income tax purposes, a distribution prior to Annuitization is deemed to come first from any "gain" in your Annuity and second as a return of your "cost basis", if any. Distributions from your Annuity are generally subject to ordinary income taxation on the amount of any investment gain unless the distribution qualifies as a non-taxable exchange or transfer. If you take a distribution prior to the taxpayer's age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% additional tax in addition to ordinary income taxes on any gain. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for advice before requesting a distribution.

**During Annuitization**

During the Annuitization period, a portion of each annuity payment is taxed as ordinary income at the tax rate you are subject to at the time of the payment. The Code and regulations have "exclusionary rules" that we use to determine what portion of each annuity payment should be treated as a return of any cost basis you have in the Annuity. Once the cost basis in the Annuity has been distributed, the remaining annuity payments are taxable as ordinary income. The cost basis in the Annuity may be based on the cost basis from a prior contract in the case of a Section 1035 exchange or other qualifying transfer.

There may also be tax implications on distributions from qualified Annuities. See "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" for information about qualified Annuities and for additional information about Non-qualified Annuities.

**CAN I WITHDRAW A PORTION OF MY ANNUITY?**

You can make a withdrawal during the Accumulation Period.

• To
 meet liquidity needs, you can withdraw a limited amount from your Annuity during each of Annuity Years 1-7 without a CDSC being applied.
 We call this the "Free Withdrawal" amount. The Free Withdrawal amount is not available if you choose to surrender your Annuity. Amounts withdrawn
 as a Free Withdrawal do not reduce the amount of CDSC that may apply upon a subsequent withdrawal or surrender of
 the Annuity. The minimum Free Withdrawal you may request is $100.

• You
 can also make withdrawals in excess of the Free Withdrawal amount. We call this a "Partial Withdrawal." The amount that you
 may withdraw will
 depend on the Annuity's Surrender Value. The Surrender Value is equal to your Account Value minus any CDSC, the Annual Maintenance
 Fee, the Tax Charge, any charges for optional benefits and any Market Value Adjustment that may apply to any Fixed Allocations.
 After any Partial Withdrawal, your Annuity must have a Surrender Value of at least $1,000, or we may treat the Partial Withdrawal
 request as a request to fully surrender your Annuity. The minimum Partial Withdrawal you may request is $100.

When we determine if a CDSC applies to Partial Withdrawals and Systematic Withdrawals, we will first determine what, if any, amounts qualify as a Free Withdrawal. Those amounts are not subject to the CDSC. Partial Withdrawals or Systematic Withdrawals of amounts greater than the maximum Free Withdrawal amount will be subject to a CDSC.

*Gross Withdrawal or Net Withdrawal.* Generally, you can request either a gross withdrawal or a net withdrawal. If, however, you are taking your withdrawal through a systematic withdrawal program, you may only be permitted to take that withdrawal on a gross basis. In a gross withdrawal, you request a specific withdrawal amount with the understanding that the amount you actually receive is reduced by any applicable CDSC or tax withholding. In a net withdrawal, you request a withdrawal for an exact dollar amount with the understanding that any applicable deduction for CDSC or tax withholding is taken from your Account Value. This means that an amount greater than the amount of your requested withdrawal will be deducted from your Account Value. To make sure that you receive the full amount requested, we calculate the entire amount, including the amount generated due to the CDSC or tax withholding, that will need to be withdrawn. We then apply the CDSC or tax withholding to that entire amount. As a result, you will pay a greater CDSC or have more tax withheld if you elect a net withdrawal.

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Partial Withdrawals may also be available following Annuitization but only if you choose certain annuity payment options.

To request the forms necessary to make a withdrawal from your Annuity, call 1-800-879-7012 or visit our website at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>.

**FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNTS**

The Free Withdrawal provision that applies to your Annuity depends on its Issue Date and your residence state. We began offering a new Free Withdrawal provision in most states as of May 1, 1996. The Free Withdrawal provision also varies depending on whether your Annuity is used as a funding vehicle for a qualified plan under Section 401 of the Code. As of the date of this Prospectus, we are no longer offering the Annuity for use with Section 401 plans.

*Annuities Issued on or after May 1, 1996*<br>The maximum Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the greater of:

1. the
 "Growth" in the Annuity; or

2. 10%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Free Withdrawals, or amounts deemed to come from Free Withdrawals, during the then current Annuity Year.

3. The
 "emergency amount" available each Annuity Year minus any prior Free Withdrawals or amounts deemed to come from Free
  Withdrawals. The "emergency amount" on the Issue Date is 10% of the initial Purchase Payment. At the beginning of each subsequent Annuity
 Year, the "emergency amount" is increased by 10% of all Purchase Payments that have been invested for less than the
 CDSC period, subject to a maximum of 50%. During any Annuity Year, the "emergency amount" is increased by 10% of all Purchase Payments applied
 during the Annuity Year.

*Annuities Issued before May 1, 1996*<br>The maximum Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the greater of:

1. the
 "Growth" in the Annuity; or

2. 10%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Free Withdrawals or amounts deemed to come from Free Withdrawals, during the then current Annuity Year.

3. The
 "emergency amount" available each Annuity Year on or after Annuity Year 1 is 35% of all Purchase Payments that have been invested
 for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven (7) years) minus the sum of all prior withdrawals of any type.

*Annuities used as funding vehicles for Section 401 Plans*

The maximum Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the same as above based on the Issue Date of the Annuity. However, Item (2) of each provision is as follows:

4. 20%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Free Withdrawals, or amounts deemed to come from Free Withdrawals, during the then current Annuity Year.

Under each provision above, "Growth" equals the current Account Value less all Purchase Payments that have been invested for less than the CDSC period and have not been previously withdrawn. "Growth" does not include any additional amounts we applied to your Annuity based on your Purchase Payments.

**NOTE:** Free Withdrawals do not reduce the amount of any CDSC that would apply upon a partial withdrawal or subsequent surrender. The minimum Free Withdrawal you may request is $100. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations.

**Examples**

The following hypothetical examples assume that your Annuity was issued on or after May 1, 1996.

1. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. If you have made no previous Free Withdrawals, the maximum Free
 Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 3 would be the greater of Growth (Account Value minus Purchase Payments = $2,500), 10% of Purchase
 Payments ($1,000) or 30% of Purchase Payments ($3,000). Your maximum Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 3 would be $3,000.

2. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. Assume you choose to withdraw the Growth, equal to $2,500 in Annuity
 Year 3. Assume further that in Annuity Year 5, your Account Value has increased to $11,000 due to positive investment

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performance. The maximum Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 5 would be the greater of Growth (Account Value minus Purchase Payments = $1,000), 10% of Purchase Payments ($1000) or 50% of Purchase Payments minus the sum of any prior Free Withdrawals ($5,000 - $2,500 = $2,500).

3. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. Assume you take the maximum Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity
 Year 3 ($3,000) as described in Item 1 above. Further assume that in Annuity Year 4, you choose to surrender your Annuity. Assume
 that your Account Value in Annuity Year 4 has increased to $10,500 due to positive investment performance. Upon surrender, we will
 deduct a CDSC of 5% based on the number of years that your Purchase Payment has been invested times the amount of your Purchase
 Payment that has not been previously withdrawn. The amount of the previous Free Withdrawal was not subject to a CDSC when
 withdrawn. Therefore, upon surrender, the amount of the entire Purchase Payment is subject to the CDSC (5.0% of $10,000 = $500).
 You would receive $10,000 minus the Annual Maintenance Fee.

When we determine if a CDSC applies to Partial Withdrawals and Systematic Withdrawals, we will first determine what, if any, amounts qualify as a Free Withdrawal. Those amounts are not subject to the CDSC. Partial Withdrawal or Systematic Withdrawal of amounts greater than the maximum Free Withdrawal amount will be subject to a CDSC.

**IS THERE A CHARGE FOR A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL?**

A CDSC may be assessed against a Partial Withdrawal during the Accumulation Period. Whether a CDSC applies and the amount to be charged depends on whether the Partial Withdrawal exceeds any Free Withdrawal amount and, if so, the number of years that have elapsed since the Purchase Payment being withdrawn has been invested in the Annuity.

1. If
 you request a Partial Withdrawal we determine if the amount you requested is available as a Free Withdrawal (in which case it would not be subject to a CDSC);

2. If
 the amount requested exceeds the available Free Withdrawal amount:

○ First,
 we withdraw the amount from Purchase Payments that have been invested for longer than the CDSC period, if any (with your Annuity,
 seven (7) years);

○ Second,
 we withdraw the remaining amount from the Purchase Payments that are still subject to a CDSC. We withdraw the "oldest" of
 your Purchase Payments first so that the lowest CDSC will apply to the amount withdrawn.

Any CDSC will only apply to the amount withdrawn that exceeds the Free Withdrawal amount.

For purposes of calculating the CDSC on a partial withdrawal, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance.

3. If the amount requested exceeds the amounts available under Item #2 above, we withdraw the remaining amount from any other Account Value.

**CAN YOU CLOSE MY ACCOUNT AND INVOLUNTARILY REDEEM MY INVESTMENT?**

As explained above, after any Partial Withdrawal, your Annuity must have a Surrender Value of at least $1,000, or we may treat the Partial Withdrawal request as a request to fully surrender your Annuity.

**SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS**

You can receive Systematic Withdrawals of earnings only, principal plus earnings or a flat dollar amount. Systematic Withdrawals based on the Free Withdrawal amount are only available if the contract is still within the surrender charge period and will be calculated based only on the Purchase Payments that are still subject to CDSC. Systematic Withdrawals may be subject to a CDSC. We will determine whether a CDSC applies and the amount in the same way as we would for a Partial Withdrawal.

Systematic Withdrawals can be made from Account Value allocated to the Variable Options or Fixed Allocations. Generally, Systematic Withdrawals from Fixed Allocations are limited to earnings accrued after the program of Systematic Withdrawals begins, or payments of fixed dollar amounts that do not exceed such earnings. Systematic Withdrawals are available on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. We may require that the Surrender Value of your Annuity must be at least $20,000 before we will allow you to begin a program of Systematic Withdrawals.

The minimum amount for each Systematic Withdrawal is $100. If any scheduled Systematic Withdrawal is for less than $100, we may postpone the withdrawal and add the expected amount to the amount that is to be withdrawn on the next scheduled Systematic Withdrawal.

**SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS UNDER SECTION 72(t) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE**

If your Annuity is used as a funding vehicle for certain retirement plans that receive special tax treatment under Sections 401, 403(b) or 408 of the Code, Section 72(t) of the Code may provide an exception to the 10% additional tax on distributions made prior to age 59½ if you elect to receive distributions as a series of "substantially equal periodic "payments". Distributions received under this provision in any Annuity Year that exceed the maximum amount available as a Free Withdrawal will be subject to a CDSC. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. To request a program that

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complies with Section 72(t), you must provide us with certain required information in writing on a form acceptable to us. We may require advance notice to allow us to calculate the amount of 72(t) withdrawals. The Surrender Value of your Annuity must be at least $20,000 before we will allow you to begin a program for withdrawals under Section 72(t). The minimum amount for any such withdrawal is $100.<br>**You may also annuitize your contract and begin receiving payments for the remainder of your life (or life expectancy) as a means of receiving** **income payments before age 59½ that are not subject to the 10% additional tax.**

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS**

(See "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" for a further discussion of Minimum Distributions.)

Minimum Distributions are a type of Systematic Withdrawal we allow to meet distribution requirements under Sections 401, 403(b) or 408 of the Code. Under the Code, you may be required to begin receiving periodic amounts from your Annuity. In such case, we will allow you to make Systematic Withdrawals in amounts that satisfy the minimum distribution rules under the Code. We do not assess a CDSC on Minimum Distributions from your Annuity if you are required by law to take such Minimum Distributions from your Annuity at the time it is taken. However, a CDSC may be assessed on that portion of a Systematic Withdrawal that is taken to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements in relation to other savings or investment plans under other qualified retirement plans not maintained with us.

The amount of the required Minimum Distribution for your particular situation may depend on other annuities, savings or investments. We will only calculate the amount of your required Minimum Distribution based on the value of your Annuity. We require three (3) days advance written notice to calculate and process the amount of your payments. You may elect to have Minimum Distributions paid out monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. The $100 minimum that applies to Systematic Withdrawals does not apply to Minimum Distributions.

You may also annuitize your contract and begin receiving payments for the remainder of your life (or life expectancy) as a means of receiving income payments and satisfying the Minimum Distribution requirements under the Code.

In any year in which the requirement to take Required Minimum Distributions is suspended by law, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion and<br>regardless of any position taken on this issue in a prior year, to treat any amount that would have been considered as a Required Minimum Distribution if<br>not for the suspension as eligible for treatment as described herein.

**SURRENDER VALUE**

During the Accumulation Period you can surrender your Annuity at any time. Upon surrender, you will receive the Surrender Value. Upon surrender of your Annuity, you will no longer have any rights under the Annuity.

For purposes of calculating the CDSC on surrender, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations.

Under certain annuity payment options, you may be allowed to surrender your Annuity for its then current value.

To request the forms necessary to surrender your Annuity, call 1-800-879-7012 or visit our website at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>.

**MEDICALLY-RELATED SURRENDERS**

Where permitted by law, you may request to surrender your Annuity prior to the Annuity Date without application of any CDSC upon occurrence of a medically-related "Contingency Event." We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. The amount payable will be your Account Value.

This waiver of any applicable CDSC is subject to our rules, including but not limited to the following:

• the
 Annuitant must be alive as of the date we pay the proceeds of such surrender request;

• if
 the Owner is one or more natural persons, all such Owners must also be alive at such time;

• we
 must receive satisfactory proof of the Annuitant's confinement in a Medical Care Facility or Fatal Illness in writing on a form satisfactory to us;

• this
 benefit is not available if the total Purchase Payments received exceed $500,000 for all annuities issued by us with this benefit where the same person is
 named as Annuitant; and

• proceeds
 will only be sent by check or electronic funds transfer directly to the Owner.

For contracts issued before May 1, 1996 a "Contingency Event" occurs if the Annuitant is:

• first
 confined in a "Medical Care Facility" while your Annuity is in force and remains confined for at least 90 days in a row; or

• first
 diagnosed as having a "Fatal Illness" while your Annuity is in force.

For contracts issued on or after May 1, 1996, and where allowed by law, the Annuitant must have been named or any change of Annuitant must have been accepted by us, prior to the "Contingency Event" described above in order to qualify for a medically-related surrender.<br>

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The definitions of "Medical Care Facility" and "Fatal Illness," as well as additional terms and conditions, are provided in your Annuity. Specific details and definitions in relation to this benefit may differ in certain jurisdictions.

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**TAXES**

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The tax considerations associated with an Annuity vary depending on whether the Annuity is (i) owned by an individual or non-natural person, and not associated with a tax-favored retirement plan, or (ii) held under a tax-favored retirement plan. We discuss the tax considerations for these categories of Annuities below. The discussion is general in nature and describes only federal income tax law. We generally do not describe state, local, foreign or other federal tax laws. It is based on current law and interpretations which may change. The information provided is not intended as tax advice. The federal income tax treatment of the Annuity is unclear in certain circumstances, and you should always consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the application of law to individual circumstances. Generally, the cost basis in an Annuity is the amount you pay into your Annuity, or into an annuity exchanged for your Annuity, on an after-tax basis less any withdrawals of such payments. Cost basis for a tax-favored retirement plan is provided only in limited circumstances, such as for contributions to a Roth IRA or nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA. We do not track cost basis for tax-favored retirement plans, which is the responsibility of the Owner.

On advisory products, you may establish an advisory fee deduction program for a qualified or Non-qualified Annuity such that charges for investment advisory fees are not taxable to the Annuity Owner. Please note that there are additional requirements that must be satisfied in order for investment advisory fee charges paid from a Non-qualified Annuity to be treated as not taxable.

The discussion below generally assumes that the Annuity is issued to the Annuity Owner. For Annuities issued under the Beneficiary Continuation Option or as a Beneficiary Annuity, refer to the Taxes Payable by Beneficiaries for a Non-qualified Annuity and Required Distributions Upon Your Death for Qualified Annuities sections below.

**NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

**In general, as used in this prospectus, a Non-qualified Annuity is owned by an individual or non-natural person and is not associated with a** **tax-favored retirement plan.**

**Taxes Payable by You**

We believe the Annuity is an Annuity for tax purposes. Accordingly, as a general rule, you should not pay any tax until you receive money under the Annuity. Generally, all Annuity contracts issued by the same company (and affiliates) to you during the same calendar year must be treated as one Annuity for purposes of determining the amount of any withdrawal that is subject to tax under the rules described below. We treat advisory fee payments as an expense of the Annuity and not a taxable distribution if your Non-qualified Annuity satisfies the requirements of a Private Letter Ruling issued to us by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). In accordance with the PLR, advisory fee payments from your Non-qualified Annuity are treated as an expense as long as your advisor attests to us that the PLR requirements have been met, including that the advisory fees will not exceed 1.5% of the Annuity's cash value and the Annuity only pays the advisor for fees related to investment advice with respect to the Annuity and no other services. The PLR does not generally allow such favorable tax treatment of advisory fee payments where a commission is also paid on the Annuity.

It is possible that the IRS could assert that some or all of the charges for the optional living or death benefits under the Annuity should be treated for federal income tax purposes as a partial withdrawal from the Annuity. If this were the case, the charge for this benefit could be deemed a withdrawal and treated as taxable income to the extent there are earnings in the Annuity. Additionally, for Owners under age 59½, the taxable income attributable to the charge for the benefit could be subject to the 10% additional tax. If the IRS determines that the charges for one or more benefits under the Annuity are taxable withdrawals, then the sole, primary, or surviving Owner will be provided with a notice from us describing available alternatives regarding these benefits.

**Taxes on Withdrawals and Surrender Before Annuity Payments Begin**

If you make a withdrawal from your Annuity or surrender it before annuity payments begin, the amount you receive will be taxed as ordinary income, rather than as a return of cost basis, until all gain has been withdrawn. At any time there is no gain in your Annuity, payments will be treated as a nontaxable return of cost basis until all cost basis has been returned. After all cost basis is returned, all subsequent amounts will be taxed as ordinary income. An exception to this treatment exists for contracts that include Purchase Payments made prior to August 14, 1982 that are issued via 1035 exchange. Withdrawals from a contract with Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 are treated as a return of cost basis in the Annuity first until those pre-August 14, 1982 Purchase Payments are withdrawn. Moreover, income allocable to Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 is not subject to the 10% additional tax.

You will generally be taxed on any withdrawals from the Annuity while you are alive even if the withdrawal is paid to someone else. Withdrawals under any of the optional living benefits or as a systematic payment are taxed under these rules. If you assign or pledge all or part of your Annuity as collateral for a loan, the part assigned generally will be treated as a withdrawal and subject to income tax to the extent of gain. If the entire Account Value is assigned or pledged, subsequent increases in the Account Value are also treated as withdrawals for as long as the assignment or pledge remains in place. The cost basis is increased by the amount includible in income with respect to such assignment or pledge. If you transfer your Annuity for less than full consideration, such as by gift, you will also trigger tax on any gain in the Annuity. Under most circumstances, this rule does not apply if you transfer the Annuity to your spouse or if you transfer the Annuity incident to divorce.

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If you choose to receive payments under an interest payment option, or a Beneficiary chooses to receive a death benefit under an interest payment option, that election will be treated, for tax purposes, as surrendering your Annuity and will immediately subject any gain in the Annuity to income tax and possibly the 10% additional tax.

**Taxes on Annuity Payments**

If you select an annuity payment option as described in "[<u>Annuity Period</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_925)", a portion of each annuity payment you receive will be treated as a partial return of your cost basis and will not be taxed. The remaining portion will be taxed as ordinary income. Generally, the nontaxable portion is determined by multiplying the annuity payment you receive by a fraction, the numerator of which is your cost basis (less any amounts previously received tax-free) and the denominator of which is the total expected payments under the Annuity. After the full amount of your cost basis has been recovered tax-free, the full amount of the annuity payments will be taxable. If annuity payments stop due to the death of the Annuitant before the full amount of your cost basis has been recovered, a tax deduction may be allowed for the unrecovered amount.

If your Account Value is reduced to zero but the Annuity remains in force due to a benefit provision, further distributions from the Annuity will be reported as annuity payments, using an exclusion ratio based upon the undistributed cost basis in the Annuity and the total value of the anticipated future payments until such time as all cost basis has been recovered.

**Maximum Annuity Date**

You must commence annuity payments no later than the first day of the calendar month following the maximum Annuity Date for your Annuity. Upon reaching the maximum Annuity Date you can no longer make Purchase Payments, surrender, exchange, or transfer your contract. The maximum Annuity Date may be the same as the Latest Annuity Date as described elsewhere in this prospectus. For some of our Annuities, you can choose to defer the Annuity Date beyond the default or Latest Annuity Date, as applicable, described in your Annuity. However, the IRS may not then consider your Annuity to be an Annuity under the tax law.

Please refer to your Annuity contract for the maximum Annuity Date.

**Partial Annuitization**

We do not currently permit partial annuitization.

**Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income**

The Code includes a Medicare tax on investment income. This tax assesses a 3.8% surtax on the lesser of (1) net investment income or (2) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over a threshold amount. The "threshold amount" is $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) with dependent child, $125,000 for married taxpayers filing separately, $200,000 for all others, and approximately $16,000 for estates and certain trusts. The taxable portion of payments received as a withdrawal, surrender, annuity payment, death benefit payment or any other actual or deemed distribution under the Annuity will be considered investment income for purposes of this surtax.

**10% Additional Tax for Early Withdrawal from a Non-Qualified Annuity**

You may owe a 10% additional tax on the taxable part of distributions received from your Non-qualified Annuity. Amounts are not subject to this additional tax if:

• the
 amount is paid on or after you reach age 59½;

• the
 amount is paid on or after your death (or the death of the Annuitant when the owner is not an individual);

• the
 amount received is attributable to your becoming disabled (as defined in the Code);

• generally
 the amount paid or received is in the form of substantially equal periodic payments (as defined in the Code) not less frequently than
 annually (please note that substantially equal periodic payments must continue until the later of reaching age 59½ or five years
 and the impermissible
 modification of payments during that time period will result in retroactive application of the 10% additional tax); or

• the
 amount received is paid under an immediate Annuity (within the meaning of the Code) and the annuity start date is no more than one year
 from the date of purchase (the first monthly annuity payment being required to be paid within 13 months).

Other exceptions to this tax may apply. You should consult your tax advisor for further details.

**Special Rules in Relation to Tax-free Exchanges Under Section 1035**

Section 1035 of the Code permits certain tax-free exchanges of a life insurance contract, annuity contract or endowment contract for an Annuity, including tax-free exchanges of annuity death benefits for a Beneficiary Annuity. Partial exchanges may be treated in the same way as tax-free 1035 exchanges of entire contracts, therefore avoiding current taxation of the partially exchanged amount as well as the 10% additional tax on pre-age 59½ withdrawals. In Revenue Procedure 2011-38, the IRS indicated that, for partial exchanges on or after October 24, 2011, where there is a surrender or distribution from either the initial annuity contract or receiving annuity contract within 180 days of the date on which the partial exchange was completed

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(other than an amount received as an annuity for a period of 10 years or more or during one or more lives), the IRS may not treat the transaction as a tax-free Section 1035 exchange. The IRS will apply general tax rules to determine the substance and treatment of the transaction in such cases. We strongly urge you to discuss any partial exchange transaction of this type with your tax advisor before proceeding with the transaction.

If an Annuity is purchased through a tax-free exchange of a life insurance contract, annuity contract or endowment contract that was purchased prior to August 14, 1982, then any Purchase Payments made to the original contract prior to August 14, 1982 will be treated as made to the new Annuity prior to that date. Generally, such pre-August 14, 1982 withdrawals are treated as a return of cost basis first until Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 are withdrawn. Moreover, income allocable to Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982, is not subject to the 10% additional tax.

After you elect an Annuity Payout Option, we do not allow you to exchange your Annuity.

**Taxes Payable by Beneficiaries for a Non-Qualified Annuity**

If an Owner dies before the Annuity Date, the Death Benefit distributions are taxed at ordinary income tax rates. The value of the Death Benefit, as determined under federal law, is also included in the Owner's estate for federal estate tax purposes. Generally, the same income tax rules described above would also apply to amounts received by your Beneficiary. Choosing an option other than a lump sum Death Benefit may defer taxes. Certain minimum distribution requirements apply upon your death, as discussed further below in the Annuity Qualification section. Tax consequences to the Beneficiary vary depending upon the Death Benefit payment option selected. Generally, for payment of the Death Benefit:

• As
 a lump sum payment, the Beneficiary is taxed in the year of payment on gain in the Annuity.

• Within
 5 years of death of Owner, the Beneficiary is taxed on the lump sum payment. The Death Benefit must be taken as one lump sum payment
 within 5 years of the death of the Owner. Partial withdrawals are not permitted to be paid to Beneficiaries under our Annuity contracts.

• Under
 an Annuity or Annuity settlement option where distributions begin within one year of the date of death of the Owner, the Beneficiary is
 taxed on each payment with part as gain and part as return of cost basis. After the full amount of cost basis has been recovered tax-free,
 the full amount of the annuity payments will be taxable.

After the Annuity Date, if a period certain remains under the annuity option and the Annuitant dies before the end of that period, any remaining payments made to the Beneficiary will be fully excluded from income until the remaining cost basis is recovered and all annuity payments thereafter are fully includible in income. If we allow the Beneficiary to commute the remaining payments in a lump sum, the proceeds will be taxable as a surrender.

**Considerations for Contingent Annuitants:** We may allow the naming of a contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity is held by a pension plan or a tax favored retirement plan, or held by a Custodial Account (as defined in this prospectus). In such a situation, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the Annuity continues after the death of the Annuitant. However, tax deferral should be provided instead by the pension plan, tax favored retirement plan, or Custodial Account. We may also allow the naming of a contingent annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity is held by an entity owner when such Annuities do not qualify for tax deferral under the current tax law. This does not supersede any benefit language which may restrict the use of the contingent annuitant.

**Reporting and Withholding on Distributions**

Amounts distributed from an Annuity are subject to federal and state income tax reporting and withholding. In general, we will withhold federal income tax from the taxable portion of such distribution based on the type of distribution. In the case of an annuity payment, we apply default withholding under the applicable tax rules unless you designate a different withholding status. In the case of all other distributions, we will withhold at a 10% rate. You may generally elect a different tax withholding rate or elect not to have tax withheld from your payments. An election out of withholding must be made on forms that we provide. If you are a U.S. person (which includes a resident alien), and you request a payment be delivered outside the United States or do not provide a U.S. taxpayer identification number, we are required to withhold income tax.

State income tax withholding rules vary and we will withhold based on the rules of your state of residence. Special tax rules apply to withholding for nonresident aliens, and we generally withhold income tax for nonresident aliens at a 30% rate. A different withholding rate may be applicable to a nonresident alien based on the terms of an existing income tax treaty between the United States and the nonresident alien's country. Please refer to the discussion below regarding withholding rules for a Qualified Annuity.

Regardless of the amount withheld by us, you are liable for payment of income taxes (including any estimated taxes that may be due) on the taxable portion of distributions from the Annuity. You should consult with your tax advisor regarding the payment of the correct amount of these income taxes and potential liability if you fail to pay such taxes.

**Entity Owners**

Where an Annuity is held by a non-natural person (e.g., a corporation, partnership), other than as an agent or nominee for a natural person (or in other limited circumstances), increases in the value of the Annuity over its cost basis will be subject to tax annually.

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Where an Annuity is issued to a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), increases in the value of the Annuity over its cost basis will be subject to tax reporting annually. As there are charges for the optional living and death benefits described elsewhere in this prospectus, and such charges reduce the contract value of the Annuity, trustees of the CRT should discuss with their legal advisors whether election of such optional living or death benefits violates their fiduciary duty to the remainder beneficiary.

Where an Annuity is issued to a trust, and such trust is characterized as a grantor trust under the Code, such Annuity is generally not considered to be held by a non-natural person and will be subject to the tax reporting and withholding requirements generally applicable to a Non-qualified Annuity held by a natural person, provided that all grantors of the trust are natural persons. At this time, we will not issue an Annuity to grantor trusts with more than two grantors.

Where the Annuity is owned by a grantor trust, the Annuity must be distributed within five years after the date of the first grantor's death (or the Annuitant's death in certain instances) under Section 72(s) of the Code. See the "[<u>Payment of Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_13_925)" section for scenarios where a Death Benefit or Surrender Value is payable depending upon the underlying facts.

Trusts are required to complete and submit a Certificate of Entity form, and we will tax report based on the information provided on this form.

**Annuity Qualification**

*Diversification And Investor Control.* In order to qualify for the tax rules applicable to Annuities described above, the investment assets in the Non-qualified Annuity Variable Options must be diversified according to certain rules under the Code. Each Portfolio is required to diversify its investments each quarter so that no more than 55% of the value of its assets is represented by any one investment, no more than 70% is represented by any two investments, no more than 80% is represented by any three investments, and no more than 90% is represented by any four investments. Generally, securities of a single issuer are treated as one investment, and obligations of each U.S. Government agency and instrumentality (such as the Government National Mortgage Association) are treated as issued by separate issuers. In addition, any security issued, guaranteed or insured (to the extent so guaranteed or insured) by the U.S. or an instrumentality of the U.S. will be treated as a security issued by the U.S. Government or its instrumentality, where applicable. We believe the Portfolios underlying the Variable Options of the Annuity meet these diversification requirements.

An additional requirement for qualification for the tax treatment described above is that we, and not you as the Annuity Owner, must have sufficient control over the underlying assets to be treated as the owner of the underlying assets for tax purposes. The tax law limits the amount of control you may have over choosing investments for your Annuity. If this "investor control" rule is violated your Annuity assets will be considered owned directly by you and you lose the favorable tax treatment generally afforded to annuities.

While we also believe these investor control rules will be met, the Treasury Department may promulgate guidelines under which a variable annuity will not be treated as an annuity contract for tax purposes if persons with ownership rights have excessive control over the investments underlying such variable annuity contract. It is unclear whether such guidelines, if in fact promulgated, would have retroactive effect. It is also unclear what effect, if any, such guidelines might have on transfers between the Investment Options offered pursuant to this prospectus. We reserve the right to take any action, including modifications to your Annuity or the Investment Options, required to comply with such guidelines if promulgated. Any such changes will apply uniformly to affected Owners and will be made with such notice to affected Owners as is feasible under the circumstances.

**Required Distributions Upon Your Death for a Non-Qualified Annuity.**

Upon your death, certain distributions must be made under the Annuity. The required distributions depend on whether you die before you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity or after you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity. If you die on or after the Annuity Date, the remaining portion of the interest in the Annuity must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of death. If you die before the Annuity Date, the entire interest in the Annuity must be distributed within five years after the date of death, or as periodic payments over a period not extending beyond the life or life expectancy of the designated Beneficiary (provided such payments begin within one year of your death). If the Beneficiary does not begin installments within one year of the date of death, no partial withdrawals will be permitted thereafter, and we require that the Beneficiary take the Death Benefit as a lump sum within the five-year deadline. Your designated Beneficiary is the person to whom benefit rights under the Annuity pass by reason of death, and must be a natural person in order to elect a periodic payment option based on life expectancy or a period exceeding five years. Additionally, if the Annuity is payable to (or for the benefit of) your surviving spouse, that portion of the Annuity may be continued with your spouse as the Owner. For Non-qualified Annuities owned by a non-natural person, the required distribution rules generally apply upon the death of the Annuitant. This means, for example, that for an Annuity held by a non-natural person (such as a trust) for which there is named a co-annuitant, then such required distributions will be triggered by the death of the first co-annuitant to die.

*Changes To Your Annuity.* We reserve the right to make any changes we deem necessary to assure that your Annuity qualifies as an Annuity for tax purposes. Any such changes will apply to all Annuity Owners and you will be given notice to the extent feasible under the circumstances.

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**QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

**In general, as used in this prospectus, a Qualified Annuity is an Annuity with applicable endorsements for a tax-favored plan or a** **Non-qualified Annuity held by a tax-favored retirement plan.**

The following is a general discussion of the tax considerations for Qualified Annuities. This Annuity may or may not be available for all types of the tax-favored retirement plans discussed below. This discussion assumes that you have satisfied the eligibility requirements for any tax-favored retirement plan. Please consult your financial professional prior to purchase to confirm if this Annuity is available for a particular type of tax-favored retirement plan or whether we will accept the type of contribution you intend for this Annuity.

A Qualified Annuity may have been purchased for use in connection with:

• Individual
 retirement accounts and annuities (IRAs), including inherited IRAs (which we refer to as a Beneficiary IRA), which are subject to Sections
 408(a) and 408(b) of the Code;

• Roth
 IRAs, including inherited Roth IRAs (which we refer to as a Beneficiary Roth IRA) under Section 408A of the Code;

• A
 corporate Pension or Profit-sharing plan (subject to 401(a) of the Code);

• H.R.
 10 plans (also known as Keogh Plans, subject to 401(a) of the Code);

• Tax
 Sheltered Annuities (subject to 403(b) of the Code, also known as Tax Deferred Annuities or TDAs);

• Section
 457 plans (subject to 457 of the Code).

A Non-qualified Annuity may have been purchased by a 401(a) trust, a custodial IRA or a custodial Roth IRA account, or a Section 457 plan, which can hold other permissible assets. The terms and administration of the trust or custodial account or plan in accordance with the laws and regulations for 401(a) plans, IRAs or Roth IRAs, or a Section 457 plan, as applicable, are the responsibility of the applicable trustee or custodian.

You should be aware that tax favored plans such as IRAs generally provide income tax deferral regardless of whether they invest in Annuities. This means that when a tax favored plan invests in an Annuity, it generally does not result in any additional tax benefits (such as income tax deferral and income tax free transfers).

**Types of Tax-favored Plans**

***IRAs.*** The "IRA Disclosure Statement" and "Roth IRA Disclosure Statement" which accompany the prospectus contain information about eligibility, contribution limits, tax particulars, and other IRA information. In addition to this information (the material terms are summarized in this prospectus and in those Disclosure Statements), the IRS requires that you have a "Free Look" after making an initial contribution to the Annuity. During this time, you can cancel the Annuity by notifying us in writing, and we will refund the greater of all purchase payments under the Annuity or the Account Value, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.

*Contribution Limits/Rollovers.* Subject to the minimum purchase payment requirements of an Annuity, you may purchase an Annuity for an IRA in connection with a "rollover" of amounts from a qualified retirement plan, as a transfer from another IRA, by making a contribution consisting of your IRA contributions and catch-up contributions, if applicable, attributable to the prior year during the period from January 1 to April 15 (or the later applicable due date of your federal income tax return, without extension), or as a current year contribution. Contribution amounts are indexed for inflation. The IRS generally provides contribution limits for the subsequent year in the fourth quarter of the current year. The tax law also provides for a catch-up provision for individuals who are age 50 and above, allowing these individuals an additional $1,000 contribution each year. The $1,000 catch-up contribution for IRA owners age 50 or older is indexed for inflation starting in 2024 in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (which includes SECURE 2.0 of 2022 ("SECURE 2.0"). You may be able to claim a deduction for your contributions depending on your modified adjusted gross income. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the limits for each year.

The "rollover" rules under the Code are fairly technical; however, an individual (or his or her surviving spouse) may generally "roll over" certain distributions from tax favored retirement plans (either directly or within 60 days from the date of these distributions) if he or she meets the requirements for distribution. Once you buy an Annuity, you can make regular IRA contributions under the Annuity (to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the Annuity). For IRA rollovers, an individual can only make an IRA to IRA rollover if the individual has not made a rollover involving any IRAs owned by the individual in the prior 12 months. An IRA transfer is a tax-free trustee-to-trustee "transfer" from one IRA account to another. IRA transfers are not subject to this 12-month rule. There is no age limitation with regard to contributions to a traditional IRA as long as the earned income requirements are met.

In some circumstances, non-spouse Beneficiaries may roll over to an IRA amounts due from qualified plans, 403(b) plans, and governmental 457(b) plans. However, the rollover rules applicable to non-spouse Beneficiaries under the Code are more restrictive than the rollover rules applicable to Owner/participants and spouse Beneficiaries. Generally, non-spouse Beneficiaries may roll over distributions from tax favored retirement plans only as a direct rollover. An inherited IRA must be directly rolled over from the employer plan or transferred from an IRA and must be titled in the name of the deceased (i.e., John Doe deceased for the benefit of Jane Doe). No additional contributions can be made to an inherited IRA. In this prospectus, an inherited IRA is also referred to as a Beneficiary Annuity.

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*Required Provisions.* Annuities that are IRAs (or endorsements that are part of the contract) must contain certain provisions:

• You,
 as Owner of the Annuity, must be the "Annuitant" under the contract (except in certain cases involving the division of property
 under a decree of
 divorce);

• Your
 rights as Owner are non-forfeitable;

• You
 cannot sell, assign or pledge the Annuity;

• The
 annual contribution you pay cannot be greater than the maximum amount allowed by law, including catch-up contributions if applicable
 (which does not include any rollover amounts or amounts transferred by trustee-to-trustee transfer);

• The
 date on which required minimum distributions must begin cannot be later than April 1 <sup>st</sup> of the calendar year after the calendar year you
 turn the applicable age (see the Required Minimum Distribution rules for more details); and

• Death
 and annuity payments must meet Required Minimum Distribution rules described below.

Usually, the full amount of any distribution from an IRA (including a distribution from this Annuity) which is not a transfer or rollover is taxable. As taxable income, these distributions are subject to the general income tax withholding rules described earlier regarding an Annuity in the Non-qualified Annuity section. In addition to this normal tax liability, you may also be liable for the following, depending on your actions:

• A
 10% early withdrawal additional tax described below;

• Liability
 for "prohibited transactions" if you, for example, borrow against the value of an IRA; or

• Failure
 to take a Required Minimum Distribution, also described below.

If you make any non-deductible contributions to your IRA, a portion of any subsequent distribution may be tax-free as a return of those contributions. You are required to keep track of this and determine the taxable and non-taxable portions. IRS rules require that we report the full amount of any distribution as taxable.

***Simplified Employee Pensions (SEP).*** SEPs are a variation on a standard IRA, and Annuities issued to a SEP must satisfy the same general requirements described under IRAs (above). There are, however, some differences:

• If
 you participate in a SEP, you generally do not include in income any employer contributions made to the SEP on your behalf up to the lesser
 of (a) the annual employer contribution limit as indexed for inflation, or (b) 25% of your taxable compensation paid by the contributing
 employer (not including the employer's SEP contribution as compensation for these purposes). However, for these purposes, compensation
 in excess of certain limits established by the IRS will not be considered. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution and
 catch-up limits and compensation limit.

• SEPs
 must satisfy certain participation and nondiscrimination requirements not generally applicable to IRAs; and

• SEPs
 that contain a salary reduction or "SARSEP" provision prior to 1997 may permit salary deferrals from employee income with
 the employer making
 these contributions to the SEP. Contribution amounts are indexed for inflation. The IRS generally provides contribution limits
 for the subsequent year in the fourth quarter of the current year. However, no new "salary reduction" or "SARSEPs"
 can be established
 after 1996. Individuals participating in a SARSEP who are age 50 or above by the end of the year are permitted to contribute an
 additional catch-up contribution amount. These amounts are indexed for inflation and may depend on the participant's age. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution limit and catch-up contribution limit. Not all Annuities issued by us are available for SARSEPs.

• You
 will also be provided the same information, and have the same "Free Look" period, as you would have if you purchased the Annuity for a standard IRA.

• Roth
 contributions are permitted for SEP IRAs starting in 2023. The Company does not currently offer Roth contributions for  SEP IRAs, but we reserve the
 right to offer this contribution type in the future.

***ROTH IRAs.*** The "Roth IRA Disclosure Statement" contains information about eligibility, contribution limits, tax particulars and other Roth IRA information. Like standard IRAs, income within a Roth IRA accumulates tax-free, and contributions are subject to specific limits. Roth IRAs have, however, the following differences:

• Contributions
 to a Roth IRA cannot be deducted from your gross income;

• "Qualified
 distributions" from a Roth IRA are excludable from gross income. A "qualified distribution" is a distribution that satisfies
 two requirements:
 (1) the distribution must be made (a) after the Owner of the IRA attains age 59½; (b) after the Owner's death; (c) due to the Owner's disability;
 or (d) for a qualified first time homebuyer distribution within the meaning of Section 72(t)(2)(F) of the Code; and (2) the distribution
 must be made in the year that is at least five tax years after the first year for which a contribution was made to any Roth IRA established
 for the Owner. Distributions from a Roth IRA that are not qualified distributions will be treated as made first from contributions and
 then from earnings and earnings will be taxed generally in the same manner as distributions from a traditional IRA.

• If
 eligible (including meeting income limitations and earnings requirements), you may make contributions to a Roth IRA during your lifetime,
 and distributions are not required during the owner's lifetime.

Subject to the minimum Purchase Payment requirements of an Annuity, you may purchase an Annuity for a Roth IRA in connection with a "rollover" of amounts of another traditional IRA, SEP, SIMPLE-IRA (subject to a timing restriction), employer sponsored retirement plan (under Sections 401(a) or 403(b) of the Code) or Roth IRA. You may also purchase an Annuity for a Roth IRA, if you meet certain income limitations, by making a contribution consisting of your Roth IRA contributions and catch-up contributions, if applicable, attributable to the prior year during the period from January 1 to April 15 (or the applicable due date of your federal income tax return, without extension), or as a current year contribution. The Code permits persons who

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receive certain qualifying distributions from such non-Roth IRAs, to directly rollover or make, within 60 days, a "rollover" of all or any part of the amount of such distribution to a Roth IRA which they establish (a "conversion"). The conversion of non-Roth accounts triggers current taxation (but is not subject to a 10% early distribution additional tax unless a distribution that is allocable to the rollover contribution is distributed within 5 years of the conversion).

In addition, SECURE 2.0 amends the Code to allow for tax and penalty free rollovers from 529 accounts to Roth IRAs, under certain conditions. Starting in 2024, beneficiaries of 529 college savings accounts would be permitted to roll over up to $35,000 over the course of their lifetime from any 529 account in their name to their Roth IRA. These rollovers generally are also subject to Roth IRA annual contribution limits, and the 529 account must have been open for at least 15 years, among other requirements.

The Code also permits the recharacterization of current year contribution amounts from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, or from a Roth IRA to a traditional IRA. Recharacterization is accomplished through a trustee-to-trustee transfer of a contribution (or a portion of a contribution) plus earnings, between different types of IRAs. A properly recharacterized contribution is treated as a contribution made to the second IRA instead of the first IRA. Such recharacterization must be completed by the applicable tax return due date (with extensions). However, no recharacterizations of conversions can be made.

Once an Annuity has been purchased, regular Roth IRA contributions will be accepted to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the Annuity. In addition, an individual receiving an eligible rollover distribution from a designated Roth account under an employer plan may roll over the distribution to a Roth IRA even if the individual is not eligible to make regular contributions to a Roth IRA. Non-spouse Beneficiaries receiving a distribution from an employer sponsored retirement plan under Sections 401(a) or 403(b) of the Code can also directly roll over contributions to a Roth IRA. However, it is our understanding of the Code that non-spouse Beneficiaries cannot "rollover" benefits from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

***TDAs.*** In general, you may own a Tax Deferred Annuity (also known as a TDA, Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA), 403(b) plan or 403(b) Annuity) if you are an employee of a tax-exempt organization (as defined under Code Section 501(c)(3)) or a public educational organization, and you may make contributions to a TDA so long as your employer maintains such a plan and your rights to the Annuity are non-forfeitable. Contributions to a TDA, and any earnings, are not taxable until distribution. You may also make contributions to a TDA under a salary reduction agreement subject to specific limits. Individuals participating in a TDA who are age 50 or above by the end of the year will be permitted to contribute an additional amount. This amount is indexed for inflation. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution limit and catch-up contribution limit. Further, you may roll over TDA amounts to another TDA or an IRA. You may also roll over TDA amounts to a qualified retirement plan, a SEP and a governmental 457(b) plan. An Annuity may generally only qualify as a TDA if distributions of salary deferrals (other than "grandfathered" amounts held as of December 31, 1988) may be made only on account of:

• Your
 attainment of age 59½;

• Your
 severance of employment;

• Your
 death;

• Your
 total and permanent disability; or

• Hardship

In any event, you must begin receiving distributions from your TDA by April 1<sup>st</sup> of the calendar year after the calendar year you turn the applicable age or retire, whichever is later. These distribution limits do not apply either to transfers or exchanges of investments under the Annuity, or to any "direct transfer" of your interest in the Annuity to another employer's TDA plan or mutual fund "custodial account" described under Code Section 403(b)(7). Employer contributions to TDAs are subject to the same general contribution, nondiscrimination, and minimum participation rules applicable to "qualified" retirement plans.

**Caution:** Under IRS regulations we can accept contributions, transfers and rollovers only if we have entered into an information-sharing agreement, or its functional equivalent, with the applicable employer or its agent. In addition, in order to comply with the regulations, we will only process certain transactions (e.g., transfers, withdrawals, hardship distributions and, if applicable, loans) with employer approval. This means that if you request one of these transactions we will not consider your request to be in Good Order, and will not therefore process the transaction, until we receive the employer's approval in written or electronic form.

**Late Rollover Self-Certification**

You may be able to apply a rollover contribution to your IRA or qualified retirement plan after the 60-day deadline through a self-certification procedure established by the IRS. Please consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your eligibility to use this self-certification procedure. As indicated in this IRS guidance, we, as a financial institution, are not required to accept your self-certification for waiver of the 60-day deadline.

**Required Minimum Distributions and Payment Options**

If you hold the Annuity under an IRA (or other tax-favored plan), Required Minimum Distribution rules must be satisfied. This means that generally payments must start by April 1 of the year after the year you reach the applicable age ("required beginning date") and must be made for each year thereafter. For a TDA or a 401(a) plan for which the participant is not a greater than 5% owner of the employer, this required beginning date can generally be deferred to retirement, if later. Roth IRAs and designated Roth accounts under employer sponsored plans are not subject to these rules during the Owner's lifetime.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **If you were born...** | **Your "applicable age" is …** |
|  Before July 1, 1949 | 70½ |
|  After June 30, 1949 and before 1951 | 72 |
|  After 1950 and before 1960 | 73 |
|  After 1959 | 75 |

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The amount of the payment must at least equal the minimum required under the IRS rules. Several choices are available for calculating the minimum amount. More information on the mechanics of this calculation is available on request. Please contact us at a reasonable time before the Required Minimum Distribution deadline so that a timely distribution is made. Please note that there is a 25% excise tax (a 50% excise tax applied prior to the 2023 taxable year) on the amount of any required minimum distribution not made in a timely manner. The excise tax on failure is further reduced from 25% to 10% if corrected in a timely manner and certain other conditions are met in accordance with SECURE 2.0.

Required Minimum Distributions are calculated based on the sum of the Account Value and the actuarial present value of any additional living and death benefits from optional riders that you have purchased under the Annuity. As a result, the Required Minimum Distributions may be larger than if the calculation were based on the Account Value only, which may in turn result in an earlier (but not before the required beginning date) distribution of amounts under the Annuity and an increased amount of taxable income distributed to the Annuity Owner, and a reduction of payments under the living and death benefit optional riders.

You can use the Minimum Distribution option to satisfy the Required Minimum Distribution rules for an Annuity without either beginning annuity payments or surrendering the Annuity. Under this option we will distribute to you the Required Minimum Distribution amount, less any other partial withdrawals that you made during the year. Such amount will be based on the value of the Annuity as of December 31 of the prior year, but is determined without regard to other tax favored retirement plans you may own. If a trustee-to-trustee transfer or direct rollover of the full contract value is requested when there is an active Required Minimum Distribution program running, the Required Minimum Distribution will be removed and sent to the Owner prior to the remaining funds being sent to the transfer institution.

Although the IRS rules determine the required amount to be distributed from your IRA each year, certain payment alternatives are still available to you. In accordance with SECURE 2.0, a new optional method for calculating your RMDs may be available if you have an IRA in an annuity payout (or partial annuity payout), and an IRA in the deferral stage. Please contact your tax advisor to determine if this calculation method is appropriate for you. In addition, if you own more than one IRA, you can choose to satisfy your minimum distribution requirement for each of your IRAs by withdrawing that amount from any of your non-Roth IRAs. If you inherit more than one IRA or more than one Roth IRA from the same Owner, similar rules apply. These rules may also apply to other types of tax favored retirement plans such as TDAs.

**Charitable IRA Distributions.**

Certain qualified IRA distributions used for charitable purposes are eligible for an exclusion from gross income, up to $100,000 (indexed for inflation beginning after 2023), for otherwise taxable IRA distributions from a traditional or Roth IRA. A qualified charitable distribution is a distribution that is made (1) directly by the IRA trustee to certain qualified charitable organizations and (2) on or after the date the IRA owner attains age 70½. Distributions that are excluded from income under this provision are not taken into account in determining the individual's deductions, if any, for charitable contributions. The amount of your qualified charitable distributions that are excluded from income for a tax year is reduced (but not below zero) by the excess of: (1) the total amount of your IRA deductions allowed for all tax years ending on or after the date you attain age 70½, over (2) the total amount of reductions for all tax years preceding the current tax year. You should consult your tax advisor about whether a one-time distribution up to $50,000 (indexed for inflation beginning after 2023) that is made from your IRA to a "split-interest entity" can be excluded from your gross income.

The IRS has currently indicated that an IRA trustee is not responsible for determining whether a distribution to a charity is one that satisfies the requirements of the charitable giving incentive. Unless otherwise required in the future by the IRS, we will report the distribution as a normal IRA distribution on Form 1099-R. In those instances, individuals are responsible for reflecting the distributions as charitable IRA distributions on their personal tax returns. However, if we receive certification that the distribution satisfies the requirements, we will report the distribution as a charitable IRA distribution on Form 1099-R.

**Required Distributions Upon Your Death for a Qualified Annuity**

Upon your death under an IRA, Roth IRA, 403(b) or other employer sponsored plan, any remaining interest must be distributed in accordance with federal income tax requirements. For Owner and Beneficiary deaths prior to 2020, please consult your tax advisor regarding the applicable post-death distribution requirements.

The information provided below applies to Owner and Beneficiary deaths after 2019. In addition, if you are an employee under a governmental plan, such as a section 403(b) plan of a public school or a governmental 457(b) plan, this law applies if you die after 2021. In addition, if your plan is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements, this law generally applies if you die after 2021 (unless the collective bargaining agreements terminate earlier).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• *Death before your required beginning date.* If you die before your required beginning date, and you have a designated beneficiary, any remaining
 interest must be distributed within 10 years after your death, unless the designated beneficiary is an "eligible designated beneficiary"
 ("EDB") or some other exception applies. A designated beneficiary is any individual designated as a beneficiary by the employee
 or IRA owner. An EDB is any designated beneficiary who is (1) your surviving spouse, (2) your minor child, (3) disabled, (4) chronically
 ill, or (5) an individual not more than 10 years younger than you. An individual's status as an EDB is generally determined on the
 date of your death. An EDB (other than a minor child) can generally stretch distributions over their life or life expectancy if payments begin by the end
 of the calendar year following the year of your death and continuing over the EDB's remaining life expectancy after the EDB's
 death. However, all amounts must be fully distributed by the end of the year containing the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the EDB's death. Special
 rules apply to minors and Beneficiaries that are not individuals. Additional special rules apply to surviving spouses, see "Spousal Continuation"
 below.

• *Death on or after your required beginning date.* In general, if you die on or after your required beginning date, and you have a designated beneficiary
 who is not an EDB, any remaining interest in your Qualified Annuity must continue to be distributed over the longer of your remaining
 life expectancy and your designated beneficiary's life expectancy (or more rapidly), but all amounts must be distributed within 10 years of your
 death. If your Beneficiary is an EDB (other than a minor child), distributions must continue over the longer of your remaining
 life expectancy and the EDB's life expectancy (or more rapidly), but all amounts must be distributed within 10 years of the EDB's
 death. Special rules apply to EDBs who are minors  and Beneficiaries that are not individuals.

• *Annuity payments.* If
 you commence taking distributions in the form of an annuity that can continue after your death, such as in the form of a
 joint and survivor annuity or an annuity with a guaranteed period of more than 10 years, any distributions after your death that are scheduled
 to be made beyond the applicable distribution period imposed under the law might need to be commuted at the end of that period
 (or otherwise modified after your death if permitted under federal tax law and by us) in order to comply with the post-death distribution
 requirements.

• *Other rules.* The post-death
 distribution requirements do not apply if the employee or IRA owner elected annuity payments that comply with
 prior law commenced prior to December 20, 2019. Also, even if annuity payments have not commenced prior to December 20, 2019, the
 requirements generally do not apply to an immediate annuity contract purchased prior to that date, if you have made an irrevocable election
 before that date as to the method and amount of the annuity.

If your beneficiary is not an individual, such as a charity, your estate, or a trust, any remaining interest after your death generally must be distributed in accordance with the 5-year rule or the at-least-as-rapidly rule, as applicable (but not the lifetime payout rule). You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your beneficiary designations.

In addition, these post-death distribution requirements generally do not apply if the employee or IRA owner died prior to January 1, 2020. However, if the designated beneficiary of the deceased employee or IRA owner dies after January 1, 2020, and the designated beneficiary had elected the lifetime payout rule or was under the at-least-as rapidly rule, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 year of the designated beneficiary's death. Hence, this 10-year rule will apply to (1) a contract issued prior to 2020 which continues to be held by a designated beneficiary of an employee or IRA owner who died prior to 2020, and (2) an inherited IRA issued after 2019 to the designated beneficiary of an employee or IRA owner who died prior to 2020.

• *Spousal continuation.* If your beneficiary is your spouse, such surviving spouse can delay the application of the post-death distribution requirements
 until after their death by transferring the remaining interest tax-free to their own IRA, or by electing to treat your IRA as their own
 IRA. However, in certain circumstances the surviving spouse may have to take "hypothetical RMDs" (i.e., catch-up amounts required in accordance with
 the regulations).

The post-death distribution requirements are complex in numerous respects. Treasury has issued final and proposed regulations that may impact these required minimum distribution requirements. We reserve the right to make changes in order to comply with the final and proposed regulations, or any regulations published in the future. Any such changes will apply uniformly to affected Owners or Beneficiaries and will be made with such notice to affected Owners or Beneficiaries as is feasible under the circumstances. In addition, the manner in which these requirements will apply will depend on your particular facts and circumstances. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

Unless payments are being made in the form of an annuity, a Beneficiary has the flexibility to take out more each year than mandated under the required minimum distribution rules.

Note that in 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Inherited IRAs, other than IRAs inherited by the owner's spouse, do not qualify as retirement assets for purposes of protection under the federal bankruptcy laws.

Until withdrawn, amounts in a Qualified Annuity continue to be tax deferred. Amounts withdrawn each year, including amounts that are required to be withdrawn under the required minimum distribution rules, are subject to tax. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

For a Roth IRA, if death occurs before the entire interest is distributed, the death benefit must be distributed under the same rules applied to IRAs where death occurs before the required beginning date. Similar rules may apply to designated Roth accounts under an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Consult your plan sponsor or tax advisor for more information on designated Roth accounts.

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**10% Additional Tax for Early Withdrawals from a Qualified Annuity**

You may owe a 10% additional tax on the taxable part of distributions received from an IRA, SEP, Roth IRA, TDA or qualified retirement plan. Amounts are not subject to this additional tax if:

• the
 amount is paid on or after you reach age 59½ or die;

• the
 amount received is attributable to your becoming disabled; or

• generally
 the amount paid or received is in the form of substantially equal periodic payments (as defined in the Code) not less frequently than
 annually. (Please note that substantially equal periodic payments must continue until the later of reaching age 59½ or five years. Certain modification
 of payments or additional contributions to the Annuity during that time period will result in retroactive application of the
 10% additional tax.)

There are a number of other exceptions to this tax that may apply. In addition, distributions that satisfy certain exceptions to this tax may be repaid in certain circumstances. You should consult your tax advisor for further details.

**Withholding**

For 403(b) Tax Deferred annuities, we will withhold federal income tax at the rate of 20% for any eligible rollover distribution paid by us to or for a plan participant, unless such distribution is "directly" rolled over into another qualified plan, IRA (including the IRA variations described above), SEP, governmental 457(b) plan or TDA. An eligible rollover distribution is defined under the tax law as a distribution from an employer plan under 401(a), a TDA or a governmental 457(b) plan, excluding any distribution that is part of a series of substantially equal payments (at least annually) made over the life expectancy of the employee or the joint life expectancies of the employee and his designated Beneficiary, any distribution made for a specified period of 10 years or more, any distribution that is a required minimum distribution and any hardship distribution. Regulations also specify certain other items which are not considered eligible rollover distributions. We will not withhold for payments made from trustee owned Annuities or for payments under a 457 plan. For all other distributions, unless you elect otherwise, we will withhold federal income tax from the taxable portion of such distribution at an appropriate percentage. The rate of withholding on annuity payments where no mandatory withholding is required is determined on the basis of the withholding certificate that you file with us. If you do not file a certificate, we will automatically withhold federal taxes on the following basis:

• For
 any annuity payments not subject to mandatory withholding, you will have taxes withheld under the applicable default withholding rules;
 and

• For
 all other distributions, we will withhold at a 10% rate.

If no U.S. taxpayer identification number is provided, no election out of withholding will be allowed, and we will automatically withhold using the default withholding rules. In addition, if you are a U.S. person (which includes a resident alien), and you request a payment be delivered outside the U.S., we are required to withhold income tax

We will provide you with forms and instructions concerning the right to elect that no amount be withheld from payments in the ordinary course. However, you should know that, in any event, you are liable for payment of federal income taxes (including any estimated tax liabilities) on the taxable portion of the distributions, and you should consult with your tax advisor to find out more information on your potential liability if you fail to pay such taxes. There may be additional state income tax withholding requirements.

Special tax rules apply to withholding for nonresident aliens, and we generally withhold income tax for nonresident aliens at a 30% rate. A different withholding rate may be applicable to a nonresident alien based on the terms of an existing income tax treaty between the United States and the nonresident alien's country.

**ERISA Requirements**

ERISA (the "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974") and the Code prevent a fiduciary and other "parties in interest" with respect to a plan (and, for these purposes, an IRA would also constitute a "plan") from receiving any benefit from any party dealing with the plan, as a result of the sale of the Annuity. Administrative exemptions under ERISA generally permit the sale of insurance/annuity products to plans, provided that certain information is disclosed to the person purchasing the Annuity. This information has to do primarily with the fees, charges, discounts and other costs related to the Annuity, as well as any commissions paid to any agent selling the Annuity. Information about any applicable fees, charges, discounts, penalties or adjustments may be found in the applicable sections of this prospectus. Information about sales representatives and commissions may be found in the sections of this prospectus addressing distribution of the Annuities.

Other relevant information required by the exemptions is contained in the contract and accompanying documentation.

Please consult with your tax advisor if you have any questions about ERISA and these disclosure requirements.

**Spousal Consent Rules for Retirement Plans – Qualified Annuities**

If you are married at the time your payments commence, you may be required by federal law to choose an income option that provides survivor annuity income to your spouse, unless your spouse waives that right. Similarly, if you are married at the time of your death, federal law may require all or a portion of the Death Benefit to be paid to your spouse, even if you designated someone else as your Beneficiary. A brief explanation of the applicable rules follows. For more information, consult the terms of your retirement arrangement.

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*Defined Benefit Plans and Money Purchase Pension Plans.* If you are married at the time your payments commence, federal law requires that benefits be paid to you in the form of a "qualified joint and survivor annuity" (QJSA), unless you and your spouse waive that right, in writing. Generally, this means that you will receive a reduced payment during your life and, upon your death, your spouse will receive at least one-half of what you were receiving for life. You may elect to receive another income option if your spouse consents to the election and waives his or her right to receive the QJSA. If your spouse consents to the alternative form of payment, your spouse may not receive any benefits from the plan upon your death. Federal law also requires that the plan pay a Death Benefit to your spouse if you are married and die before you begin receiving your benefit. This benefit must be available in the form of an Annuity for your spouse's lifetime and is called a "qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity" (QPSA). If the plan pays Death Benefits to other Beneficiaries, you may elect to have a Beneficiary other than your spouse receive the Death Benefit, but only if your spouse consents to the election and waives his or her right to receive the QPSA. If your spouse consents to the alternate Beneficiary, your spouse will receive no benefits from the plan upon your death. Any QPSA waiver prior to your attaining age 35 will become null and void on the first day of the calendar year in which you attain age 35, if still employed.

*Defined Contribution Plans (including 401(k) Plans and ERISA 403(b) Annuities).* Spousal consent to a distribution is generally not required. Upon your death, your spouse will receive the entire Death Benefit, even if you designated someone else as your Beneficiary, unless your spouse consents in writing to waive this right. Also, if you are married and elect an Annuity as a periodic income option, federal law requires that you receive a QJSA (as described above), unless you and your spouse consent to waive this right.

*IRAs, non-ERISA 403(b) Annuities, and 457 Plans.* Spousal consent to a distribution usually is not required unless specifically required under the terms of the plan. Upon your death, any Death Benefit will be paid to your designated Beneficiary.

**ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS**

**Reporting and Withholding for Escheated Amounts**

Revenue Rulings 2018-17 and 2020-24 provide that an amount transferred from an IRA or 401(a) qualified retirement plan to a state's unclaimed property fund is subject to federal income tax withholding at the time of transfer. The amount transferred is also subject to federal tax reporting. Consistent with these Rulings, we will withhold federal and state income taxes and report to the applicable Owner or Beneficiary as required by law when amounts are transferred to a state's unclaimed property fund. Non-qualified annuity contracts generally are subject to the same or similar federal income tax reporting and withholding requirements as IRAs and qualified retirement plans. As a result, we may determine in the future that we have an obligation to follow similar guidelines with respect to any amounts escheated from your Non-qualified Annuity.

**Gifts and Generation-skipping Transfers**

If you transfer your Annuity to another person for less than adequate consideration, there may be gift tax consequences in addition to income tax consequences. Also, if you transfer your Annuity to a person two or more generations younger than you (such as a grandchild or grandniece) or to a person that is more than 37½ years younger than you, there may be generation-skipping transfer tax consequences.

**Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships**

U.S. Treasury Department regulations provide that for federal tax purposes, the term "spouse" does not include individuals (whether of the opposite sex or the same sex) who have entered into a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or other similar formal relationship that is not denominated as a marriage under the laws of the state where the relationship was entered into, regardless of domicile. As a result, if a Beneficiary of a deceased Owner and the Owner were parties to such a relationship, the Beneficiary will be required by federal tax law to take distributions from the Contract in the manner applicable to non-spouse Beneficiaries and will not be able to continue the Contract. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor before electing the Spousal Benefit for a civil union partner or domestic partner.

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**LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**

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As of the date of this prospectus, neither the Company nor the Registered Separate Account is a party to any material legal proceedings outside of the ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. Although the Company and its affiliates are involved in pending and threatened legal proceedings in the normal course of its business, we do not anticipate that the outcome of any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Registered Separate Account, or the Company's ability to meet its obligations under the Annuity.

As of the date of this prospectus, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. is not a party to any material legal proceedings outside of the ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. Although Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. can be involved in pending and threatened legal proceedings in the normal course of its business, we do not anticipate that the outcome of any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its ability to meet its obligations related to the Annuity.

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**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

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The financial statements of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company and the Registered Separate Account are incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional Information.

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**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

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**HOW WILL I RECEIVE STATEMENTS AND REPORTS?**

We send any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at your last known address of record. You should therefore give us prompt notice of any address change. We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and subject to your prior consent, to provide any prospectus, prospectus supplements, confirmations, statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2-USP</u> or any other electronic means. We send a confirmation statement to you each time a transaction is made affecting Account Value, such as making subsequent Purchase Payments, transfers, exchanges or withdrawals. We also send quarterly statements detailing the activity affecting your Annuity during the calendar quarter. We may confirm regularly scheduled transactions, such as systematic withdrawals (including 72(t) payments and required minimum distributions), and bank drafting, in quarterly statements instead of confirming them immediately. You should review the information in these statements carefully. You may request additional reports. We reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each such additional report.

Any errors or corrections on transactions for your Annuity must be reported to us at our Service Center as soon as possible to assure proper accounting to your Annuity. For transactions that are confirmed immediately, we assume all transactions are accurate unless you notify us otherwise within 30 days from the date you receive the confirmation. For transactions that are first confirmed on the quarterly statement, we assume all transactions are accurate unless you notify us within 30 days from the date you receive the quarterly statement. All transactions confirmed immediately or by quarterly statement are deemed conclusive after the applicable 30-day period. We may also send an annual report and a semi-annual report containing applicable financial statements for the Registered Separate Account and the Portfolios, as of December 31 and June 30, respectively, to Owners or, with your prior consent, make such documents available electronically through our website or other electronic means.

**HOW TO CONTACT US**

Please communicate with us using the telephone number and addresses below for the purposes described. Failure to send mail to the proper address may result in a delay in our receiving and processing your request.

**Annuities Service Center**

Call our Annuities Service Center at 1-800-879-7012 during normal business hours.

**Internet**

Access information about your Annuity through our website: www.prudential.com/annuities

**Correspondence Sent by Regular Mail**

Annuities Service Center<br>P.O. Box 7960<br>Philadelphia, PA 19176

**Correspondence Sent by Overnight\*, Certified or Registered Mail**

Annuities Service<br>1600 Malone Street<br>Millville, NJ 08332

\*Please note that overnight correspondence sent through the United States Postal Service may be delivered to the P.O. Box listed above, which could delay receipt of your correspondence at our Annuities Service Center. Overnight mail sent through other methods (e.g. Federal Express, United Parcel Service) will be delivered to the address listed below.

Correspondence sent by regular mail to our Annuities Service Center should be sent to the address shown above. Your correspondence will be picked up at this address and then delivered to our Annuities Service Center. Your correspondence is not considered received by us until it is received at our Annuities Service Center. Where this prospectus refers to the day when we receive a Purchase Payment, request, election, notice, transfer or any other transaction request from you, we mean the day on which that item (or the last requirement needed for us to process that item) arrives in complete and proper form at our Annuities Service Center or via the appropriate telephone or fax number if the item is a type we accept by those means. There are two main exceptions: if the item arrives at our Annuities Service Center (1) on a day that is not a business day, or (2) after the close of a business day, then, in each case, we are deemed to have received that item on the next business day.

You can obtain account information by calling our automated response system, and at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>, our website. Our Customer Service representatives are also available during business hours to provide you with information about your account. You can request certain transactions through our telephone voice response system, our website or through a customer service representative. You can provide authorization for a third party, including your attorney-in-fact acting pursuant to a power of attorney or your financial professional, to access your account information and perform certain transactions on your account. You will need to complete a form provided by us which identifies those transactions that you wish to authorize via telephonic and electronic means and whether you wish to authorize a third party to perform any such transactions. Please note that unless you tell us otherwise, we deem that all transactions that are directed by your financial professional with respect to your Annuity have been authorized by you. We

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require that you or your representative provide proper identification before performing transactions over the telephone or through our website. This may include a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will be provided to you upon issue of your Annuity or you may establish or change your PIN by calling our automated response system, and at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>, our website. Any third party that you authorize to perform financial transactions on your account will be assigned a PIN for your account.

Transactions requested via telephone are recorded. To the extent permitted by law, we will not be responsible for any claims, loss, liability or expense in connection with a transaction requested by telephone or other electronic means if we acted on such transaction instructions after following reasonable procedures to identify those persons authorized to perform transactions on your Annuity using verification methods which may include a request for your Social Security number, PIN or other form of electronic identification. We may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if we did not follow such procedures.

We do not guarantee access to telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic information or that we will be able to accept transaction instructions via such means at all times. Regular and/or express mail will be the only means by which we will accept transaction instructions when telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic means are unavailable or delayed. We reserve the right to limit, restrict or terminate telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic transaction privileges at any time.

**This prospectus is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives or** **financial situation of any Annuity Owner. The information is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation about managing** **or investing your retirement savings. Annuity Owners seeking information regarding their particular investment needs should contact a** **financial professional.**

PRUDENTIAL, THE PRUDENTIAL LOGO AND THE ROCK DESIGN ARE TRADEMARKS OF PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES, REGISTERED IN MANY JURISDICTIONS WORLDWIDE. USED UNDER LICENSE.

FORTITUDE RE AND THE FORTITUDE RE LOGO ARE SERVICE MARKS OF FORTITUDE GROUP HOLDINGS, LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES. OTHER PROPRIETARY FORTITUDE RE MARKS MAY BE DESIGNATED AS SUCH THROUGH THE USE OF THE <sup>SM</sup> OR <sup>®</sup> SYMBOLS.

ADVANCED SERIES, ADVISOR PLAN, ASAP, ASAP II, AST, GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO), GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GRO PLUS), AND PLUS40 ARE SERVICE MARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA AND ARE USED UNDER LICENSE BY FORTITUDE RE.

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**APPENDIX A –** **INVESTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**

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**Certain Investment Options may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the** [**<u>Cover Page</u>**](#chapter_1-sect1_1_925) **for additional information.**

**Variable Options**

The following is a list of Portfolios available under the Contract. More information about the Portfolios is available in the prospectuses for the Portfolios, which may be amended from time to time and can be found online at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2-USP</u>. You can also request this information at no cost by calling 1-800-346-3778 or by sending an email request to service@prudential.com. Depending on the optional benefits you choose, you may not be able to invest in certain Portfolio Companies.

The current expenses and performance information below reflects fees and expenses of the Portfolios, but do not reflect the other fees and expenses that your Contract may charge. Expenses would be higher, and performance would be lower if these other charges were included. Each Portfolio's past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Discovery All Cap Growth Fund - Class 1<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.75% | 15.53% | 6.31% | 13.84% |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Opportunity Fund - Class 1<sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.75% | 7.00% | 9.22% | 12.13% |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Small Cap Growth Fund - Class 1<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.91% | 9.55% | -0.70% | 10.22% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.86% | 16.17% | 8.81% | 9.59% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.87% | 14.35% | 6.96% | 8.05% |
|  Fixed Income<br> AST Core Fixed Income Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Limited*<br>*Wellington Management Company LLP* | 0.68% | 7.15% | -1.10% | 2.30% |
|  Fixed Income<br> AST Government Money Market Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*PGIM Fixed Income* | 0.58% | 3.78% | 2.86% | 1.78% |
|  Equity<br> AST International Equity Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*Massachusetts Financial Services Company*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 1.02% | 32.84% | 5.76% | 10.00% |
|  Allocation<br> AST J.P. Morgan Conservative Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.* | 0.92% | 10.37% | 3.31% | 5.19% |
|  Allocation<br> AST J.P. Morgan Moderate Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.* | 0.97% | 12.53% | 5.61% | 7.30% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity<br> AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*ClearBridge Investments, LLC*<br>*Dimensional Fund Advisors LP*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC* | 0.84% | 14.88% | 13.25% | 12.47% |
|  Equity<br> AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Clearbridge Investments, LLC*<br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.87% | 17.06% | 11.35% | 16.27% |
|  Equity<br> AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*ClearBridge Investments, LLC*<br>*Dimensional Fund Advisors LP*<br>*Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.81% | 16.05% | 12.97% | 11.35% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Multi-Asset Diversified Plus Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 1.13% | 13.55% | 5.58% | 5.73% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Multi-Asset Diversified Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.90% | 15.55% | 6.86% | 8.28% |
|  Allocation<br> AST PGIM Aggressive Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate* | 0.90% | 16.00% | 8.22% | 8.26% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.89% | 11.33% | 3.76% | 5.45% |
|  Equity<br> AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.*<br>*Dimensional Fund Advisors LP*<br>*Driehaus Capital Management LLC*<br>*Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC*<br>*TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC* | 1.01% | 7.41% | 1.81% | 10.39% |
|  Equity<br> Inverse S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Strategy Fund<sup>♦,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Guggenheim Investments* | 1.82% | -11.76% | -10.49% | -12.91% |
|  Equity<br> Invesco V.I. Discovery Mid Cap Growth Fund - Series I shares<sup>1,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.86% | 4.79% | 3.90% | 11.38% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Diversified Dividend Fund - Series I shares<sup>1</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.68% | 15.74% | 10.81% | 9.20% |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Health Care Fund - Series I shares<sup>1</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.99% | 15.33% | 3.80% | 6.58% |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Technology Fund - Series I shares<sup>‡</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.96% | 20.47% | 10.30% | 15.78% |
|  Equity | NASDAQ-100<sup>®</sup> Fund<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Guggenheim Investments* | 1.76% | 19.04% | 13.32% | 17.60% |
|  Equity | Nova Fund<sup>♦,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Guggenheim Investments* | 1.74% | 20.87% | 16.53% | 17.73% |
|  Equity | NVIT Fidelity Institutional AM<sup>®</sup> Emerging Markets Fund - Class D<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Nationwide Fund Advisors*<br>*FIAM LLC* | 1.46% | 35.77% | 0.70% | 5.98% |
|  Fixed Income | ProFund Access VP High Yield<sup>‡</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.64% | 6.24% | 2.85% | 3.92% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Asia 30<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 24.12% | -2.31% | 5.18% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Banks<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 10.53% | 9.89% | 8.26% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Bear<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -14.47% | -11.20% | -13.49% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Biotechnology<br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.60% | 34.03% | 9.50% | 7.41% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Bull<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 15.56% | 12.18% | 12.55% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Communication Services<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 20.91% | 14.55% | 8.97% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Consumer Discretionary<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.51% | 5.53% | 10.01% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Consumer Staples<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -0.17% | 0.62% | 5.67% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Energy<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.86% | 21.01% | 5.88% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Europe 30<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 29.59% | 12.78% | 8.01% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Financials<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 12.90% | 12.77% | 11.04% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Health Care<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 12.56% | 5.50% | 8.02% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Industrials<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 17.25% | 9.11% | 11.45% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Internet<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 9.13% | 3.71% | 12.40% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Japan<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 30.69% | 14.99% | 11.39% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Large-Cap Growth<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 19.96% | 13.07% | 14.95% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Large-Cap Value<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 11.37% | 11.09% | 9.89% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Materials<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 8.05% | 6.41% | 8.42% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Mid-Cap Growth<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.67% | 5.32% | 8.63% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Mid-Cap Value<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.84% | 9.19% | 8.92% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP NASDAQ-100<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 18.62% | 12.94% | 17.28% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Pharmaceuticals<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 29.34% | 5.70% | 5.37% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Precious Metals<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 150.31% | 17.01% | 18.89% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Real Estate<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 0.63% | 2.85% | 3.95% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Rising Rates Opportunity<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.59% | 1.67% | 14.28% | 0.27% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Semiconductor<br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.64% | 41.70% | 34.17% | 30.80% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Short Mid-Cap<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -4.51% | -7.65% | -11.55% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Short NASDAQ-100<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -15.80% | -13.57% | -18.48% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Short Small-Cap<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -10.08% | -6.50% | -11.77% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Small-Cap Growth<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 3.62% | 3.79% | 7.98% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Small-Cap Value<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.00% | 7.17% | 7.81% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Technology<br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.58% | 22.60% | 15.01% | 20.16% |
|  Fixed Income | ProFund VP U.S. Government Plus<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.38% | 1.17% | -13.73% | -3.45% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP UltraBull<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 24.38% | 19.82% | 20.95% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP UltraMid-Cap<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 3.20% | 7.98% | 11.51% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP UltraNASDAQ-100<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 29.25% | 18.60% | 29.22% |

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Allocation | ProFund VP UltraSmall-Cap<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 12.93% | 1.23% | 8.81% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Utilities<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 13.98% | 7.78% | 8.61% |

---

**The additional information below may be applicable to the Portfolios listed in the above table.**

PGIM Fixed Income is a business unit of PGIM, Inc.

PGIM Investments LLC manages each of the Portfolios of The Prudential Series Fund (PSF).

PGIM Investments LLC manages each of the Portfolios of the Advanced Series Trust (AST). AST Investment Services, Inc. serves as co-manager, along with PGIM Investments LLC, to many of the Portfolios of AST.

PGIM Real Estate is a business unit of PGIM, Inc.

1. **These Portfolios are also offered in other variable annuity contracts that utilize a predetermined mathematical formula to manage the guarantees offered in connection with** **optional benefits.** 

Those other variable annuity contracts offer certain optional living benefits that utilize a predetermined mathematical formula (the "formula") to manage the guarantees offered in connection with those optional benefits. The formula monitors each contract Owner's Account Value daily and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts among investment options. The formula transfers funds between the Variable Options for those variable annuity contracts and an AST Bond Portfolio Variable Option or a fixed account (those AST Bond Portfolios or a fixed account may not be available in connection with the annuity contracts offered through this prospectus). **You should be aware that the operation of the formula in those other variable annuity** **contracts may result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the underlying Portfolios that are available with your contract. These asset flows could adversely impact the** **underlying Portfolios, including their risk profile, expenses and performance**. Because transfers between the Variable Options and the AST Bond Variable Option or a fixed account can be frequent and the amount transferred can vary from day to day, any of the underlying Portfolios could experience the following effects, among others:

(a) a
 Portfolio's investment performance could be adversely affected by requiring a subadvisor to purchase and sell securities at inopportune
 times or by otherwise limiting the subadvisor's
 ability to fully implement the Portfolio's investment strategy;

(b) the
 subadvisor may be required to hold a larger portion of assets in highly liquid securities than it otherwise would hold, which could adversely
 affect performance if the highly
 liquid securities underperform other securities (e.g., equities) that otherwise would have been held; and

(c) a Portfolio may experience higher turnover and greater negative asset flows than it would have experienced without the formula,
 which could result in higher operating expense
 ratios and higher transaction costs for the Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

The efficient operation of the asset flows among Portfolios triggered by the formula depends on active and liquid markets. If market liquidity is strained, the asset flows may not operate as intended. For example, it is possible that illiquid markets or other market stress could cause delays in the transfer of cash from one Portfolio to another Portfolio, which in turn could adversely impact performance.

Before you allocate to the Variable Option with the AST Portfolios listed above, you should consider the potential effects on the Portfolios that are the result of the operation of the formula in the variable annuity contracts that are unrelated to your Variable Annuity. Please work with your financial professional to determine which Portfolios are appropriate for your needs.

♦ **This information includes annual expenses that reflect temporary or other fee reductions or waivers. Please see the Portfolio prospectus for additional information.** 

‡ The
 Portfolio has certain restrictions regarding availability for investment by Contract Owners as listed below.

**<u>Inverse S&P 500</u><sup>®</sup>**  **<u>Strategy Fund</u>**<br>Effective March 19, 2001 was closed to all new investments. However, electronic funds transfer, dollar cost averaging, asset allocation and rebalancing programs, as applicable, that were elected prior to the effective date will not be affected by the closure unless a contract owner withdraws or otherwise transfers their entire Account Value from the Portfolio.

**<u>Invesco V.I. Discovery Mid Cap Growth Fund - Series I shares</u>**<br>Effective May 1, 2020 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

**<u>Invesco V.I. Technology Fund - Series I shares</u>**<br>Effective May 1, 2022 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

**<u>NASDAQ-100</u><sup>®</sup>**  **<u>Fund</u>**<br>Effective March 19, 2001 was closed to all new investments. However, electronic funds transfer, dollar cost averaging, asset allocation and rebalancing programs, as applicable, that were elected prior to the effective date will not be affected by the closure unless a contract owner withdraws or otherwise transfers their entire Account Value from the Portfolio.

**<u>Nova Fund</u>**<br>Effective March 19, 2001 was closed to all new investments. However, electronic funds transfer, dollar cost averaging, asset allocation and rebalancing programs, as applicable, that were elected prior to the effective date will not be affected by the closure unless a contract owner withdraws or otherwise transfers their entire Account Value from the Portfolio.

**<u>ProFund Access VP High Yield</u>**<br>Effective April 26, 2021 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

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**Fixed Options**

The following is a list of Fixed Options currently available under the Contract. We may change the features of the Fixed Options listed below, offer new Fixed Options, and terminate existing Fixed Options. We will provide you with written notice before doing so. For more information about the Fixed Options, see "[Description of Insurance Company, Registered Separate Account, and Investment Options](#a_003)" in this prospectus.

**Note: If amounts are withdrawn from MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of its term, we will apply a Contract Adjustment. This may result in a** **significant reduction in your Contract value. For more information about Market Value Adjustments, please refer to the "[Charges and Adjustments](#a_004)** **" section of this prospectus.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Term** |
| Guaranteed Period GRO<sup>1</sup> | 7 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 1 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 2 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 3 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 5 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 7 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 10 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |

---

\*The rate shown is the last Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate issued before the product closed to new customers. Your Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate is the amount shown on your Contract and can vary by state. Please consult with your representative for availability and current rates.

<sup>1</sup> Not available for allocations. <br><sup>2</sup> The Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate is linked to an index and never less than zero, as shown on your Contract and subject to state minimums.

**Investment Restrictions**

Please note that the following Portfolios are not available if you have elected any of the following optional benefits:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Optional Benefit Name:** | **All investment options permitted, EXCEPT these:** |
| Guaranteed Return Option | Invesco V.I. Technology Fund – Series I shares |
| Guaranteed Return Option Plus | ProFund Access VP High Yield |
| Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit | ProFund VP Biotechnology |
|  | ProFund VP Internet |
|  | ProFund VP Semiconductor |
|  | ProFund VP Short Mid-Cap |
|  | ProFund VP Short Small-Cap |
|  | ProFund VP Technology |
|  | ProFund VP UltraBull |
|  | ProFund VP UltraNASDAQ-100 |
|  | ProFund VP UltraSmall-Cap |

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**APPENDIX B – SALE OF THE CONTRACTS TO RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK**

------

Some of the provisions of the Annuity are different for contracts offered to residents of the State of New York.

**Fees, Charges and Deductions** 

**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge:**

The CDSC schedule is as follows:

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  YEARS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8+ |
|  CHARGE (%) | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |

---

**Purchasing Your Annuity**

**Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations**: The designation of Contingent Participant is not allowed on the Annuity Date.

**Managing Your Annuity**

**"Change of Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations"**: The following condition has been removed:

• A
 new Annuitant subsequent to the Annuity Date if the annuity option selected includes a life contingency.

**Managing Your Account Value**

**"Restrictions on Transfers Between Investment Options"**:

A specific authorization form MUST be completed which authorizes us to accept transfers via phone or through means such as electronic mail.

**"Dollar Cost Averaging Programs"**: You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $20,000 to enroll in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

**"Automatic Rebalancing Programs"**: You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $20,000 to enroll in automatic rebalancing.

**"What Happens When My Guarantee Period Matures?"**: We will notify you of the Guarantee Periods available as of the date of such notice, at least 45 days and not more than 60 days prior to the Maturity Date. No Market Value Adjustment applies to any amounts allocated to a particular Fixed Allocation if you withdraw all or part of the Account Value in such Fixed Allocation within 30 days of maturity. If you are age 55 or older you may invest in a Fixed Allocation with a Guarantee Period of five years or less.

**Performance Advantage**

This benefit was never available to residents of the State of New York.

**Access To Account Value**

**"How Much Can I Withdraw as a Free Withdrawal?":** The Minimum Distribution provision is only available for annuities issued under Section 403(b) of the IRS Code or for IRA's where Minimum Distributions are required. Minimum Distributions are not available for any other contracts.

**"Medically-Related Surrenders":** This section is deleted in its entirety.

**"Annuity Options"**: The Annuity Date may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following the Annuitant's 90<sup>th</sup> birthday. Additionally, the minimum annuity payment allowed is $20 per month.

**Death Benefit**

The Optional Death Benefits described in the Prospectus are not offered in the State of New York. However, effective as of March 12, 2001, the Highest Anniversary Value Optional Death Benefit described below is available to new purchasers of the Annuity who are residents of the State of New York.

If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 80 or less at the time the Highest Anniversary Value Optional Death Benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 80 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 80 or less.

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**Key Terms Used with the Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit**

• The <u>Death Benefit Target Date</u> is the contract anniversary on or after the 80 <sup>th</sup> birthday of the current Owner, the oldest of either joint Owner
 or the Annuitant, if entity owned.

• The <u>Highest Anniversary Value</u> equals the highest of all previous "Anniversary Values" on or before the earlier of the Owner's date of death
 and the "Death Benefit Target Date".

• The <u>Anniversary Value</u> is the
 Account Value as of each anniversary of the Issue Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments on or after such
 anniversary less the sum of all "Proportional Reductions" since such anniversary. The Anniversary Value on the Issue Date
 is equal to your
 Purchase Payment.

• A <u>Proportional Reduction</u> is
 a reduction to the value being measured caused by a withdrawal, equaling the percentage of the withdrawal as
 compared to the Account Value as of the date of the withdrawal. For example, if your Account Value is $10,000 and you withdraw $2,000
 (a 20% reduction), we will reduce both your Anniversary Value and the amount determined by Purchase Payments increasing at the
 appropriate interest rate by 20%.

**Calculation of Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit**

The Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit depends on whether death occurs before or after the Death Benefit Target Date.

*If the Owner dies before the Death Benefit Target Date, the Death Benefit equals the greater of:*

1. the
 Account Value in the Variable Options plus the Interim Value of any Fixed Allocations (no Market Value Adjustment) as of the date we receive
 in writing "due proof of death"; and

2. the
 "Highest Anniversary Value" on or immediately preceding the Owner's date of death.

The amount determined by this calculation is increased by any Purchase Payments received after the Owner's date of death and decreased by any Proportional Reductions since such date.

*If the Owner dies on or after the Death Benefit Target Date, the Death Benefit equals the greater of:*

1. the
 Account Value as of the date we receive in writing "due proof of death" (a Market Value Adjustment may be applicable to amounts <br> in
 any Fixed Allocations); and

2. the
 Highest Anniversary Value on the Death Benefit Target Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all Proportional <br> Reductions
 since the Death Benefit Target Date.

**Charges for Highest Anniversary Value Death Benefit**

If you purchase the Highest Anniversary Value Optional Death Benefit, a current annual charge of 0.15% is deducted from your Annuity's Account Value. The charge will be based on the current Death Benefit under the Highest Anniversary Value Optional Death Benefit as of the date the charge is deducted minus the Interim Value of any Fixed Allocations. The charge is deducted in addition to the insurance charge. The charge is deducted in arrears on each anniversary of the Issue Date of the Annuity or, if you terminate the Optional Death Benefit or surrender your Annuity, on the date the termination or surrender is effective.

**ANNUITY REWARDS**

This benefit is not available to residents of the State of New York.

**Valuing Your Investment**

The following section is added:

**Deferral of Transactions:** If we defer a distribution or transfer from any Fixed Allocation or any fixed annuity payment for more than 10 days, we pay interest using our then current crediting rate for this purpose, which is not less than 3% per year on the amount deferred.

**Additional Information**

**Separate Account B:** We reserve the right to add Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, to combine Variable Options, or to substitute underlying mutual funds or Portfolios of underlying mutual funds. In addition to obtaining prior approval from the insurance department of our state of domicile before making such a substitution, deletion or addition, any such changes are subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Insurance for the State of New York.

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**APPENDIX C – PLUS40 OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE RIDER**

------

**Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider was offered, in those states where approved, between September 17, 2001 and May 1, 2003. The** **description below of the Plus40 benefit applies to those Contract Owners who purchased an Annuity during that time period and elected the** **Plus40 benefit.**

**The life insurance coverage provided under the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider ("Plus40 rider" or the "Rider") is supported by our** **general account and is not subject to, or registered as a security under, either the Securities Act of 1933 or the Investment Company Act of** **1940. Information about the Plus40 rider is included as an Appendix to this prospectus to help you understand the Rider and the relationship** **between the Rider and the value of your Annuity. It is also included because you can elect to pay for the Rider with taxable withdrawals from** **your Annuity. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed this information. However, the information may be** **subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws regarding accuracy and completeness.**

**The income tax-free life insurance payable to your Beneficiary(ies) under the Plus40 rider is equal to 40% of the Account Value of your** **Annuity as of the date we receive due proof of death, subject to certain adjustments, restrictions and limitations described below.**

**ELIGIBILITY**

The Plus40 rider may be purchased as a rider on your Annuity. The Rider must cover those persons upon whose death the Annuity's death benefit becomes payable – the Annuity's Owner or Owners, or the Annuitant (in the case of an entity owned Annuity). If the Annuity has two Owners, the Rider's death benefit is payable upon the first death of such persons. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Rider's death benefit is payable upon the death of the Annuitant, even if a Contingent Annuitant is named.

The minimum allowable age to purchase the Plus40 rider is 40; the maximum allowable age is 75. If the Rider is purchased on two lives, both persons must meet the age eligibility requirements. The Plus40 rider is not available to purchasers who use their Annuity as a funding vehicle for a Tax Sheltered Annuity (or 403(b)) or as a funding vehicle for a qualified plan under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code").

**ADJUSTMENTS, RESTRICTIONS & LIMITATIONS**

• If
 you die during the first 24 months following the effective date of the Plus40 rider (generally, the Issue Date of your Annuity), the death benefit will be limited
 to the amount of any charges paid for the Rider while it was in effect. *While we will return the charges you have paid* *during the applicable period as the death benefit, your Beneficiary(ies) will receive no* *<u>additional</u>* *life insurance benefit from the Plus40* *rider if you die within 24 months of its effective date.* 

• If
 you make a Purchase Payment within 24 months prior to the date of death, the Account Value used to determine the amount of the death
 benefit will be reduced by the amount of such Purchase Payment(s). If we reduce the death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider based
 on this provision, we will return 50% of any charges paid for the Rider based on those Purchase Payments as an additional amount included
 in the death benefit under the Rider.

• If
 we apply Credits to your Annuity based on Purchase Payments, such Credits are treated as Account Value for purposes of determining the
 death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider. However, if Credits were applied to Purchase Payments made within 24 months prior to the
 date of death, the Account Value used to determine the amount of the death benefit will be reduced by the amount of such Credits. If we
 reduce the death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider based on this provision, we will return 50% of any charges paid for the Rider based on such Credits
 as an additional amount included in the death benefit under the Rider.

• If
 you become terminally ill (as defined in the Rider) and elect to receive a portion of the Plus40 rider's death benefit under the
 Accelerated Death
 Benefit provision, the amount that will be payable under the Rider upon your death will be reduced. Please refer to the Accelerated Death
 Benefit provision described below.

• If
 charges for the Plus40 rider are due and are unpaid as of the date the death benefit is being determined, such charges will be deducted from the amount paid
 to your Beneficiary(ies).

• If
 the age of any person covered under the Plus40 rider is misstated, we will adjust any coverage under the Rider to conform to the facts. For example, if,
 due to the misstatement, we overcharged you for coverage under the Rider, we will add any additional charges paid to the amount
 payable to your Beneficiary(ies). If, due to the misstatement, we undercharged you for coverage under the Rider, we will reduce the
 death benefit in proportion to the charges not paid as compared to the charges that would have been paid had there been no misstatement.

• On
 or after an Owner reaches the expiry date of the Rider (the anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date on or immediately after the
 95 <sup>th</sup> birthday), coverage
 will terminate. No charge will be made for an Owner following the expiry date. If there are two Owners, the expiry date applies
 separately to each Owner; therefore, coverage may continue for one Owner and terminate as to the other Owner.

**MAXIMUM BENEFIT**

The Plus40 rider is subject to a Maximum Death Benefit Amount based on the Purchase Payments applied to your Annuity. The Plus40 rider may also be subject to a Per Life Maximum Benefit that is based on all amounts paid under any annuity contract we issue to you under which you have elected the Plus40 rider or similar life insurance coverage.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The <u>Maximum Death Benefit Amount</u> is 100% of the Purchase Payments increasing at 5% per year following the date each Purchase Payment
 is applied to the Annuity until the date of death. If Purchase Payments are applied to the Annuity within 24 months prior to the date
 of death, the Maximum Death Benefit Amount is decreased by the amount of such Purchase Payments.

• The <u>Per Life Maximum Benefit</u> applies to Purchase Payments applied to any such annuity contracts more than 24 months from the date of death
 that exceed $1,000,000. If you make Purchase Payments in excess of $1,000,000, we will reduce the aggregate death benefit payable
 under all Plus40 riders, or similar riders issued by us, based on the combined amount of Purchase Payments in excess of $1,000,000
 multiplied by 40%. If the Per Life Maximum Benefit applies, we will reduce the amount payable under each applicable Plus40 rider
 on a proportional basis. If the Per Life Maximum Benefit applies upon your death, we will return any excess charges that you paid on the
 portion of your Account Value on which no benefit is payable. *The Per Life Maximum Benefit does not limit the amount of Purchase* *Payments that you may apply to your Annuity.* 

**ACCELERATED DEATH BENEFIT PROVISION**

If you become terminally ill, you may request that a portion of the death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider be prepaid instead of being paid to your Beneficiary(ies) upon your death. Subject to our requirements and where allowed by law, we will make a one time, lump sum payment. Our requirements include proof satisfactory to us, in writing, of terminal illness after the Rider's Effective Date.

The maximum we will pay, before any reduction, is the lesser of 50% of the Rider's death benefit or $100,000. If you elect to accelerate payment of a portion of the death benefit under the Plus40 rider, the amount of the remaining death benefit is reduced by the prepaid amount accumulating at an annualized interest rate of 6.0%. Eligibility for an accelerated payout of a portion of your Plus40 rider death benefit may be more restrictive than any medically-related surrender provision that may be applicable to you under the Annuity.

**CHARGES FOR THE PLUS40 RIDER**

The Plus40 rider has a current charge and a guaranteed maximum charge. The current charge for the Plus40 rider is based on a percentage of your Account Value as of the anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity. The applicable percentages differ based on the attained age, last birthday of the Owner(s) or Annuitant (in the case of an entity owned Annuity) as of the date the charge is due. We reserve the right to change the current charge, at any time, subject to regulatory approval where required. If there are two Owners, we calculate the current charge that applies to each Owner individually and deduct the combined amount as the charge for the Rider. There is no charge based on a person's life after coverage expires as to that person. However, a charge will still apply to the second of two Owners (and coverage will continue for such Owner) if such Owner has not reached the expiry date.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Attained Age** | **Percentage of Account Value** |
|  Age 40-75 | .80% |
|  Age 76-80 | 1.60% |
|  Age 81-85 | 3.20% |
|  Age 86-90 | 4.80% |
|  Age 91 | 6.50% |
|  Age 92 | 7.50% |
|  Age 93 | 8.50% |
|  Age 94 | 9.50% |
|  Age 95 | 10.50% |

---

The charge for the Plus40 rider may also be subject to a guaranteed maximum charge that will apply if the current charge, when applied to the Account Value, exceeds the guaranteed maximum charge. The guaranteed maximum charge is based on a charge per $1,000 of insurance.

We determine the charge for the Rider annually, in arrears. We deduct the charge: (1) upon your death; (2) on each anniversary of the Issue Date; (3) on the date that you begin receiving annuity payments; (4) if you surrender your Annuity other than a medically-related surrender; or (5) if you choose to terminate the Rider. If the Rider terminates for any of the preceding reasons on a date other than the anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date, the charge will be prorated. During the first year after the Annuity's Issue Date, the charge will be prorated from the Issue Date. In all subsequent years, the charge will be prorated from the last anniversary of the Issue Date.

You can elect to pay the annual charge through a redemption from your Annuity's Account Value or through funds other than those within the Annuity. If you do not elect a method of payment, we will automatically deduct the annual charge from your Annuity's Account Value. The manner in which you elect to pay for the Rider may have tax implications.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• If
 you elect to pay the charge through a redemption of your Annuity's Account Value, the withdrawal will be treated as a taxable distribution,
 and will generally be subject to ordinary income tax on the amount of any investment gain withdrawn. If you are under the age of
 59½, the distribution may also be subject to a 10% additional tax on any gain withdrawn, in addition to ordinary income taxes. We
 first deduct the
 amount of the charge on a proportional basis from the Account Value in the Variable Options. We only deduct the charge on a proportional
 basis from the Fixed Allocations to the extent there is insufficient Account Value in the Variable  Options to pay the charge.

• If
 you elect to pay the charge through funds other than those from your Annuity, we require that payment be made electronically in U.S. currency
 through a U.S. financial institution. If you elect to pay the charge through electronic transfer of funds and payment has not been received
 within 31 days from the due date, we will deduct the charge as a redemption from your Annuity, as described above.

**TERMINATION**

You can terminate the Plus40 rider at any time. Upon termination, you will be required to pay on a proportional basis a portion of the annual charge for the Rider. The Plus40 rider will terminate automatically on the date your Account Value is applied to begin receiving annuity payments, on the date you surrender the Annuity or, on the expiry date with respect to such person who reaches the expiry date. We may also terminate the Plus40 rider, if necessary, to comply with our interpretation of the Code and applicable regulations. Once terminated, you may not reinstate your coverage under the Plus40 rider.

**CHANGES IN ANNUITY DESIGNATIONS**

Changes in ownership and annuitant designations under the Annuity may result in changes in eligibility and charges under the Plus40 rider. These changes may include termination of the Rider. Please refer to the Rider for specific details.

**SPOUSAL ASSUMPTION**

A spousal beneficiary may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Annuity's Death Benefit. However, regardless of whether a spousal beneficiary assumes ownership of the Annuity, **the death benefit under the Plus40 rider will be paid despite the fact that the Annuity will** **continue.** The spousal beneficiary can apply the death benefit proceeds under the Plus40 rider to the Annuity as a new Purchase Payment, can purchase a new annuity contract or use the death benefit proceeds for any other purpose. Certain restrictions may apply to an Annuity that is used as a qualified investment. Spousal beneficiaries may also be eligible to purchase the Plus40 rider, in which case the Annuity's Account Value, as of the date the assumption is effective, will be treated as the initial Purchase Payment under applicable provisions of the Rider.

**TAX CONSIDERATION**

The Plus40™ rider was designed to qualify as a life insurance contract under the Code. As life insurance, under most circumstances, the Beneficiary(ies) does not pay any Federal income tax on the death benefit payable under the Rider.

If your Annuity is being used as an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA), we consider the Plus40™ rider to be outside of your IRA, since premium for the Rider is paid for either with funds outside of your Annuity or with withdrawals previously subject to tax and any applicable Tax penalty.

We believe payments under the accelerated payout provision of the Rider will meet the requirements of the Code and the regulations in order to qualify as tax-free payments. To the extent permitted by law, we will change our procedures in relation to the Rider, or the definition of terminally ill, or any other applicable term in order to maintain the tax-free status of any amounts paid out under the accelerated payout provision.

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**APPENDIX D – DESCRIPTION AND CALCULATION OF THE ENHANCED BENEFICIARY** **PROTECTION OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT AND THE GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT**

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If you purchased your Annuity before November 18, 2002 and were not a resident of the State of New York, the optional Enhanced Beneficiary Protection and Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits are as follows:

**ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT**

The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit can provide additional amounts to your Beneficiary that may be used to offset federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. Whether this benefit is appropriate for you may depend on your particular circumstances, including other financial resources that may be available to your Beneficiary to pay taxes on your Annuity should you die during the Accumulation Period. No benefit is payable if death occurs on or after the Annuity Date.

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit provides a benefit that is payable in addition to the basic Death Benefit.** If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 75 or less at the time the benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 75 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 75 or less.

**Calculation of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit**

If you purchase the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit, the Death Benefit is calculated as follows:

1. the
 basic Death Benefit described above

**PLUS**

2. 50%
 of the "**Death Benefit Amount** "
 less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

**<u>"Proportional Withdrawals"</u>** are determined by calculating the percentage of your Account Value that each prior withdrawal represented when withdrawn.

**<u>"Death Benefit Amount"</u>** includes your Account Value and any amounts added to your Account Value under the basic Death Benefit when the Death Benefit is calculated. Under the basic Death Benefit, amounts are added to your Account Value when the Account Value is less than Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals.

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is subject to a maximum of 50% of all Purchase Payments applied to the Annuity** **at least 12 months prior to the death of the decedent that triggers the payment of the Death Benefit.**

**Please refer to the section entitled "**[**<u>Taxes</u>**](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)**" for a discussion of special tax considerations for purchasers of this benefit.**

**NOTE: You may not elect the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit if you have elected any other Optional Death Benefit.**

**GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT**

If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 80 or less at the time the optional Death Benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 80 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 80 or less.

**Key Terms Used with the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit**

• The <u>Death Benefit Target Date</u> is the contract anniversary on or after the 80 <sup>th</sup> birthday of the current Owner, the oldest of either joint Owner
 or the Annuitant, if entity owned.

• The <u>Highest Anniversary Value</u> equals the highest of all previous "Anniversary Values" on or before the earlier of the Owner's date of death
 and the "Death Benefit Target Date".

• The <u>Anniversary Value</u> is the
 Account Value as of each anniversary of the Issue Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments on or after such
 anniversary less the sum of all "Proportional Reductions" since such anniversary.

• A <u>Proportional Reduction</u> is
 a reduction to the value being measured caused by a withdrawal, equaling the percentage of the withdrawal as
 compared to the Account Value as of the date of the withdrawal. For example, if your Account Value is $10,000 and you withdraw $2,000
 (a 20% reduction), we will reduce both your Anniversary Value and the amount determined by Purchase Payments increasing at the
 appropriate interest rate by 20%.

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**Calculation of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit**

The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit depends on whether death occurs before or after the Death Benefit Target Date.

*If the Owner dies before the Death Benefit Target Date,* the Death Benefit equals the greatest of:

1. the
 Account Value in the Variable Options plus the Interim Value of any Fixed Allocations (no Market Value Adjustment) as of the date we receive
 in writing "due proof of death"; and

2. the
 sum of all Purchase Payments minus the sum of all Proportional Reductions, each increasing daily until the Owner's date of death
 at a rate of 5.0%,
 subject to a limit of 200% of the difference between the sum of all Purchase Payments and the sum of all withdrawals as of the
 Owner's date of death; and

3. the
 "Highest Anniversary Value" on or immediately preceding the Owner's date of death.

The amount determined by this calculation is increased by any Purchase Payments received after the Owner's date of death and decreased by any Proportional Reductions since such date.

*If the Owner dies on or after the Death Benefit Target Date,* the Death Benefit equals the greater of:

1. the
 Account Value as of the date we receive in writing "due proof of death" (a Market Value Adjustment may be applicable to amounts
 in any Fixed Allocations);
 and

2. the
 greater of Item 2 & 3 above on the Death Benefit Target Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all Proportional Reductions since
 the Death Benefit Target Date.

**Annuities with Joint Owners**

For Annuities with Joint Owners, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the oldest of the Joint Owners is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. NOTE: If you and your spouse own the Annuity jointly, we will pay the Death Benefit to the Beneficiary. If the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving spouse, then the surviving spouse can elect to assume ownership of the Annuity and continue the contract instead of receiving the Death Benefit.

**Annuities Owned by Entities**

For Annuities owned by an entity, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the Annuitant is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. Payment of the Death Benefit is based on the death of the Annuitant (or Contingent Annuitant, if applicable).

**Can I terminate the optional Death Benefits? Do the optional Death Benefits terminate under other circumstances?**

You can terminate the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit and the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit at any time. Upon termination, you will be required to pay on a proportional basis a portion of the annual charge for the benefit. Both optional Death Benefits will terminate automatically on the Annuity Date. We may also terminate any optional Death Benefit if necessary to comply with our interpretation of the Code and applicable regulations.

**What are the charges for the optional Death Benefits?**

We may deduct a maximum charge equal to 0.75% and 0.55% per year if you elect the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit and the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit respectively. The charges for these death benefits are deducted in arrears each Annuity Year. No charge applies after the Annuity Date. We deduct the charge:

1. on
 each anniversary of the Issue Date;

2. when
 Account Value is transferred to our general account prior to the Annuity Date;

3. if
 you surrender your Annuity; and

4. if
 you choose to terminate the benefit (Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit only)

If you surrender the Annuity, elect to begin receiving annuity payments or terminate the benefit on a date other than an anniversary of the Issue Date, the charge will be prorated. During the first year after the Issue Date, the charge will be prorated from the Issue Date. In all subsequent years, it would be prorated from the last anniversary of the Issue Date.

We first deduct the amount of the charge on a proportional basis from the Account Value in the Variable Options. We only deduct the charge on a proportional basis from the Fixed Allocations to the extent there is insufficient Account Value in the Variable Options to pay the charge. If your Annuity's Account Value is insufficient to pay the charge, we may deduct your remaining Account Value and terminate your Annuity. We will notify you if your Account Value is insufficient to pay the charge and allow you to submit an additional Purchase Payment to continue your Annuity.

Please refer to the section entitled "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_925)" for additional considerations in relation to the optional Death Benefit.

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**ADDITIONAL CALCULATIONS**

**Examples of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes that a $50,000 initial Purchase Payment is made and that no withdrawals are made prior to the Owner's death. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 50 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options.

***Example with Variable Option increase***

Assume that the Owner's Account Value has been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $75,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, whichever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $75,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($75,000) **PLUS** 50% of the "Death Benefit Amount" less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Purchase Payments | = | $50000 |
|  Account Value | = | $75000 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | = | $75000 |
|  Death Benefit Amount | = | $75,000 - $50,000 = $25,000 |
|  Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $75,000 +$12,500 = $87,500 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $75,000 +$12,500 = $87,500 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $75,000 +$12,500 = $87,500 |

---

***Examples with Variable Option decline***

Assume that the Owner's Account Value has been decreasing due to declines in Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $45,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, which ever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $50,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($50,000) **PLUS** 50% of the "Death Benefit Amount" less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Purchase Payments | = | $50000 |
|  Account Value | = | $40000 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | = | $50000 |
|  Death Benefit Amount | = | $50,000 - $50,000 = $0 |
|  Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $50,000 + $0 = $50,000 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $50,000 + $0 = $50,000 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $50,000 + $0 = $50,000 |

---

**In this example you would receive no additional benefit from purchasing the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit.**

**Examples of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes that a $50,000 initial Purchase Payment is made and that no withdrawals are made prior to the Owner's death. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 50 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options.

***Example of Variable Option increase***

Assume that the Owner's Account Value has generally been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $90,000. The Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period is $72,000. The Death Benefit would be the Account Value ($90,000) because it is greater than the Highest Anniversary Value ($72,000) or the sum of prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77).

***Example of Variable Option decrease***

Assume that the Owner's Account Value generally increased until the fifth anniversary but generally has been decreasing since the fifth contract anniversary. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $48,000. The Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period is $54,000. The Death Benefit would be the sum of prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77) because it is greater than the Highest Anniversary Value ($54,000) or the Account Value ($48,000).

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***Example of Variable Option increase followed by decrease***

Assume that the Owner's Account Value increased significantly during the first six years following the Issue Date. On the sixth anniversary date the Account Value is $90,000. During the seventh Annuity Year, the Account Value increases to as high as $100,000 but then subsequently falls to $80,000 on the date we receive due proof of death. The Death Benefit would be the Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period ($90,000), which occurred on the sixth anniversary, although the Account Value was higher during the subsequent period. The Account Value on the date we receive due proof of death ($80,000) is lower, as is the sum of all prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77).

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**APPENDIX E – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION BENEFIT**

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We set out below the current formula under which we may transfer amounts between the Variable Options and the Fixed Allocations. We will not alter this predetermined mathematical formula.

**TERMS AND DEFINITIONS REFERENCED IN THE CALCULATION FORMULA:**

• AV
 is the current Account Value of the Annuity (including any Market Value Adjustment on Fixed Allocations)

• V
 is the current Account Value of the elected Variable Options of the Annuity

• F
 is the current Account Value of the Fixed Allocations

• G
 is the Principal Value of the guarantee

• t
 is the number of whole and partial years between the current Valuation Day and the maturity date.

• t <sub>i</sub> is the number of whole and partial years between the next Valuation Day (i.e., the Valuation Day immediately following the current Valuation
 Day) and the maturity date.

• r
 is the fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t (t <sub>1</sub> is rounded to the next highest whole number to determine this rate) as of the
 current Valuation Day.

• r <sub>i</sub> is the fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t <sub>1</sub> (t <sub>1</sub> is rounded to the next highest whole number to determine this rate) as of
 the next Valuation Day.

• M
 is the total maturity value of all Fixed Allocations, i.e., the total value that the Fixed Allocations will have on the maturity date
 of the guarantee
 if no subsequent transactions occur.

The formula determines, on each Valuation Day, when a transfer is required.

The formula begins by determining a "cushion", D:

D = 1 – [(G – M) / (1 + r)<sup>ti</sup>] / V

Next, the formula determines whether or not a transfer to or from the Fixed Allocations is needed:

A transfer into the Fixed Allocations will occur if D < 0.20, V > 0, and V > 0.02 × AV.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(V, (V × (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – G + M) / (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – (1 + r)<sup>t</sup>)))

A transfer from the Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options will occur if D > 0.30 and F > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(F, (V × (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – G + M) / ((1 + r)<sup>t</sup> – 0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup>)))

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**APPENDIX F – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS BENEFIT**

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We set out below the current formula under which we may transfer amounts between the Variable Options and the Fixed Allocations. We will not alter this predetermined mathematical formula.

**TERMS AND DEFINITIONS REFERENCED IN THE CALCULATION FORMULA:**

• AV
 is the current Account Value of the Annuity (including any Market Value Adjustment on Fixed Allocations)

• V
 is the current Account Value of the elected Variable Options of the Annuity

• F
 is the current Account Value of the Fixed Allocations

For each guarantee provided under the program,

• G <sub>i</sub> is the Principal Value of the guarantee

• t <sub>i</sub> is the number of whole and partial years until the maturity date of the guarantee.

• r <sub>i</sub> is the current fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t <sub>i</sub> (t <sub>i</sub> is rounded to the next highest integer to determine this rate).

The formula determines, on each Valuation Day, when a transfer is required.

The formula begins by determining for each guarantee the value (L<sub>i</sub>) that, if appreciated at the current fixed rate, would equal the Principal Value on the applicable maturity date. We call the greatest of these values the "current liability (L)."

L = MAX (L<sub>i</sub>), where L<sub>i</sub> = G<sub>i</sub> / (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup>

Next, the formula determines whether or not a transfer to or from the Fixed Allocations is needed:

A transfer into the Fixed Allocations will occur if L > (AV – 0.2 × V), and V > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(V, (V – (1 / 0.23) × (AV – L)))

A transfer from the Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options will occur if L < (AV – 0.26 × V), and F > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(F, ((1 / 0.23) × (AV – L) – V))

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**APPENDIX G – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM**

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**PROGRAM RULES**

• Prior
 to December 5, 2005, you could elect an asset allocation program where the Variable Options for each asset class in each model Portfolio
 were designated based on an evaluation of available Variable Options. Effective December 5, 2005, you can no longer enroll in an
 asset allocation program, but you will be permitted to remain in the program if you enrolled prior to the date. These program Rules reflect
 how the asset allocation program will be administered as of December 5, 2005 for those Owners who have chosen to remain in their
 program. Asset allocation is a sophisticated method of diversification that allocates assets among asset classes in order to manage investment
 risk and potentially enhance returns over the long term. However, asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against
 a loss.

**HOW THE ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM WORKS**

• Amounts
 will automatically be allocated in accordance with the percentages and to Variable Options indicated for the model Portfolio that you
 previously chose. If you allocate your Account Value or transfer your Account Value among any Variable Options that are outside of your
 model Portfolio, we will allocate these amounts according to the allocation percentages of the applicable model Portfolio upon the next
 rebalancing. You will not be permitted to change from one model Portfolio to another. Upon each rebalance, 100% of your Account Value
 allocated to the variable Variable Options will be allocated to the asset allocation program. Any Account Value not invested in the Variable
 Options will not be part of the program.

• **Additional Purchase Payments:** Unless otherwise requested, any additional Purchase Payments applied to the variable Variable Options
 in the Annuity will be allocated to the Variable Options according to the allocation percentages for the model Portfolio you chose. Allocation
 of additional Purchase Payments outside of your model Portfolio but into a Variable Option will be reallocated according to the allocation
 percentages of the applicable model Portfolio upon the next rebalancing.

• **Rebalancing Your Model Portfolio:** Changes in the value of the Variable Option will cause your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options
 to vary from the percentage allocations of the model Portfolio you select. By selecting the asset allocation program, you have directed
 us to periodically (e.g., quarterly) rebalance your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options in accordance with the percentage
 allocations assigned to each Variable Option within your model Portfolio at the time you elected the program or had later been modified
 with your consent. Some asset allocation programs will only require that a rebalancing occur when the percent of your Account Value
 allocated to the Variable Options are outside of the acceptable range permitted under such asset allocation program. Note – Any Account Value not
 invested in the Variable Options will not be affected by any rebalance.

• **Variable Option Changes Within the Model Portfolios:** From time to time there may be a change in a Variable Option within your model Portfolio.
 Unless directed by you or your financial professional to reallocate to the new Variable Option, rebalancing will continue in accordance
 with your unchanged model Portfolio, unless the Variable Option is no longer available under your Annuity. If the Variable Option
 is no longer available we will notify you. If you do not consent to the new Variable Option, your lack of consent will be deemed a request
 to terminate the asset allocation program and the provisions under "Termination or Modification of the Asset Allocation Program" will apply.

• **Owner Changes in Choice of Model Portfolio:** You may not change from the model Portfolio that you have elected to any other model Portfolio.

**TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF THE ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM:**

• You
 may request to terminate your asset allocation program at any time. Once you terminate your asset allocation program, you will not be
 permitted to re-enroll in the program. Any termination will be effective on the date that we receive your termination request in Good Order. If you are
 enrolled in certain optional benefits, termination of your asset allocation program must coincide with (i) the enrollment in a
 then currently available and approved asset allocation program or other approved option, or (ii) the allocation of your entire Account Value to the then
 required investment option(s) available with these benefits. However, if you are enrolled in certain optional benefits, you may
 terminate the benefit in order to then terminate your asset allocation program. We reserve the right to terminate or modify the asset allocation program
 at any time.

**RESTRICTIONS ON ELECTING THE ASSET ALLOCATION:**

• You
 cannot participate in automatic rebalancing or a DCA program while enrolled in an asset allocation program and Systematic Withdrawals
 can only be made as flat dollar amounts.

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**Mailing**

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This prospectus describes the important features of the Annuity and provides information about Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("we," "our," "us," "FLIAC," or "the Company") and Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B ("the Registered Separate Account").

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Statement of Additional Information (SAI), dated May 1, 2026 that includes additional information about the Annuity and the Registered Separate Account, and the Company. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The SAI is available from us, without charge, upon request. To request a copy of the SAI, to ask about your Annuity, or to make other investor inquiries, please call 1-800-879-7012.

Reports and other information about the Contract, Registered Separate Account, and the Company are available on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>, and copies of reports and other information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

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![](pr925img001.jpg)<br>Ten Exchange Place<br>Suite 2210<br>Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

Edgar Contract Identifier: C000003475; C000267645 ASAPIIPROS

------

**FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY**<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B<br>A Fortitude Re Company<br>Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210, Jersey City, NJ 07302

**HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY**<br>

**Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity**<br>**Prospectus Dated:** **May 1, 2026**

This Prospectus describes Harvester Variable Annuity, a flexible premium deferred annuity (the "Contract" or "Annuity"), offered by Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company, formerly named Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation ("we," "our," "us" or "the Company"). The Annuity provides for the potential accumulation of retirement savings through investment in the Contract's investment options during the Savings Stage and retirement income through annuitization during the Payout Period. The Contract is intended for retirement or other long-term investment purposes. This prospectus describes all material rights and obligations of Annuity Owners under the Annuity contracts. The Annuity is a complex investment that involves risks, including potential loss of principal. The Annuity is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. Withdrawals may reduce the level of various optional benefit guarantees and could result in taxes and tax penalties. In addition, premature withdrawals from a MVA Fixed Allocation will result in a Market Value Adjustment. **In extreme circumstances, the maximum potential loss** **resulting from a negative Market Value Adjustment is 100% of the amount invested in a MVA Fixed Allocation.**

This prospectus describes all the investment options, features, and benefits that we make available under the Annuity. **The availability of investment** **options, features and benefits described in this prospectus may vary depending on the broker-dealer through which the Contract is sold** **("financial intermediary variations").** We have identified all such financial intermediary variations that are known or reasonably available to us. Financial intermediary variations may be imposed by some broker-dealers without our knowledge. For example, your Financial Professional may not recommend a particular investment option or benefit to you because of a decision by the Financial Professional's broker-dealer not to offer that investment option or benefit to its customers. Taking into consideration the breadth of our distribution network, we are unable to obtain information about all financial intermediary variations without unreasonable effort or expense. **You should discuss with your Financial Professional any limitations,** **restrictions, or other variations related to the investment options, benefits or other features available to you through your Financial** **Professional.**

The types of investment options currently offered under the Annuity include variable investment options with underlying mutual funds ("Variable Options") and MVA Fixed Allocation Options that offer a fixed rate of interest for a set period of time called a "Guarantee Period." **See** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934) **for additional** **information about each investment option.**

If you are receiving this prospectus, it is because you currently own the Annuity. The Annuity is no longer offered for new sales.

The Company's obligations under the Annuity are subject to its financial strength and claims-paying ability.

In compliance with U.S. law, we deliver this prospectus to Annuity Owners that currently reside outside of the United States. In addition, we may not market or offer benefits, features, or enhancements to prospective or current Annuity Owners while outside of the United States.

These Annuities are NOT deposits or obligations of, or issued, guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank, are NOT insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.

------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

------

Additional information about certain investment products, including variable annuities and market value adjusted annuities, has been prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission's staff and is available at www.investor.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 1-800-879-7012 OR VISIT: <u>WWW.PRUDENTIAL.COM/ANNUITIES</u>

EVAPROS

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**Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [**GLOSSARY OF TERMS**.......................................................................................](#chapter_2_934) | [**1**](#chapter_2_934) |
| [**OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRACT**................................................................................](#chapter_3_934) | [**3**](#chapter_3_934) |
| [**KEY INFORMATION**.........................................................................................](#chapter_4_934) | [**4**](#chapter_4_934) |
| [**FEE TABLE**................................................................................................](#chapter_5_934) | [**8**](#chapter_5_934) |
| [**PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT**..............................................................](#chapter_6_934) | [**10**](#chapter_6_934) |
| [**DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE COMPANY, REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT, AND INVESTMENT OPTIONS**..................](#chapter_7_934) | [**12**](#chapter_7_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHO IS FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY?....................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_2_934) | [12](#chapter_7-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT ARE THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS?.....................................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_3_934) | [12](#chapter_7-sect1_3_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [INVESTMENT OPTIONS...................................................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_4_934) | [13](#chapter_7-sect1_4_934) |
| [**CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**................................................................................](#chapter_8_934) | [**16**](#chapter_8_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [FIXED RATE OPTIONS CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS..........................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_2_934) | [18](#chapter_8-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION CHARGES......................................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_3_934) | [18](#chapter_8-sect1_3_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [EXCEPTIONS/REDUCTIONS TO FEES AND CHARGES...........................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_4_934) | [18](#chapter_8-sect1_4_934) |
| [**GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACTS**.......................................................................](#chapter_9_934) | [**19**](#chapter_9_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CHANGE OF OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS.............................................](#chapter_9-sect1_2_934) | [19](#chapter_9-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[HOW DO THE FIXED RATE OPTIONS WORK?.................................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_3_934) | [20](#chapter_9-sect1_3_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW DO YOU DETERMINE RATES FOR FIXED ALLOCATIONS?...................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_4_934) | [20](#chapter_9-sect1_4_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY GUARANTEE PERIOD MATURES?....................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_5_934) | [20](#chapter_9-sect1_5_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TRANSFER AND REBALANCING PROGRAMS..................................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_6_934) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_6_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE A "RETURN OF PREMIUM" AT A FUTURE DATE?.................](#chapter_9-sect1_7_934) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_7_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS BETWEEN INVESTMENT OPTIONS ...............................................](#chapter_9-sect1_8_934) | [22](#chapter_9-sect1_8_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL PERMISSION TO FORWARD TRANSACTION INSTRUCTIONS ..............................](#chapter_9-sect1_9_934) | [23](#chapter_9-sect1_9_934) |
| [**ANNUITY PERIOD**...........................................................................................](#chapter_10_934) | [**24**](#chapter_10_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW AND WHEN DO I CHOOSE THE ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION?................................................](#chapter_10-sect1_2_934) | [24](#chapter_10-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW ARE ANNUITY PAYMENTS CALCULATED?...............................................................](#chapter_10-sect1_3_934) | [25](#chapter_10-sect1_3_934) |
| [**BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**...................................................................](#chapter_11_934) | [**26**](#chapter_11_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO)......................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_2_934) | [26](#chapter_11-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION..........................................](#chapter_11-sect1_3_934) | [29](#chapter_11-sect1_3_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GROPlus)..............................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_4_934) | [30](#chapter_11-sect1_4_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS.....................................](#chapter_11-sect1_5_934) | [34](#chapter_11-sect1_5_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE..............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_6_934) | [34](#chapter_11-sect1_6_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT IS THE "TARGET VALUE" AND HOW IS IT CALCULATED?...................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_7_934) | [35](#chapter_11-sect1_7_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN I RESTART THE 10-YEAR TARGET VALUE CALCULATIONS?..................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_8_934) | [35](#chapter_11-sect1_8_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT ARE TARGET VALUE CREDITS?.......................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_9_934) | [35](#chapter_11-sect1_9_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TRIGGERS FOR PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT............................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_10_934) | [36](#chapter_11-sect1_10_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [BASIC DEATH BENEFIT...................................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_11_934) | [36](#chapter_11-sect1_11_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFITS..............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_12_934) | [37](#chapter_11-sect1_12_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFITS............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_13_934) | [40](#chapter_11-sect1_13_934) |
| [**PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE**...........................................................................](#chapter_12_934) | [**43**](#chapter_12_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING THE ANNUITY ............................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_2_934) | [43](#chapter_12-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW AND WHEN ARE PURCHASE PAYMENTS INVESTED?.......................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_3_934) | [43](#chapter_12-sect1_3_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENTS........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_4_934) | [44](#chapter_12-sect1_4_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SCHEDULED PAYMENTS DIRECTLY FROM A BANK ACCOUNT....................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_5_934) | [44](#chapter_12-sect1_5_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SALARY REDUCTION PROGRAMS..........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_6_934) | [44](#chapter_12-sect1_6_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW IS MY ACCOUNT VALUE DETERMINED?.................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_7_934) | [44](#chapter_12-sect1_7_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[SURRENDER VALUE....................................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_8_934) | [44](#chapter_12-sect1_8_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [VALUING THE VARIABLE OPTIONS..........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_9_934) | [44](#chapter_12-sect1_9_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [VALUING THE FIXED ALLOCATIONS.........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_10_934) | [45](#chapter_12-sect1_10_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PROCESSING AND VALUING TRANSACTIONS ................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_11_934) | [45](#chapter_12-sect1_11_934) |
| [**SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS**............................................................................](#chapter_13_934) | [**46**](#chapter_13_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TYPES OF DISTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU...............................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_2_934) | [46](#chapter_13-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ARE THERE TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES?.............................](#chapter_13-sect1_3_934) | [46](#chapter_13-sect1_3_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN I WITHDRAW A PORTION OF MY ANNUITY?...............................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_4_934) | [46](#chapter_13-sect1_4_934) |

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|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW MUCH CAN I WITHDRAW AS A CHARGE FREE WITHDRAWAL?...............................................](#chapter_13-sect1_5_934) | [47](#chapter_13-sect1_5_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [IS THERE A CHARGE FOR A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL?...........................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_6_934) | [48](#chapter_13-sect1_6_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN YOU CLOSE MY ACCOUNT AND INVOLUNTARILY REDEEM MY INVESTMENT?...................................](#chapter_13-sect1_7_934) | [48](#chapter_13-sect1_7_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS..............................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_8_934) | [48](#chapter_13-sect1_8_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS UNDER SECTION 72(t) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE..............................](#chapter_13-sect1_9_934) | [48](#chapter_13-sect1_9_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS.......................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_10_934) | [49](#chapter_13-sect1_10_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SURRENDER VALUE.....................................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_11_934) | [49](#chapter_13-sect1_11_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [MEDICALLY-RELATED SURRENDERS.......................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_12_934) | [49](#chapter_13-sect1_12_934) |
| [**TAXES**...................................................................................................](#chapter_14_934) | [**51**](#chapter_14_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES...............................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_2_934) | [51](#chapter_14-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [QUALIFIED ANNUITIES...................................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_3_934) | [55](#chapter_14-sect1_3_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_4_934) | [61](#chapter_14-sect1_4_934) |
| [**LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**......................................................................................](#chapter_15_934) | [**62**](#chapter_15_934) |
| [**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**....................................................................................](#chapter_16_934) | [**63**](#chapter_16_934) |
| [**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**...................................................................................](#chapter_17_934) | [**64**](#chapter_17_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW WILL I RECEIVE STATEMENTS AND REPORTS?...........................................................](#chapter_17-sect1_2_934) | [64](#chapter_17-sect1_2_934) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW TO CONTACT US...................................................................................](#chapter_17-sect1_3_934) | [64](#chapter_17-sect1_3_934) |
| [**APPENDIX A – INVESTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**............................................](#chapter_18_934) | [**A-1**](#chapter_18_934) |
| [**APPENDIX B – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION BENEFIT**........................................](#chapter_19_934) | [**B-1**](#chapter_19_934) |
| [**APPENDIX C – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS BENEFIT**...................................](#chapter_20_934) | [**C-1**](#chapter_20_934) |

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**GLOSSARY OF TERMS**

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Many terms used within this Prospectus are described within the text where they appear. The description of those terms are not repeated in this Glossary of Terms.

**Account Value:** The value of each allocation to a Variable Option or a Fixed Allocation prior to the Annuity Date, plus any earnings, and/or less any losses, distributions and charges. The Account Value is calculated before we assess any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") and/or any Annual Maintenance Fee. The Account Value includes any additional amounts we applied to your Purchase Payments that we are entitled to recapture under certain circumstances. The Account Value is determined separately for each Variable Option and for each Fixed Allocation, and then totaled to determine the Account Value for your entire Annuity. The Account Value of each Fixed Allocation on other than its Maturity Date may be calculated using a Market Value Adjustment.

**Accumulation Period:** The period of time from the Issue Date through the last Valuation Day immediately preceding the Annuity Date.

**Annuities Service Center:** The place to which all requests and payments regarding the Annuity are to be sent. We may change the address of the Annuities Service Center at any time, and will notify you in advance of any such change of address. Please see "[<u>How to Contact Us</u>](#chapter_17-sect1_3_934)" for the Annuities Service Center address.

**Annuitization:** The application of Account Value to one of the available annuity options for the Annuitant to begin receiving periodic payments for life, for a guaranteed minimum number of payments or for life with a guaranteed minimum number of payments.

**Annuity Date:** The date you choose for annuity payments to commence. A maximum Annuity Date may apply.

**Annuity Year:** A 12-month period commencing on the Issue Date of the Annuity and each successive 12-month period thereafter.

**Charge Free Withdrawal:** The Charge Free Withdrawal amount is the amount that can be withdrawn from your Annuity each Annuity Year without the application of any CDSC.

**Code:** The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

**Co-Annuitant:** The person shown on the contract data pages who becomes the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant before the Annuity Date. No Co-Annuitant may be designated if the Owner is a non-natural person.

**Contingent Annuitant:** The natural person named to become the Annuitant upon the death of Annuitant prior to the Annuity Date. A Contingent Annuitant may be named only in limited circumstances involving an Annuity issued to a Custodial Account or to a tax-qualified retirement plan.

**Custodial Account:** A trust or Custodial Account that qualifies as an individual retirement account as defined in Section 408(a) of the Code, including a Roth IRA that satisfies the definitions in Sections 408(a) and 408A of the Code.

**Fixed Allocation:** An allocation of Account Value that is to be credited a fixed rate of interest for a specified Guarantee Period during the Accumulation Period.

**Guarantee Period:** A period of time during the Accumulation Period where we credit a fixed rate of interest on a Fixed Allocation.

**Interim Value:** The value of a Fixed Allocation on any date other than the Maturity Date. The Interim Value is equal to the initial value allocated to the Fixed Allocation plus all interest credited to the Fixed Allocation as of the date calculated, less any transfers or withdrawals from the Fixed Allocation.

**Issue Date:** The effective date of your Annuity.

**Market Value Adjustment:** A Market Value Adjustment used in the determination of Account Value of each Fixed Allocation on any day other than the Maturity Date of such Fixed Allocation.

**MVA Fixed Allocation:** An investment option that offers a fixed rate of interest for a specified Guarantee Period during the accumulation period that is subject to a market value adjustment if you withdraw Account Value prior to the maturity of the Fixed Allocation. Your Annuity may include Fixed Allocations that are not subject to a market value adjustment, such as a benefit fixed rate account.

**Maturity Date:** The last day of the Guarantee Period.

**Owner:** With an Annuity issued as an individual annuity contract, the Owner is either an eligible entity or person named as having ownership rights in relation to the Annuity. With an Annuity issued as a certificate under a group annuity contract, the "Owner" refers to the person or entity who has the rights and benefits designated as to the "Participant" in the certificate.

**Payout Period:** The period starting on the Annuity Date and during which annuity payments are made.

**Portfolio:** Any underlying mutual fund which may be selected as an investment option by the Owner. The terms "Fund" and "Portfolio" are used interchangeably. Some of the Portfolios use the term "Fund" and others use the term "Portfolio" in their respective prospectuses.

**Purchase Payment:** A cash consideration in currency of the United States of America given to us in exchange for the rights, privileges, and benefits of the Annuity.

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**Registered Separate Account:** Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Co Variable Account B, which holds the assets supporting the Variable Options. Assets held in the Registered Separate Account are kept separate from all of our other assets and may not be charged with liabilities arising out of any other business we may conduct. The Registered Separate Account may be referred to as the "Separate Account" in this prospectus and the Contract.

**Surrender Value:** The value of your Annuity available upon surrender prior to the Annuity Date. It equals the Account Value as of the date we price the surrender minus any applicable CDSC, Annual Maintenance Fee, Tax Charge, the charge for any optional benefits and any additional amounts we applied to your Purchase Payments that we are entitled to recapture upon surrender of your Annuity.

**Unit:** A measure used to calculate your Account Value in a Variable Option during the Accumulation Period.

**Valuation Day:** Every day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading or any other day the Securities and Exchange Commission requires mutual funds or unit investment trusts to be valued.

**Variable Option:** A division of the Registered Separate Account. The Variable Option also may be referred to in this prospectus and the Annuity as a Variable Sub-account or Sub-account.

**"We", "our", "us", "FLIAC", or "the Company":** Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company.

**"You" or "your":** the Owner(s) shown in the Annuity.

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**OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRACT**

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**The Annuity referenced in this prospectus and its applicable riders are no longer available for new sales.**

**Purpose of the Contract**

The Annuity is a long-term investment designed for long-term retirement purposes because it allows you to accumulate retirement savings and also offers annuity payment options when you are ready to begin receiving income. This Annuity is a "flexible premium deferred annuity." It is called "flexible premium" because you have considerable flexibility in the timing and amount of premium payments. Generally, investors "defer" receiving annuity payments until after an Accumulation Period. This Annuity may be appropriate for investors accumulating retirement savings on a tax deferred basis and would seek guaranteed income through an annuity payment option.

**Phases of the Contract**

The Annuity features two distinct phases – the Accumulation Period and the Payout Period. During the Accumulation Period your Account Value is allocated to one or more investment options. See "Investment Options" below. During the Payout Period (after Annuitization), you can elect to receive annuity payments (1) for life; (2) for life with a guaranteed minimum number of payments; (3) based on joint lives; or (4) for a guaranteed number of payments. We currently make annuity payments available on a fixed basis. After Annuitization, the Death Benefits and optional benefits described in this prospectus will no longer apply. We reserve the right to make available other annuity options. See the [<u>"Annuity Period"</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_934) section of this prospectus.

**Investment Options**

*Variable Options:* The Variable Options we make available each invest in an underlying Portfolio whose share price generally fluctuates each day. The Variable Options do not provide any level of protection against negative returns. You are at risk of losing principal and any earnings if you allocate funds to a Portfolio.

*Fixed Rate Options:* The Annuity offers two fixed interest rate options ("Fixed Rate Options"). The Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation provides a guaranteed annual interest rate for a term of 1-10 years (in most states) called the "Guarantee Period". The Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Rate Option automatically transfers amounts over a stated period (1, 2, or 3 years) from the Fixed Allocation to the Variable Options you select.

An investment in the Fixed Rate Options may be appropriate for investors who seek a fixed rate of return on either all or a portion of their Account Value and do not need access to their money before the end of the Guarantee Period. If you withdraw or transfer assets from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. If you terminate the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Rate Option prior to the entire principal amount plus earnings has been transferred to the Variable Option(s) a Market Value Adjustment will apply. You could lose a significant amount of money due to a negative Market Value Adjustment. The following transactions, when they occur prior to the end of the Guarantee Period or before the entire principal amount plus earnings has been transferred from the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Rate Option, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled DCA transfers), and (v) the deduction of fees (including advisory fees).

**Additional information about the Investment Options is provided in** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_252525) **to the prospectus.**

**Contract Features**

*Death Benefits:* The Annuity also offers a basic Death Benefit that could protect your retirement savings if you die during a period of declining markets, depending on when you die. It also offers optional Death Benefits that provide enhanced levels of protection for your beneficiary(ies) for an additional charge.

*Living Benefits:* We offer optional benefits for an additional fee that guarantee your Account Value to a certain level after a period of years. As part of these benefits, you are required to invest only in certain permitted investment options. **For more information, see** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934)**.**

*Withdrawals:* You can withdraw a limited amount of money from your Annuity on an annual basis without any charges.

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**KEY INFORMATION**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** |
| **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** |
|  Are there Charges or Adjustments for Early Withdrawals? | **Yes.**<br>*Surrender Charges:* If you withdraw money from the Contract within 7 years following your last premium payment, you may be assessed a surrender charge. The maximum surrender charge is 7.5% of the premium payment, and a surrender charge may be assessed up to 7 years after the last premium payment under the Contract. If you make an early withdrawal, you could pay a surrender charge of up to $7,500 on a $100,000 withdrawal.<br>*Market Value Adjustments*: If you withdraw or transfer assets from a MVA Fixed Allocation Option prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. You could lose up to 100% of your investment in a MVA Fixed Allocation Option as a result of a negative Market Value Adjustment. For example, if you allocate $100,000 to a MVA Fixed Allocation Option with a 12 month Guarantee Period and later withdraw the entire amount before the 12 months have ended, you could lose up to $100,000 of your investment. This loss will be greater if you also have to pay taxes and tax penalties. The following transactions, when they occur prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals, Required Minimum Distributions, and withdrawals under elected optional benefits), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled DCA transfers), (v) the deduction of fees (including Advisory Fees), and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.<br>For more information on early withdrawal charges and Market Value Adjustments, please refer to the [<u>"Charges and</u> <u>Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) section of this prospectus. |
|  Are there Transaction Charges? | **Yes.**<br>In addition to surrender charges and Market Value Adjustments, charges may be applied to transfers (if more than 20 in a Contract Year), requesting additional or duplicate reports, or if state or local premium taxes are assessed.<br>For more information on transaction charges, please refer to the [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) section of this prospectus. |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** |
| **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) for more information. | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) for more information. | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) for more information. |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Annual Fee** | **Minimum** | **Maximum** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Base Contract Fees** | 1.449%<sup>\*</sup> | 1.449%<sup>\*</sup> |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Portfolio Company fees and** **expenses** | 0.58%<sup>\*</sup> | 1.18%<sup>\*</sup> |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Optional benefits available for an** **additional charge**<br>(for a single optional benefit, if elected) | 0.25%<sup>1</sup> | 0.75%<sup>2</sup> |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | <sup>\*</sup>Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) **section and** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934) **for more information.**<br><sup>1</sup>Charge based on a percentage of average daily net assets of the Variable Options. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option and Guaranteed Return Option Plus, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br><sup>2</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br>Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **negative Market Value Adjustments and surrender charges that substantially increase costs.** | <sup>\*</sup>Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) **section and** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934) **for more information.**<br><sup>1</sup>Charge based on a percentage of average daily net assets of the Variable Options. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option and Guaranteed Return Option Plus, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br><sup>2</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br>Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **negative Market Value Adjustments and surrender charges that substantially increase costs.** | <sup>\*</sup>Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) **section and** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934) **for more information.**<br><sup>1</sup>Charge based on a percentage of average daily net assets of the Variable Options. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option and Guaranteed Return Option Plus, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br><sup>2</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br>Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **negative Market Value Adjustments and surrender charges that substantially increase costs.** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Lowest Annual Cost**<br>**$2,054** | **Highest Annual Cost**<br>**$3,930** |  |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assumes:<br> Investment of $100,000<br> 5% annual appreciation<br> Least expensive Portfolio fees and expenses<br> No optional benefits<br> No sales charges<br> No additional Purchase Payments, transfers or withdrawals | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assumes<br> Investment of $100,000<br> 5% annual appreciation<br> Most expensive combination of optional benefits and Portfolio fees and expenses<br> No sales charges<br> No additional Purchase Payments, transfers or withdrawals |  |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the "[<u>Fee Table</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_934)" and [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934)sections of this prospectus. | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the "[<u>Fee Table</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_934)" and [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934)sections of this prospectus. | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the "[<u>Fee Table</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_934)" and [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934)sections of this prospectus. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Risks** | **Risks** |
|  Is there a Risk of Loss from Poor Performance? | **Yes.**<br>You can lose money by investing in the Contract.<br>For more information on the risk of loss from poor performance, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_934)" section of this prospectus. |
|  Is this a Short-Term Investment? | **No.**<br>The Contract is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. The Contract is designed to provide benefits on a long-term basis. Because of the long-term nature of the Contract, you should consider whether the Contract is consistent with your financial situation and objectives.<br>Withdrawals may generally reduce the level of various optional benefit guarantees provided and may be subject to federal and state income taxes, as well as a 10% additional tax. If you withdraw or transfer assets from a Market Value Adjustment Option more than 30 days prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested.<br>For more information on the short-term investment risks, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_934)" section of this prospectus. |
|  What are the Risks Associated with the Investment Options? | An investment in the Contract is subject to the risk of poor investment performance and can vary depending on the performance of the Investment Options you select. Each of the Investment Options available under the Contract, including the Variable Options and the Fixed Allocations, has its own unique risks. You should review the investment options before making an investment decision. The Fixed Allocations may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be negative, causing you to lose money.<br>For more information on the risks associated with investment options, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the</u> <u>Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_934)" section of this prospectus. |
|  What are the Risks Related to the Insurance Company? | An investment in the Contract is subject to the risks related to the Company. Any obligations (including under any Fixed Allocation), guarantees, or benefits are subject to the claims-paying ability of the Company. More information about the Company, including its financial strength ratings, is available upon request. Such requests can be made toll-free at 1-800-879-7012.<br>For more information on insurance company risks, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_934)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Restrictions** | **Restrictions** |
|  Are there Restrictions on the Investment Options? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Yes.**<br>There are restrictions that may limit the investment options that you may choose, and there are limitations on the transfer of Account Value among investment options.<br> You may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Contract Year. After the twentieth transfer in each Contract Year, we will charge $10 for each additional transfer.<br> If you select an optional benefit, your selection of investment options may be limited.<br> We reserve the right to:<br> Remove or substitute Portfolios as investment options,<br> Close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or Annuities purchased on or after specified dates,<br> Impose limitations on an investment professional's or investment advisor's ability to request financial transactions on your behalf,<br> Limit the number of transfers you may make or to impose a minimum transfer amount, and<br> Limit, suspend or reject any additional Purchase Payment at any time on a non-discriminatory basis. If we do so, you may no longer be able to increase the values associated with an optional living benefit or increase the amount of the death benefit under an optional death benefit through subsequent Purchase Payments, This would also impact your ability to make annual contributions to certain qualified Annuities.<br> Certain Investment Options may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the [<u>Cover Page</u>](#chapter_1-sect1_1_934) for additional information.<br>**For more information on investment and transfer restrictions, please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) **section,** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934)**, the** [**<u>"Restrictions on Transfers Between Investment Options"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_8_934) **section and the** [**<u>"Financial Professional Permission</u>** **<u>to Forward Transaction Instructions"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_9_934) **section of this prospectus.** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Restrictions** | **Restrictions** |
|  Are there any Restrictions on Contract Benefits? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Yes.**<br>There are restrictions and limitations relating to benefits offered under the Contract. Except as otherwise provided, Contract benefits may not be modified or terminated by the Company.<br> You may be able to obtain optional benefits, which may require additional charges. If you elect to purchase one or more optional benefits, we will deduct an additional charge on a daily or annual basis from your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. The charge for each optional benefit is deducted in addition to the insurance charge due to the increased insurance risk associated with the optional benefits.<br> Any withdrawals that exceed limits specified by the terms of an optional benefit may affect the availability of the benefit by reducing the benefit by an amount greater than the value withdrawn, and/or could terminate the benefit.<br> Certain Contract Benefits may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the [<u>Cover Page</u>](#chapter_1-sect1_1_934) for additional information.<br>For more information on optional benefits under the Contract, please refer to the [<u>"Benefits Available Under the Contract"</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_934) section of this prospectus. |
| **Taxes** | **Taxes** |
|  What are the Contract's Tax Implications? | You should consult with a tax professional to determine the tax implications of an investment in and payments received under the Contract. There is no additional tax benefit if you purchase the Contract through a tax-qualified plan or individual retirement account (IRA). Withdrawals will be subject to ordinary income tax, and may be subject to the 10% additional tax for distributions taken prior to age 59 1/2.<br>For more information on tax implications, please refer to "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Conflicts of Interest** | **Conflicts of Interest** |
|  How are Investment Professionals Compensated? | Investment professionals may receive compensation for selling the Contract to investors and may have a financial incentive to offer or recommend the Contract over another investment. This compensation is paid in the form of commissions, based on your investment in the Contract.<br>For more information on investment professional compensation, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information. |
|  Should I Exchange My Contract? | Some investment professionals may have a financial incentive to offer you a new contract in place of the one you already own. You should only exchange your Contract if you determine after comparing the features, fees, and risks of both contracts, and any fees or penalties to terminate the existing contract, that it is preferable to purchase the new contract, rather than continue to own your existing Contract. This Contract is no longer sold.<br>For more information on exchanges, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information.  |

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**FEE TABLE**

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**The following tables describe the fees, expenses, and adjustments that you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering or making** **withdrawals from an Investment Option or from the Annuity.**

**The first table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you buy the Annuity, surrender or make withdrawals from the** **Annuity, transfer Account Value between investment options, or request duplicate reports. State premium taxes may also be deducted. These** **fees and charges are described in more detail within this prospectus in the** [**<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_934) **section.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Transaction Expenses** | **Maximum** |
|  Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases |  |
|  Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of each Purchase Payment)<sup>1</sup> | 7.5% |
|  Transfer Fee<sup>2</sup> | $10 |
|  **Additional Copies of Reports<sup>3</sup>** | $50 |

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1. The
 charge is a percentage of each applicable Purchase Payment deducted upon surrender or withdrawal. The period is measured from the date
 of each Purchase Payment.

2. You
 may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Annuity Year. We will charge $10 for each transfer after the twentieth
 in each Annuity Year.
 We guarantee that the number of free transfers per Annuity Year will never be less than 8.

3. We
 do not currently assess this fee. However, we reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each additional report (i.e. confirmation statement
 or quarterly statement)
 you request.

**The next table describes the adjustments, in addition to any transaction expenses, that apply if all or a portion of the Account Value is** **removed from an MVA Fixed Allocation before the expiration of a specified period.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Adjustments** | **Adjustments** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Market Value Adjustment Maximum Potential Loss (as a percentage of Unadjusted Account Value in the MVA Fixed Allocation)<sup>1</sup> | 100% |

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1. The
 following transactions, when they occur prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial
 withdrawals (including systematic
 withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled
 DCA transfers), (v)
 the deduction of fees, and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.

**The following Contingent Deferred Sales Charge percentages apply based on the year of the surrender or withdrawal:**

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Yr. 1 | Yr. 2 | Yr. 3 | Yr. 4 | Yr. 5 | Yr. 6 | Yr. 7 | Yr. 8+ |
| 7.5% | 7.0% | 6.0% | 5.0% | 4.0% | 3.0% | 2.0% |  |

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**The next table describes the maximum fees and expenses that you will pay each year during the time that you own the Annuity (not including** **Portfolio fees and expenses). Your current fees and expenses may be less than the maximum.**

**If you choose to purchase an optional benefit, you will pay additional charges, as shown below.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Annual Annuity Expenses** | **Maximum** |
|  **Administrative Expenses<sup>1</sup>**<br>*(assessed annually on the Annuity's anniversary date or upon surrender)* | Lesser of $30 or 2% of Account Value |
|  **Base Contract Expenses**<sup>2</sup><br>*(based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options)* | 1.40% |
|  **Optional Benefit Fees and Charges** |  |
|  Guaranteed Return Option (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 0.50% |
|  Guaranteed Return Option Plus (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 0.50% |
|  Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit (based on the Account Value) | 0.75% |
|  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (based on the current Death Benefit amount) | 0.55% |

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1. The
 Administrative Expense is referred to as "Annual Maintenance Fee" elsewhere in this Prospectus.

2. The
 Base Contract Expense is referred to as the "insurance charge" elsewhere in this Prospectus.

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**The next item shows the minimum and maximum total operating expenses charged by the Portfolios that you may pay periodically during the** **time that you own the Annuity. Expenses shown may change over time and be higher or lower in the future. A complete list of Portfolios** **available under the Annuity, including their annual expenses, may be found at** [**<u>"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934)[**<u>Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934) **of this prospectus.**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Annual Portfolio Expenses** | **Annual Portfolio Expenses** | **Annual Portfolio Expenses** |
|  (expenses that are deducted from Portfolio assets, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses) | *<u>Minimum</u>* | *<u>Maximum</u>* |
|  (expenses that are deducted from Portfolio assets, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses) | 0.58% | 1.18% |

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**Examples**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Variable Options with the cost of investing in other annuity contracts that offer variable options. These costs include Transaction Expenses, Annual Annuity Expenses, and Annual Portfolio Expenses.

The Example assumes all Account Value is allocated to the Variable Options. The Example does not reflect Market Value Adjustment. Your costs could differ from those shown below if you invest in the MVA Fixed Allocation.

The Example assumes that you invest $100,000 in the Variable Options for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and assumes the most expensive combination of Annual Portfolio Expenses and optional benefits available for an additional charge which includes GRO Plus and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** |
|  | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit |
|  | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs |
|  If you surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $11430 | $17905 | $24036 | $41068 | $10830 | $16149 | $21186 | $35777 |
|  If you annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $3930 | $11905 | $20036 | $41068 | $3330 | $10149 | $17186 | $35777 |
|  If you do not surrender or annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $3930 | $11905 | $20036 | $41068 | $3330 | $10149 | $17186 | $35777 |

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**PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT**

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The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the Annuity. The Annuity may be subject to additional risks other than those identified and described in this prospectus.

**Risk of Loss:** You could lose money by investing in the Annuity, including your principal investment. An investment in the Annuity is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Risks Associated with Variable Options:** You take all the investment risk for amounts allocated to one or more of the Variable Options, which invest in Portfolios. If the Variable Options you select increase in value, then your Account Value goes up; if they decrease in value, your Account Value goes down. How much your Account Value goes up or down depends on the performance of the Portfolios in which your Variable Options invest. We do not guarantee the investment results of any Portfolio. An investment in the Annuity is subject to the risk of poor investment performance, and the value of your investment can vary depending on the performance of the selected Portfolio(s), each of which has its own unique risks. You should review the Portfolios before making an investment decision. We reserve the right to add, eliminate, substitute or combine Variable Options as Investment Options available under the Annuity or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or for Annuities purchased on or after specified dates.

**Risks Associated with the MVA Fixed Allocation:** We determine the interest rates credited to the MVA Fixed Allocation in our sole discretion, subject to guaranteed minimums, and we may change the rates for new Guarantee Periods at any time. Any change in interest rates do not affect Guarantee Periods that began before the date of the change. There is a risk that the interest rates for new Guarantee Periods will be lower than the rates that were previously in effect. In addition, if you withdraw or transfer assets from a MVA Fixed Allocation prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. You could lose up to 100% of your investment in a MVA Fixed Allocation as a result of a negative Market Value Adjustment. Generally, if yields are higher at the time of Market Value Adjustment application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee Period, the Market Value Adjustment will be negative.

**Early Withdrawal Risk:** The Annuity is not a short-term investment vehicle and is not an appropriate investment for an investor who needs ready <br>access to cash. The Annuity is designed to provide benefits on a long-term basis. Because of the long-term nature of the Annuity, you should consider whether the Annuity is consistent with your financial situation and objectives. Withdrawals under the Annuity, including partial withdrawals and a full surrender, may be subject to negative Market Value Adjustments and negative tax consequences. If you have elected certain Optional Benefits, a withdrawal may reduce the amount of your Benefit on more than a dollar-for-dollar basis. While the Annuity provides a Death Benefit, the amount of that benefit is subject to investment gains and losses and is reduced for any withdrawals you take.

**Insurance Company Risk.** No company other than us has any legal responsibility to pay amounts that we owe under the Annuity, including amounts allocated to the Fixed Allocations, which are supported by our general account and are subject to our claims-paying ability. Assets in the general account are not segregated for the exclusive benefit of any particular contract or obligation. General account assets are also available to our general creditors and for conducting routine business activities, such as the payment of salaries, rent and other ordinary business expenses. You should look to our financial strength for our claims-paying ability. We are also subject to risks related to disasters and other events, such as storms, earthquakes, fires, outbreaks of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19), utility failures, terrorist acts, political and social developments, and military and governmental actions. These risks are often collectively referred to as "business continuity" risks. These events could adversely affect us and our ability to conduct business and process transactions. Although we have business continuity plans, it is possible that the plans may not operate as intended or required and that we may not be able to provide required services, process transactions, deliver documents or calculate values. It is also possible that service levels may decline as a result of such events.

**Possible Adverse Tax Consequences:** The tax considerations associated with the Annuity vary and can be complicated. The tax considerations discussed in this prospectus are general in nature and describe only federal income tax law (not state, local, foreign or other federal tax laws). Before making a Purchase Payment or taking other action related to your Annuity, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor for complete information and advice. For example, distributions from your Annuity are generally subject to ordinary income taxation on the amount of any investment gain unless the distribution qualifies as a non-taxable exchange or transfer. In addition, if you take a distribution prior to the taxpayer's age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% additional tax in addition to ordinary income taxes on any gain.

**Possible Fees on Access to Account Value:** We may apply fees if you access your Account Value during the Accumulation Period or surrender your Annuity. For example, in addition to possible tax consequences discussed above, you may incur fees for accessing your Account Value such as a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Annual Maintenance Fee, Tax Charge, and/or a charge for any optional benefits. In addition, we may assess a Market Value Adjustment for withdrawals from a Fixed Allocation.

**Annuity Changes Risk:** We reserve the right to limit the number of transfers you may make or to impose a minimum transfer amount. We also reserve the right to add, eliminate, substitute or combine Variable Options as Investment Options available under the Annuity or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or for Annuities purchased on or after specified dates. We may limit, suspend or reject any additional Purchase Payment at any time on a non-discriminatory basis. If we do so, you may no longer be able to increase the values associated with an optional living benefit or increase the amount of the death benefit under an optional death benefit through subsequent Purchase Payments. This would also impact your ability to make annual contributions to certain qualified Annuities. In addition, we may impose limitations on an investment professional's or investment advisor's ability to request financial transactions on your behalf.

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**Cyber Security and Business Continuity Risks:** With the increasing use of technology and computer systems in general and, in particular, the Internet to conduct necessary business functions, the Company is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. These risks, which are often collectively referred to as "cyber security" risks, may include deliberate or malicious attacks, as well as unintentional events and occurrences. These risks are heightened by our offering of increasingly complex products, such as those that feature automatic asset transfer or reallocation strategies, and by our employment of complex investment, trading and hedging programs. Cyber security is generally defined as the technology, operations and related protocol surrounding and protecting a user's computer hardware, network, systems and applications and the data transmitted and stored therewith. These measures ensure the reliability of a user's systems, as well as the security, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data assets.

Deliberate cyber attacks can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access (including physical break-ins) to computer systems in order to misappropriate and/or disclose sensitive or confidential information; deleting, corrupting or modifying data; and causing operational disruptions. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (in order to prevent access to computer networks). In addition to deliberate breaches engineered by external actors, cyber security risks can also result from the conduct of malicious, exploited or careless insiders, whose actions may result in the destruction, release or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information stored on an organization's systems.

The Company is also subject to risks related to disasters and other events, such as storms, earthquakes, fires, outbreaks of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19), utility failures, terrorist acts, political and social developments, and military and governmental actions. These risks are often collectively referred to as "business continuity" risks. These events could adversely affect the Company and our ability to conduct business and process transactions. Although the Company has business continuity plans, it is possible that the plans may not operate as intended or required and that the Company may not be able to provide required services, process transactions, deliver documents or calculate values. It is also possible that service levels may decline as a result of such events.

Cyber security events, disasters and similar events, whether deliberate or unintentional, that could impact the Company and Contract owners could arise not only in connection with our own administration of the Annuity, but also with entities operating the Annuity's Portfolios and with third-party service providers. Cyber security and other events affecting any of the entities involved with the offering and administration of the Annuity may cause significant disruptions in the business operations related to the Annuity. Potential impacts may include, but are not limited to, potential financial losses under the Annuity, your inability to conduct transactions under the Annuity and/or with respect to a Portfolio, an inability to calculate unit values with respect to the Annuity and/or the net asset value ("NAV") with respect to a Portfolio, and disclosures of your personal or confidential account information.

In addition to direct impacts to you, cyber security and other events described above may result in adverse impacts to the Company, including regulatory inquiries, regulatory proceedings, regulatory and/or legal and litigation costs, and reputational damage. Costs incurred by the Company may include reimbursement and other expenses, including the costs of litigation and litigation settlements and additional compliance costs. Considerable expenses also may be incurred by the Company in enhancing and upgrading computer systems and systems security following a cyber security failure or responding to a disaster or similar event. The rapid proliferation of technologies, as well as the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and others continue to pose new and significant cyber security threats. In addition, the global spread of COVID-19 has caused the Company and its service providers to implement business continuity plans, including widespread use of work-from-home arrangements. Although the Company, our service providers, and the Portfolios offered under the Annuity may have established business continuity plans and risk management systems to mitigate risks, there can be no guarantee or assurance that such plans or systems will be effective, or that all risks that exist, or may develop in the future, have been completely anticipated and identified or can be protected against. Furthermore, the Company cannot control or assure the efficacy of the cyber security and business continuity plans and systems implemented by third-party service providers, the Portfolios, and the issuers in which the Portfolios invest.

The military invasion of Ukraine initiated by Russia in February 2022 and the resulting response by the United States and other countries have led to economic disruptions, as well as increased volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. It is not possible to predict the ultimate duration and scope of the conflict, or the future impact on U.S. and global economies and financial markets.

**Artificial Intelligence Risk:** In addition to the cyber security risks described above, the development, adoption and use of AI, including generative artificial intelligence ("Generative AI"), by us and by third parties on whom we rely may increase existing operational risks or create new operational risks that we are not currently anticipating. AI technologies offer potential benefits in areas such as customer service personalization and process automation, and we expect to use AI and Generative AI to help deliver products and services and support critical functions. We also expect third parties on whom we rely to do the same. There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI, and there can be no assurance that its use will enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability. The risk that AI and Generative AI may be misused is increased by the relative newness of the technology, the speed at which it is being adopted, and the lack of laws, regulations or standards governing its use. Such misuse could expose the Company to legal or regulatory risk, damage customer relationships or cause reputational harm. Further, our ability to continue to develop and efficiently deploy AI technologies depends on access to specific third-party equipment and other physical infrastructure, such as processing hardware and network capacity, the availability and pricing of which is difficult to control, especially in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors may also adopt AI or Generative AI more quickly or more effectively than we do, which could cause competitive harm. Because the Generative AI technology is so new, some of the potential risks of Generative AI are currently unknowable.

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**DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE COMPANY, REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT, AND INVESTMENT** **OPTIONS**

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**WHO IS FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY?**

Annuities and Life Insurance are issued by Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), located at Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210, Jersey City, NJ 07302. FLIAC is obligated to pay all amounts promised to investors under the Annuity, subject to its financial strength and claims-paying ability. Fortitude Re has retained The Prudential Insurance Company of America ("PICA") as an unaffiliated Third-Party Administrator. Variable Annuities are distributed by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. ("PAD"), Shelton, CT (main office). PICA and PAD are Prudential Financial Inc. companies. Each company (FLIAC, PICA, PAD) is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

Fortitude Re is the marketing name for FGH Parent, L.P. and its subsidiaries, including FLIAC. Each subsidiary is responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

Pursuant to the delivery obligations under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 159 thereunder, we deliver this prospectus to current contract owners that reside outside of the United States. In addition, we may not market or offer benefits, features or enhancements to prospective or current contract owners while outside of the United States.

**<u>Rule 12h-7</u>**

With respect to the offering of Market Value Adjusted options, the Company relies on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from the requirement to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of that Act.

**<u>Claims of Creditors</u>**

To the extent permitted by law, no payment or value under this Annuity is subject to the claims of your creditors or those of any other Owner, any Annuitant, or any Beneficiary.

**<u>Deferral of Transactions</u>**

We may defer any annuity payment for a period not to exceed the lesser of 6 months or the period permitted by law. If we defer a distribution or transfer from any annuity payout for more than thirty days, we will pay interest as required by state law. We may defer any distribution from any Allocation Option or any transfer from Allocation Options for a period not to exceed seven calendar days from the date the transaction is affected.

**WHAT ARE THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS?**

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Separate Account B**

During the Accumulation Period, the assets supporting obligations based on allocations to the Variable Options are held in Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B (the "Registered Separate Account"). Income, gains and losses credited to, or charged against, the Registered Separate Account reflect the Registered Separate Account's own investment experience and not the investment experience of our other assets. The assets of the Registered Separate Account may not be used to pay any liabilities of ours other than those arising from the Annuity and other annuity contracts issued in connection with the Registered Separate Account.

The Registered Separate Account consists of multiple Variable Options. Each Variable Option invests only in a single Portfolio. The name of each Variable Option generally corresponds to the name of the Portfolio. Each Variable Option may have several different Unit Prices to reflect charges that are offered under annuities issued by us through the Registered Separate Account. The Registered Separate Account is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") as a unit investment trust, which is a type of investment company. The SEC does not supervise investment policies, management or practices of the Registered Separate Account. We may offer new Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, or combine Variable Options at our sole discretion. We may also close Variable Options to additional Purchase Payments on existing annuities or close Variable Options for annuities purchased on or after specified dates.

In addition to rights that we specifically reserve elsewhere in this prospectus, we reserve the right to perform any or all of the following:

• offer
 new Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, substitute Variable Options or combine Variable Options;

• close
 Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or close Variable Options for Annuities purchased on or after
 specified dates;

• combine
 the Registered Separate Account with separate accounts;

• deregister
 the Registered Separate Account under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

• manage
 the Registered Separate Account as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or in any other
 form permitted by law;

• make
 changes required by any change in the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
 the Investment Company Act of 1940, or any other changes to the Securities and Exchange Commission's interpretation
 thereof;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• establish
 a provision in the Annuity for federal income taxes if we determine, in our sole discretion, that we will incur a tax as the result of the operation of
 the Registered Separate Account;

• make
 any changes required by federal or state laws with respect to annuity contracts; and

• to
 the extent dictated by any underlying Portfolio, impose a redemption fee or restrict transfers within any Variable Option.

We will first notify you and receive any necessary SEC and/or state approval before making such a change. If an underlying Portfolio is liquidated, we will ask you to reallocate any amount in the liquidated fund. If you do not reallocate these amounts, we will reallocate such amounts only in accordance with SEC pronouncements and only after obtaining an order from the SEC, if required. If investment in the Portfolios or a particular Portfolio is no longer possible, or in our discretion becomes inappropriate for purposes of the Annuity, or for any other rationale in our sole judgment, we may substitute another Portfolio or investment Portfolios without your consent. The substituted Portfolio may have different fees and expenses. Substitution may be made with respect to existing investments or the investment of future Purchase Payments, or both. However, we will not make such substitution without any required approval of the SEC and any applicable state insurance departments. In addition, we may close Portfolios to allocation of Purchase Payments or Account Value, or both, at any time in our sole discretion. We do not control the Portfolios, so we cannot guarantee that any of those Portfolios will always be available.

**INVESTMENT OPTIONS**

**VARIABLE OPTIONS**

Each Variable Option is a sub-account that invests exclusively in a single Portfolio. Account Value allocated to the Variable Option will vary based on the investment experience of the Portfolio in which the Variable Option invests. There is a risk of loss of the entire amount invested. **Please refer to** [**<u>"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934)[**<u>Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_252525) **for certain information regarding each Portfolio, including (i) its name, (ii) its type (** **e.g** **., money market fund, bond fund,** **balanced fund, etc.), (iii) its investment advisor and any Sub-advisor, (iv) current expenses, and (v) performance.** There is no guarantee that any underlying Portfolio will meet its investment objective. Each Portfolio has issued a prospectus that contains more detailed information about the Portfolio. The prospectuses for the Portfolios can be found online at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-HARVESTERVA-STAT</u>. You can also request this information at no cost by calling 1- 800-879-7012.

**MARKET VALUE ADJUSTED FIXED ALLOCATION INVESTMENT**

We offer fixed investment options of different durations during the Accumulation Period. These "Fixed Allocations" earn a guaranteed fixed rate of interest for a specified period of time, called the "Guarantee Period." In most states, we offer Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods from 1 to 10 years. We may also offer special purpose Fixed Allocations for use with certain optional investment programs. We guarantee the fixed rate for the entire Guarantee Period. However, if you withdraw or transfer Account Value before the end of the Guarantee Period, we will adjust the value of your withdrawal or transfer based on a formula, called a "Market Value Adjustment". The Market Value Adjustment can either be positive or negative, depending on the rates that are currently being credited on Fixed Allocations. You may allocate Account Value to more than one Fixed Allocation at a time.

Fixed Allocations may not be available in all states. Availability of Fixed Allocations is subject to change and may differ by state and by the annuity <br>product you purchase. Please call us at 1-800-879-7012 to determine availability of Fixed Allocations in your state and for your annuity product.

Market Value Adjusted Fixed Allocation Investments are supported by our general account and are subject to our claims paying ability. Assets in the general account are not segregated for the exclusive benefit of any particular contract or obligation. General account assets are also available to our general creditors and for conducting routine business activities.

The interest rate declared for a MVA Fixed Allocation will be no less than the minimum guaranteed interest rate. The minimum guaranteed interest rate that applies to you may vary depending on the state in which your Annuity was issued, but it will be shown on your Annuity specifications page and will never be less than 0% or the minimum rate required under state law or regulation; whichever is greater. We may, from time to time, declare new interest rates for new Purchase Payments that are higher than the minimum guaranteed interest rate. Any change in interest rates does not affect MVA Fixed Allocation that were in effect before the date of the change. At the time that we confirm the allocation of your Purchase Payment to an MVA Fixed Allocation, we will advise you of the interest rate in effect. To inquire as to the current rates, please contact our Annuity Service Center at 1-800-879-7012.

Each underlying Portfolio is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act. Shares of the underlying Portfolios are sold to separate accounts of life insurance companies offering variable annuity and variable life insurance products. The shares may also be sold directly to qualified pension and retirement plans.

**Voting Rights**

We are the legal Owner of the shares of the underlying Portfolios in which the Variable Options invest. However, under current SEC rules, you have voting rights in relation to Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. If an underlying Portfolio requests a vote of shareholders, we will vote our shares based on instructions received from Owners with Account Value allocated to that Variable Option. Owners have the right to vote an amount equal to the number of shares attributable to their Annuity. If we do not receive voting instructions in relation to certain shares, we will vote those shares in the same manner and proportion as the shares for which we have received instructions. This voting procedure is sometimes referred to as "mirror voting"

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because, as indicated in the immediately preceding sentence, we mirror the votes that are actually cast, rather than decide on our own how to vote. We will also "mirror vote" shares that are owned directly by us or an affiliate (excluding shares held in the separate account of an affiliated insurer). In addition, because all the shares of a given Portfolio held within the Registered Separate Account are legally owned by us, we intend to vote all of such shares when that underlying Portfolio seeks a vote of its shareholders. As such, all such shares will be counted towards whether there is a quorum at the underlying Portfolio's shareholder meeting and toward the ultimate outcome of the vote. Thus, under "mirror voting," it is possible that the votes of a small percentage of Owners who actually vote will determine the ultimate outcome.

We may, if required by state insurance regulations, disregard voting instructions if they would require shares to be voted so as to cause a change in the sub-classification or investment objectives of one or more of the available Variable Options or to approve or disapprove an investment advisory contract for a Portfolio. In addition, we may disregard voting instructions that would require changes in the investment policy or investment advisor of one or more of the Portfolios associated with the available Variable Options, provided that we reasonably disapprove such changes in accordance with applicable federal or state regulations. If we disregard Owner voting instructions, we will advise Owners of our action and the reasons for such action in the next available annual or semi-annual report.

We will furnish those Owners who have Account Value allocated to a Variable Option whose underlying Portfolio has requested a "proxy" vote with proxy materials and the necessary forms to provide us with their voting instructions. Generally, you will be asked to provide instructions for us to vote on matters such as changes in a fundamental investment strategy, adoption of a new investment advisory agreement, or matters relating to the structure of the underlying Portfolio that require a vote of shareholders. We reserve the right to change the voting procedures described above if applicable SEC rules change.

**Similar Funds**

The Portfolios are not publicly traded mutual funds. They are only available as investment options in variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by insurance companies, or in some cases, to participants in certain qualified retirement plans. However, some of the Portfolios available as Variable Options under the Annuity are managed by the same advisor or Sub-advisor as a retail mutual fund of the same or similar name that the Portfolio may have been modeled after at its inception. Certain retail mutual funds may also have been modeled after a Portfolio. While the investment objective and policies of the retail mutual funds and the Portfolios may be substantially similar, the actual investments will differ to varying degrees. Differences in the performance of the funds can be expected, and in some cases could be substantial. You should not compare the performance of a publicly traded mutual fund with the performance of any similarly named Portfolio offered as a Variable Option.

**Material Conflicts**

In the future, it may become disadvantageous for separate accounts of variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts to invest in the same underlying Portfolios. Neither the companies that invest in the Portfolios nor the Portfolios currently foresee any such disadvantage. The Board of Directors for each Portfolio intends to monitor events in order to identify any material conflict between variable life insurance policy Owners and variable annuity contract Owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken. Material conflicts could result from such things as:

1. changes
 in state insurance law;

2. changes
 in federal income tax law;

3. changes
 in the investment management of any Variable Options; or

4. differences
 between voting instructions given by variable life insurance policy owners and variable annuity contract Owners.

**Fees and Payments Received by Us**

As detailed below, we receive substantial payments from the underlying Portfolios and/or related entities, such as the Portfolios' advisors and subadvisors. Because these fees and payments are made to us, allocations you make to the underlying Portfolios benefit us financially. In selecting Portfolios available under the Annuity, we consider the payments that will be made to us. Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. receives Rule 12b-1 fees which compensate it for distribution and administrative services (including recordkeeping services and the mailing of prospectuses and reports to Owners invested in the Portfolios). These fees are paid by the underlying Portfolio out of each Portfolio's assets and are therefore borne by Owners.

We also receive administrative services payments from the Portfolios or the advisors of the underlying Portfolios or their affiliates, which are referred to as "revenue sharing" payments. The maximum combined 12b-1 fees and administrative services payments we receive with respect to a Portfolio are generally equal to an annual rate of 0.55% of the average assets allocated to the Portfolio under the Annuity (in certain cases, however, this amount may be equal to an annual rate of 0.60% of the average assets allocated to the Portfolio). We expect to make a profit on these fees and payments and consider them when selecting the Portfolios available under the Annuity.

In addition, an advisor or subadvisor of a Portfolio or a distributor of the Annuity (not the Portfolios) may also compensate us by providing reimbursement, defraying the costs of, or paying directly for, among other things, marketing and/or administrative services and/or other services they provide in connection with the Annuity. These services may include but are not limited to: sponsoring or co-sponsoring various promotional, educational or marketing meetings and seminars attended by distributors, wholesalers, and/or broker dealer firms' registered representatives, and creating marketing material discussing the Annuity, available options, and underlying Portfolios. The amounts paid depend on the nature of the meetings, the number of meetings attended by the advisor, subadvisor, or distributor, the number of participants and attendees at the meetings, the costs expected to be incurred, and the level of the advisor's, subadvisor's or distributor's participation. These payments or reimbursements may not be offered by all advisors,

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subadvisors, or distributors and the amounts of such payments may vary between and among each advisor, subadvisor, and distributor depending on their respective participation. We may also consider these payments and reimbursements when selecting the Portfolios available under the Annuity. For the annual period ended December 31, 2025, under the kind of agreements described in this paragraph, there were no payments received.

In addition to the payments that we receive from underlying Portfolios and/or their affiliates, those same Portfolios and/or their affiliates may make payments to us and/or other insurers affiliated with us related to the offering of investment options within variable annuity contracts or life insurance policies offered by our different business units.

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**CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**

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**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC):** We do not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments you make to your Annuity. However, we may deduct a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge or CDSC if you surrender your Annuity or when you make a partial withdrawal. The CDSC reimburses us for expenses related to sales and distribution of the Annuity, including commissions, marketing materials and other promotional expenses. The CDSC is calculated as a percentage of your Purchase Payment being surrendered or withdrawn during the applicable Annuity Year. For purposes of calculating the CDSC, we consider the year following the date we receive a Purchase Payment as Year 1. The amount of the CDSC applicable to each Purchase Payment decreases over time, measured from the date the Purchase Payment is applied. The CDSC percentages are shown below.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  YEARS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8+ |
|  CHARGE (%) | 7.5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |

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**Each Purchase Payment has its own CDSC period.** When you make a withdrawal, we assume that the oldest Purchase Payment is being withdrawn first so that the lowest CDSC is deducted from the amount withdrawn. After seven (7) complete years from the date you make a Purchase Payment, no CDSC will be assessed if you withdraw or surrender that Purchase Payment. Under certain circumstances you can withdraw a limited amount of Account Value without paying a CDSC. This is referred to as a "Charge Free Withdrawal." Charge Free Withdrawals are not treated as a withdrawal of Purchase Payments for purposes of calculating the CDSC on a subsequent withdrawal or surrender. Withdrawals of amounts greater than the maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount are treated as a withdrawal of Purchase Payments and will be assessed a CDSC. For purposes of calculating the CDSC on a surrender or a partial withdrawal, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Charge Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance.

We may waive the CDSC under certain medically-related circumstances or when taking a Minimum Distribution from an Annuity purchased as a "qualified" investment. Charge Free Withdrawals, Medically-Related Surrenders and Minimum Distributions are each explained more fully in the section entitled "[<u>Surrenders and Withdrawals</u>](#chapter_13-sect1_1_934)".

**Exceptions to the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge**

We do not apply the CDSC provision on Annuities owned by a member of the designated class, including: (a) any parent company, affiliate or subsidiary of ours; (b) an officer, director, employee, retiree, sales representative, or in the case of an affiliated broker-dealer, registered representative of such company; (c) a director, officer or trustee of any underlying mutual fund; (d) a director, officer or employee of any investment manager, sub-advisor, transfer agent, custodian, auditing, legal or administrative services provider that is providing investment management, advisory, transfer agency, custodianship, auditing, legal and/or administrative services to an underlying mutual fund or any affiliate of such firm; (e) a director, officer, employee or registered representative of a broker-dealer or insurance agency that has a then current selling agreement with us and/or with Prudential Annuities Distributors, Incorporated; (f) a director, officer, employee or authorized representative of any firm providing us or our affiliates with regular legal, actuarial, auditing, underwriting, claims, administrative, computer support, marketing, office or other services; (g) the then current spouse of any such person noted in (b) through (f), above; (h) the parents of any such person noted in (b) through (g), above; (i) the child(ren) or other legal dependent under the age of 21 of any such person noted in (b) through (h) above; and (j) the siblings of any such persons noted in (b) through (h) above.

You must notify us at the time you apply for an Annuity if you are a member of the designated class. We are not responsible for monitoring whether you qualify as a member of the designated class. **If you fail to inform us that you qualify as a member of the designated class, your Annuity will not** **be eligible for this exception to the CDSC.**

**Transfer Fee:** Currently, you may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Annuity Year. We will charge $10.00 for each transfer after the twentieth in each Annuity Year. We do not consider transfers made as part of a dollar cost averaging program when we count the twenty free transfers. Transfers made as part of a rebalancing, market timing or third party investment advisory service will be subject to the twenty-transfer limit. However, all transfers made on the same day will be treated as one (1) transfer. Renewals or transfers of Account Value from a Fixed Allocation at the end of its Guarantee Period are not subject to the transfer fee and are not counted toward the twenty free transfers. We may reduce the number of free transfers allowable each Annuity Year (subject to a minimum of eight) without charging a Transfer Fee unless you make use of electronic means to transmit your transfer requests. We may eliminate the transfer fee for transfer requests transmitted electronically or through other means that reduce our processing costs.

**Annual Maintenance Fee:** During the Accumulation Period we deduct an Annual Maintenance Fee. The Annual Maintenance Fee is $30.00 or 2% of your Account Value invested in the Variable Options, whichever is less. This fee will be deducted annually on the anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity or, if you surrender your Annuity during the Annuity Year, the fee is deducted at the time of surrender. We may increase the Annual Maintenance Fee.

**Tax Charges:** Some states, municipalities and other jurisdictions charge premium taxes or similar taxes on annuities that we are required to pay. The amount of tax will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and is subject to change. We currently deduct the Tax Charge from the Account Value upon Annuitization. The Tax Charge is designed to approximate the taxes that we are required to pay and is assessed as a percentage of the Account Value. The Tax Charge currently ranges up to 3.5%. We reserve the right to deduct the Tax Charge from Purchase Payments when received or from Surrender Value upon surrender. "Surrender Value" refers to the Account Value (which includes the effect of any Market Value Adjustment) less any applicable

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CDSC, any applicable Tax Charge, any charges assessable as a deduction from the Account Value for any optional living or death benefits provided by rider or endorsement, and any Annual Maintenance Fee. We may also assess a charge equal to any Company Taxes or other taxes which may be imposed against the Separate Accounts.

In calculating our corporate income tax liability, we may derive certain corporate income tax benefits associated with the investment of company assets, including Separate Account assets, which are treated as company assets under applicable income tax law. These benefits reduce our overall corporate income tax liability. Under current law, such benefits include foreign tax credits and corporate dividends received deductions. We do not pass these tax benefits through to holders of the Separate Account annuity contracts because (i) the contract Owners are not the Owners of the assets generating these benefits under applicable income tax law and (ii) we do not currently include company income taxes in the Tax Charges you pay under the Annuity. We reserve the right to change these tax practices.

**Insurance Charge:** We deduct an insurance charge daily against the average daily assets allocated to the Variable Options. The insurance charge is the combination of the Mortality & Expense Risk Charge (1.25%) and the Administration Charge (0.15%). The total charge is equal to 1.40% on an annual basis. The insurance charge is intended to compensate us for providing the insurance benefits under the Annuity, including the Annuity's basic death benefit that provides guaranteed benefits to your beneficiaries even if the Variable Option declines and the risk that persons we guarantee annuity payments to will live longer than our assumptions. The charge also covers administrative costs associated with providing the Annuity benefits, including preparation of the contract, confirmation statements, annual account statements and annual reports, legal and accounting fees as well as various related expenses. Finally, the charge covers the risk that our assumptions about the mortality risks and expenses under this Annuity are incorrect and that we have agreed not to increase these charges over time despite our actual costs.

We may make a profit on the insurance charge if, over time, the actual cost of providing the guaranteed insurance obligations under the Annuity are less than the amount we deduct for the insurance charge. To the extent we make a profit on the insurance charge, such profit may be used for any other corporate purpose, including payment of other expenses that we incur in promoting, distributing, issuing and administering the Annuity. The insurance charge is deducted against your Annuity's Account Value and any increases or decreases in your Account Value based on fluctuations of the Variable Options. Any profit that we may make on the insurance charge may include profits based on market appreciation of the Variable Option values.

The insurance charge is not deducted against assets allocated to a Fixed Allocation. However, the amount we credit to Fixed Allocations may also reflect similar assumptions about the insurance guarantees provided under the Annuity.

**Benefits Available Under the Contract:** For information about the benefits available under the Contract and their corresponding charges, please refer to the section titled "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_934)" in this prospectus.

**Fees and Expenses Incurred by the Portfolios:** We do not assess any charges directly against the Portfolios. However, each Portfolio pays charges, fees and expenses, which are deducted daily by each Portfolio before it provides us with the net asset value as of the close of business each day. **More** **detailed information about fees and charges can be found in** [**<u>"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_934)[**<u>Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_252525) **to this prospectus and the prospectuses for the Portfolios located** **at** **<u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-HARVESTERVA-STAT</u>** **.**

**Charge for Additional Reports:** We send any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at your last known address of record. You may request additional reports. We reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each such additional report.

**Market Value Adjustment:** If you transfer or withdraw Account Value from an MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of its Guarantee Period, we will adjust the value of your investment based on a formula, called a "Market Value Adjustment" or "MVA". The Market Value Adjustment may be positive or negative, meaning it may increase or decrease your initial investment into the account, if you transfer or withdraw an MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of the Guarantee Period.

Generally, if yields are lower at the time of MVA application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee period, the MVA will be positive. Generally, if yields are higher at the time of MVA application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee period, the MVA will be negative.

You may request a quote of the impact an early distribution would have on your Account Value by contacting our Service Center at 1-800-879-7012. Values fluctuate daily and the actual Market Value Adjustment applied at the time a transaction is processed may be more or less than the values quoted at the time of your call. **Additional information about the calculation of the Market Value Adjustment, including the Market Value Adjustment** **formula and examples, can be found in the Statement of Additional Information.**

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**FIXED RATE OPTION CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**

**Fixed Rate Option Charges and Adjustments:** No specific fee or expenses are deducted when determining the rate we credit to a Fixed Allocation. However, for some of the same reasons that we deduct the insurance charge against Account Value allocated to the Variable Options, we also consider mortality, expense, administration, profit and other factors in determining the interest rates we credit to Fixed Allocations. Any CDSC or Tax Charge applies to amounts that are taken from the Variable Options or the Fixed Allocations. A Market Value Adjustment may also apply to transfers, certain withdrawals, surrender or Annuitization from a Fixed Allocation.

**ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION CHARGES**

In certain states a tax is due if and when you exercise your right to receive periodic annuity payments. The amount payable will depend on the applicable jurisdiction and on the annuity payment option you select. If you select a fixed payment option, the amount of each fixed payment will depend on the Account Value of your Annuity when you elected to annuitize. There is no specific charge deducted from these payments; however, the amount of each annuity payment reflects assumptions about our insurance expenses.

**EXCEPTIONS/REDUCTIONS TO FEES AND CHARGES**

We may reduce or eliminate certain fees and charges or alter the manner in which the particular fee or charge is deducted. For example, we may reduce the amount of the CDSC or the length of time it applies, reduce or eliminate the amount of the Annual Maintenance Fee or reduce the portion of the total insurance charge that is deducted as an Administration Charge. Generally, these types of changes will be based on a reduction to our sales, maintenance or administrative expenses due to the nature of the individual or group purchasing the Annuity. Some of the factors we might consider in making such a decision are: (a) the size and type of group; (b) the number of Annuities purchased by an Owner; (c) the amount of Purchase Payments or likelihood of additional Purchase Payments; and/or (d) other transactions where sales, maintenance or administrative expenses are likely to be reduced. We will not discriminate unfairly between Annuity purchasers if and when we reduce the portion of the insurance charge attributed to the charge covering administrative costs.

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**GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACTS**

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**CHANGE OF OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS**

You may change the Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary designations. Where allowed by law, such changes will be subject to our acceptance. Some of the changes we will not accept include, but are not limited to:

• a
 new Owner subsequent to the death of the Owner or the first of any joint Owners to die, except where a spouse-Beneficiary has become
 the Owner as a result of an Owner's death;

• a
 new Annuitant subsequent to the Annuity Date;

• for
 "Non-qualified" investments, a new Annuitant prior to the Annuity Date if the Annuity is owned by an entity;

• a
 change in Beneficiary if the Owner had previously made the designation irrevocable;

• a
 new Owner or Annuitant that is a certain ownership type, including but not limited to corporations, partnerships, endowments, and grantor
 trusts with multiple grantors (if allowed by state law); and

• a
 new Annuitant for a contract issued to a grantor trust where the new Annuitant is not the grantor of the trust.

Unless prohibited by applicable State Law, we reserve the right to refuse a proposed change of Owner and/or Beneficiary, and a proposed assignment of the Annuity. We assume no responsibility for the validity or tax consequences of any change of ownership.

We will reject a proposed change where the proposed Owner, Annuitant, Beneficiary or assignee is any of the following:

• a
 company(ies) that issues or manages viatical or structured settlements;

• an
 institutional investment company;

• an
 Owner with no insurable relationship to the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant (a "Stranger-Owned Annuity" or "STOA");
 or

• a
 change in designation(s) that does not comply with or that we cannot administer in compliance with Federal and/or state law.

**Spousal Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries**

If an Annuity is co-owned by spouses, we will assume that the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving spouse. Upon the death of either spousal Owner, the surviving spouse may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Death Benefit payment. The Death Benefit that would have been payable will be the new Account Value of the Annuity as of the date of due proof of death and any required proof of a spousal relationship. As of the date the assumption is effective, the surviving spouse will have all the rights and benefits that would be available under the Annuity to a new purchaser of the same attained age. For purposes of determining any future Death Benefit for the beneficiary of the surviving spouse, the new Account Value will be considered as the initial Purchase Payment. No CDSC will apply to the new Account Value. However, any additional Purchase Payments applied after the date the assumption is effective will be subject to all provisions of the Annuity, including the CDSC when applicable.

Spousal assumption is also permitted, subject to our rules and regulatory approval, if the Annuity is held by a Custodial Account established to hold retirement assets for the benefit of the natural person Annuitant pursuant to the provisions of Section 408(a) of the Code ("Code") (or any successor Code section thereto) ("Custodial Account") and, on the date of the Annuitant's death, the spouse of the Annuitant is (1) the Contingent Annuitant under the Annuity and (2) the beneficiary of the Custodial Account. The ability to continue the Annuity in this manner will result in the Annuity no longer qualifying for tax deferral under the Code. However, such tax deferral should result from the ownership of the Annuity by the Custodial Account. Please consult your tax or legal advisor.

Note that any division of your Annuity due to divorce will be treated as a withdrawal and the non-Owner spouse may then decide whether he or she would like to use the withdrawn funds to purchase a new Annuity that is then available to new contract Owners. Note that any division of your Annuity due to divorce will be treated as a withdrawal and CDSC may apply. If CDSC is applicable, it cannot be divided between the Owner and the non-Owner ex-spouses. The non-Owner ex-spouse may decide whether he or she would like to use the withdrawn funds to purchase a new Annuity that is then available to new contract Owners. Depending upon the method used for the division of the Annuity, the CDSC may be applied to the existing or new Annuity. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding your personal situation if you will be transferring or dividing your Annuity pursuant to a divorce.

The federal and state tax law provisions applicable to an opposite sex spouse will also apply to a same sex spouse. Please note that a civil union or registered domestic partnership is generally not recognized as a marriage.

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**Contingent Annuitant**

Generally, if an Annuity is owned by an entity and the entity has named a Contingent Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant, and no Death Benefit is payable. Unless we agree otherwise, the Annuity is only eligible to have a Contingent Annuitant designation if the entity which owns the Annuity is (1) a plan described in Code Section 72(s)(5)(A)(i) (or any successor Code section thereto); (2) an entity described in Code Section 72(u)(1) (or any successor Code section thereto); or (3) a Custodial Account, as described in the above section.

Where the Annuity is held by a Custodial Account, the Contingent Annuitant will not automatically become the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant. Upon the death of the Annuitant, the Custodial Account will have the choice, subject to our rules, to either elect to receive the Death Benefit or elect to continue the Annuity. If the Custodial Account elects to continue the Annuity, the Death Benefit payable will equal the Death Benefit described in the Spousal Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries section of the "[<u>Payment of Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_13_934)" section of this prospectus. See the section entitled "[<u>Spousal</u> <u>Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_2_934)" for more information about how the Annuity can be continued by a Custodial Account.

**HOW DO THE FIXED RATE OPTIONS WORK?**

The interest rate credited to a Fixed Allocation is the rate in effect when the Guarantee Period begins and does not change during the Guarantee Period. The rates are an effective annual rate of interest. We determine the interest rates for the various Guarantee Periods. At the time that we confirm your Fixed Allocation, we will advise you of the interest rate in effect and the date your Fixed Allocation matures. We may change the rates we credit new Fixed Allocations at any time. Any change in interest rate does not affect Fixed Allocations that were in effect before the date of the change. To inquire as to the current rates for Fixed Allocations, please call 1-800-879-7012.

A Guarantee Period for a Fixed Allocation begins:

• when
 all or part of a net Purchase Payment is allocated to that particular Guarantee Period;

• upon
 transfer of any of your Account Value to a Fixed Allocation for that particular Guarantee Period; or

• when
 you "renew" a Fixed Allocation by electing a new Guarantee Period.

To the extent permitted by law, we may establish different interest rates for Fixed Allocations offered to a class of Owners who choose to participate in various optional investment programs we make available. This may include, but is not limited to, Owners who elect to use Fixed Allocations under a dollar cost averaging program (see "[<u>Transfer and Rebalancing Programs - Dollar Cost Averaging Programs</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_6_934)") or a balanced investment program (see "[<u>Do</u> <u>You Offer Programs Designed to Guarantee a Return of Premium at a Future Date</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_7_934)"). The interest rate credited to Fixed Allocations offered to this class of purchasers may be different than those offered to other purchasers who choose the same Guarantee Period but who do not participate in an optional investment program. Any such program is at our sole discretion.

**HOW DO YOU DETERMINE RATES FOR FIXED ALLOCATIONS?**

We do not have a specific formula for determining the fixed interest rates for Fixed Allocations. Generally, the interest rates we offer for Fixed Allocations will reflect the investment returns available on the types of investments we make to support our fixed rate guarantees. These investment types may include cash, debt securities guaranteed by the United States government and its agencies and instrumentalities, money market instruments, corporate debt obligations of different durations, private placements, asset-backed obligations and municipal bonds. In determining rates we also consider factors such as the length of the Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation, regulatory and tax requirements, liquidity of the markets for the type of investments we make, commissions, administrative and investment expenses, our insurance risks in relation to the Fixed Allocations, general economic trends and competition. Some of these considerations are similar to those we consider in determining the insurance charge that we deduct from Account Value allocated to the Variable Options.

We will credit interest on a new Fixed Allocation in an existing Annuity at a rate not less than the rate we are then crediting to Fixed Allocations for the same Guarantee Period selected by new Annuity purchasers in the same class.

**WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY GUARANTEE PERIOD MATURES?**

The "Maturity Date" for a Fixed Allocation is the last day of the Guarantee Period. Before the Maturity Date, you may choose to renew the Fixed Allocation for a new Guarantee Period of the same or different length or you may transfer all or part of that Fixed Allocation's Account Value to another Fixed Allocation or to one or more Variable Options. We will notify you before the end of the Guarantee Period about the fixed interest rates that we are currently crediting to all Fixed Allocations that are being offered. The rates being credited to Fixed Allocations may change before the Maturity Date. We will not charge a Market Value Adjustment if you choose to renew a Fixed Allocation on its Maturity Date or transfer the Account Value to one or more Variable Options.

If you do not specify how you want a Fixed Allocation to be allocated on its Maturity Date, it will be renewed for a Fixed Allocation of the same duration if then available.

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**TRANSFER AND REBALANCING PROGRAMS**

**Dollar Cost Averaging Programs**

We offer Dollar Cost Averaging during the Accumulation Period. Dollar Cost Averaging allows you to systematically transfer an amount each month from one investment option to one or more other investment options. You can choose to transfer earnings only, principal plus earnings or a flat dollar amount. Dollar Cost Averaging allows you to invest regularly each month, regardless of the current Unit value (or price) of the Variable Option(s) you invest in. This enables you to purchase more Units when the Variable Option price is low and fewer Units when the Variable Option price is high. This may result in a lower average cost of Units over time. However, there is no guarantee that Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or protect against a loss in a declining Variable Option. We do not deduct a charge for participating in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $10,000 to enroll in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

You can Dollar Cost Average from Variable Options or Fixed Allocations. Dollar Cost Averaging from Fixed Allocations is subject to a number of rules that include, but are not limited to the following:

• You
 may only use Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods of 1, 2 or 3 years.

• You
 may only Dollar Cost Average earnings or principal plus earnings. If transferring principal plus earnings, the program must be designed
 to last the entire Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation.

• Dollar
 Cost Averaging transfers from Fixed Allocations are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

**NOTE:** When a Dollar Cost Averaging program is established from a Fixed Allocation, the fixed rate of interest we credit to your Account Value is applied to a declining balance due to the transfers of Account Value to the Variable Options during the Guarantee Period. This will reduce the effective rate of return on the Fixed Allocation over the Guarantee Period.

**Automatic Rebalancing Programs**

During the Accumulation Period, we offer automatic rebalancing among the Variable Options you choose. You can choose to have your Account Value rebalanced monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. On the appropriate date, your Variable Options are rebalanced to the allocation percentages you request. For example, over time the performance of the Variable Options will differ, causing your percentage allocations to shift. With automatic rebalancing, we transfer the appropriate amount from the "overweighted" Variable Options to the "underweighted" Variable Options to return your allocations to the percentages you request. If you request a transfer from or into any Variable Option participating in the automatic rebalancing program, we will assume that you wish to change your rebalancing percentages as well, and will automatically adjust the rebalancing percentages in accordance with the transfer unless we receive alternate instructions from you.

You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $10,000 to enroll in automatic rebalancing. All rebalancing transfers made on the same day as part of an automatic rebalancing program are considered as one transfer when counting the number of transfers each year toward the maximum number of free transfers. We do not deduct a charge for participating in an automatic rebalancing program.

**DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE A "RETURN OF PREMIUM" AT A FUTURE DATE?**

We offer two different programs for investors who wish to invest in the Variable Options but also wish to protect their principal, at least as of a specific date in the future. You may not want to use either of these programs if you expect to begin taking annuity payments before the program would be completed.

**Balanced Investment Program**

We offer a balanced investment program where a portion of your Account Value is allocated to a Fixed Allocation and the remaining Account Value is allocated to the Variable Options that you select. When you enroll in the Balanced Investment Program, you choose the duration that you wish the program to last. This determines the duration of the Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation. Based on the fixed rate for the Guarantee Period chosen, we calculate the portion of your Account Value that must be allocated to the Fixed Allocation to grow to a specific "principal amount" (such as your initial Purchase Payment). We determine the amount based on the rates then in effect for the Guarantee Period you choose. If you continue the program until the end of the Guarantee Period and make no withdrawals or transfers, at the end of the Guarantee Period, the Fixed Allocation will have grown to equal the "principal amount". Withdrawals or transfers from the Fixed Allocation before the end of the Guarantee Period will terminate the program and may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. You can transfer the Account Value that is not allocated to the Fixed Allocation between any of the Variable Options available under the Annuity. Account Value you allocate to the Variable Options is subject to Variable Option fluctuations and may increase or decrease in value. We do not deduct a charge for participating in the Balanced Investment Program.

**Example**

Assume you invest $100,000. You choose a 10-year program and allocate a portion of your Account Value to a Fixed Allocation with a 10-year Guarantee Period. The rate for the 10-year Guarantee Period is 2.50%\*. Based on the fixed interest rate for the Guarantee Period chosen, the factor is 0.781198 for determining how much of your Account Value will be allocated to the Fixed Allocation. That means that $78,120 will be allocated to the Fixed Allocation

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and the remaining Account Value ($21,880) will be allocated to the Variable Options. Assuming that you do not make any withdrawals or transfers from the Fixed Allocation, it will grow to $100,000 at the end of the Guarantee Period. Of course, we cannot predict the value of the remaining Account Value that was allocated to the Variable Options.

\* The rate in this example is hypothetical and may not reflect the current rate for Guarantee Periods of this duration.

**Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) Guaranteed Return Option Plus (GRO Plus)**

We also offer a seven-year program where we monitor your Account Value daily and systematically transfer amounts between Fixed Allocations and the Variable Options you choose. For more information about this option, please refer to the "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_934)" section of this prospectus.

**RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS BETWEEN INVESTMENT OPTIONS**

During the Accumulation Period you may transfer Account Value between investment options. Transfers are not subject to taxation on any gain. We currently limit the number of Variable Options you can invest in at any one time to twenty (20). However, you can invest in an unlimited number of Fixed Allocations. We may require a minimum of $500 in each Variable Option you allocate Account Value to at the time of any allocation or transfer. If you request a transfer and, as a result of the transfer, there would be less than $500 in the Variable Option, we may transfer the remaining Account Value in the Variable Option on a proportional basis to the other investment options to which you transferred.

Currently, we charge $10 for each transfer after the twentieth (20<sup>th</sup>) in each Annuity Year, including transfers made as part of any rebalancing, market timing, asset allocation or similar program which you have authorized. Transfers made as part of a dollar cost averaging program do not count toward the twenty free transfer limit. Renewals or transfers of Account Value from a Fixed Allocation at the end of its Guarantee Period are not subject to the transfer charge. We may reduce the number of free transfers allowable each Annuity Year (subject to a minimum of eight) without charging a Transfer Fee unless you make use of electronic means to transmit your transfer requests. We may eliminate the Transfer Fee for transfer requests transmitted electronically or through other means that reduce our processing costs.

**Frequent Transfers**

Frequent transfers among investment options in response to short-term fluctuations in markets, sometimes called "market timing," can make it very difficult for a Portfolio manager to manage a Portfolio's investments. Frequent transfers may cause the Portfolio to hold more cash than otherwise necessary, disrupt management strategies, increase transaction costs, or affect performance. Considering the risks posed to Owners and other investors by frequent transfers, we reserve the right to limit the number of transfers in any Annuity Year for all Owners and to take the other actions discussed below. We also reserve the right to limit the number of transfers in any Annuity Year or to refuse any transfer request for an Owner or certain Owners if: (a) we believe that excessive transfer activity (as we define it) or a specific transfer request or group of transfer requests may have a detrimental effect on Unit Values or the share prices of the Portfolios; or (b) we are informed by a Portfolio (e.g., by a Portfolio's Portfolio manager) that the purchase or redemption of shares in the Portfolio must be restricted because the Portfolio believes the transfer activity to which such purchase and redemption relates would have a detrimental effect on the share prices of the affected Portfolio. Without limiting the above, the most likely scenario where either of the above could occur would be if the aggregate amount of a trade or trades represented a relatively large proportion of the total assets of a particular Portfolio. In furtherance of our general authority to restrict transfers as described above, and without limiting other actions we may take in the future, we have adopted the following specific restrictions. With respect to each Annuity, we track amounts exceeding a certain dollar threshold that were transferred into a Variable Option. If you transfer such amount into a particular Variable Option, and within 30 calendar days thereafter transfer (the "Transfer Out") all or a portion of that amount into another Variable Option, then upon the Transfer Out, the former Variable Option becomes restricted (the "Restricted Variable Option"). Specifically, we will not permit subsequent transfers into the Restricted Variable Option for 90 calendar days after the Transfer Out if the Restricted Variable Option invests in a non-international Portfolio, or 180 calendar days after the Transfer Out if the Restricted Variable Option invests in an international Portfolio. For purposes of this rule, we (i) do not count transfers made in connection with one of our systematic programs; (ii) do not count any transfer that solely involves a holding account; and (iii) do not categorize as a transfer the first transfer that you make after the Issue Date, if you make that transfer within 30 calendar days after the Issue Date. Even if an amount becomes restricted under the foregoing rules, you are still free to redeem the amount from your Annuity at any time.

We reserve the right to effect transfers on a delayed basis for all annuities in accordance with our rules regarding frequent transfers. That is, we may price a transfer involving the Variable Options on the Valuation Day subsequent to the Valuation Day on which the transfer request was received. Before implementing such a practice, we would issue a separate written notice to Owners that explains the practice in detail.

If we deny one or more transfer requests under the foregoing rules, we will inform you or your financial professional promptly of the circumstances concerning the denial.

There are Owners of different variable annuity contracts that are funded through the same Separate Account that may not be subject to the above-referenced transfer restrictions and, therefore, might make more numerous and frequent transfers than Owners who are subject to such limitations. Finally, there are Owners of other variable annuity contracts or variable life contracts that are issued by us as well as other insurance companies that have the same Portfolios available to them. Since some Owners are not subject to the same transfer restrictions, unfavorable consequences associated with such frequent trading within the Portfolios (e.g., greater Portfolio turnover, higher transaction costs, or performance or tax issues) may affect all Owners. Similarly, while contracts managed by a financial professional are subject to the restrictions on transfers between Variable

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Options that are discussed above, if the financial professional manages a number of contracts in the same fashion unfavorable consequences may be associated with management activity since it may involve the movement of a substantial portion of an Portfolio's assets which may affect all Owners invested in the affected Portfolios. Apart from jurisdiction-specific and contract differences in transfer restrictions, we will apply these rules uniformly (including contracts managed by a financial professional) and will not waive a transfer restriction for any Owner.

Although our transfer restrictions are designed to prevent excessive transfers, they are not capable of preventing every potential occurrence of excessive transfer activity. The Portfolios have adopted their own policies and procedures with respect to excessive trading of their respective shares, and we reserve the right to enforce any such current or future policies and procedures. The prospectuses for the Portfolios describe any such policies and procedures, which may be more or less restrictive than the policies and procedures we have adopted. Under SEC rules, we are required to: (1) enter into a written agreement with each Portfolio or its principal underwriter or its transfer agent that obligates us to provide to the Portfolio promptly upon request certain information about the trading activity of individual Owners (including an Owner's TIN number), and (2) execute instructions from the Portfolio to restrict or prohibit further purchases or transfers by specific Owners who violate the excessive trading policies established by the Portfolio. In addition, you should be aware that some Portfolios may receive "omnibus" purchase and redemption orders from other insurance companies or intermediaries such as retirement plans. The omnibus orders reflect the aggregation and netting of multiple orders from individual Owners of variable insurance contracts and/or individual retirement plan participants. The omnibus nature of these orders may limit the Portfolios in their ability to apply their excessive trading policies and procedures. In addition, the other insurance companies and/or retirement plans may have different policies and procedures or may not have any such policies and procedures because of contractual limitations. For these reasons, we cannot guarantee that the Portfolios (and thus you) will not be harmed by transfer activity relating to other insurance companies and/or retirement plans that may invest in the Portfolios.

A Portfolio also may assess a short-term trading fee (also referred to as "redemption fee") in connection with a transfer out of the Variable Option investing in that Portfolio that occurs within a certain number of days following the date of allocation to the Variable Option. Each Portfolio determines the amount of the short-term trading fee and when the fee is imposed. The fee is retained by or paid to the Portfolio and is not retained by us. The fee will be deducted from your Account Value, to the extent allowed by law. At present, no Portfolio has adopted a short-term trading fee.

**FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL PERMISSION TO FORWARD TRANSACTION INSTRUCTIONS**

If you have provided the necessary authorization on the application for your Annuity, the individual who signed the application for your Annuity may forward instructions regarding the allocation of your Account Value, and request financial transactions involving Investment Options. We refer to this person as your "financial professional." You may have another person providing investment advisory services to you with respect to this Annuity and who you have separately authorized on the form we require to forward instructions to us regarding the allocation of your Account Value or certain financial transactions. Please be aware that if you authorize more than one person to provide investment instructions to us, we will follow all instructions received from authorized persons in the order in which we receive them. **If your financial professional or investment advisor has this authority, we deem** **that all such transactions that are directed by your financial professional or investment advisor, as applicable, with respect to your Annuity** **have been authorized by you.** You will receive a confirmation of any financial transaction involving the purchase or sale of Units of your Annuity. You must contact us immediately if and when you revoke such authority. We will not be responsible for acting on instructions from your financial professional or authorized investment advisor until we receive notification of the revocation of such person's authority. We may also suspend, cancel or limit these authorizations at any time. In addition, we may restrict the Investment Options available for transfers or allocation of Purchase Payments by such financial professional or investment advisor. We will notify you and your financial professional if we implement any such restrictions or prohibitions.

**Please Note:** Annuity contracts managed by your financial professional or investment advisor also are subject to the restrictions on transfers between Investment Options that are discussed in the section titled "[<u>Restrictions on Transfers Between Investment Options</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_8_934)." We may also require that your financial professional or investment advisor transmit all financial transactions using the electronic trading functionality available through our website (<u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>). Limitations that we may impose on your financial professional or investment advisor under the agreement (e.g., a custodial agreement) do not apply to financial transactions requested by an Owner on his or her own behalf, except as otherwise described in this prospectus.

**It is your responsibility to arrange for the payment of the advisory fee charged by your investment advisor. Similarly, it is your responsibility** **to understand the advisory services provided by your investment advisor and the advisory fees charged for the services.**

***<u>For certain Broker Dealers:</u>*** If instructed by your Broker Dealer, we may allow your financial professional to effectuate withdrawals on your behalf. In the event you do not wish that your financial professional has this authority, please contact us immediately.

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**ANNUITY PERIOD**

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We currently make annuity options available that provide fixed annuity payments. Your Annuity provides certain fixed annuity payment options. We do not guarantee to continue to make available any other option other than the fixed annuity payment options set forth in your Annuity. Fixed options provide the same amount with each payment. You must annuitize your entire Account Value; partial Annuitizations are not allowed.

When you purchase an Annuity, or at a later date, you may choose an Annuity Date, an annuity option and the frequency of annuity payments. You may change your choices before the Annuity Date under the terms of the contract. A maximum Annuity Date may be required by law. The Annuity Date may depend on the annuity option you choose. Certain annuity options may not be available depending on the age of the Annuitant. For qualified annuities, the period certain option may be limited to 10 years or less depending on the circumstances.

Certain of these annuity options may be available to Beneficiaries who choose to receive the Death Benefit proceeds as a series of payments instead of a lump sum payment. For qualified annuities, the period certain option may be limited to 10 years or less depending on the circumstances.

**<u>Option 1</u>**

**Payments for Life:** Under this option, income is payable periodically until the death of the "Key Life". The "Key Life" (as used in this section) is the person or persons upon whose life annuity payments are based. No additional annuity payments are made after the death of the Key Life. Since no minimum number of payments is guaranteed, this option offers the largest amount of periodic payments of the life contingent annuity options. *It is possible that only one payment will be payable if the death of the Key Life occurs before the date the second payment was due, and no other payments nor death benefits would be payable.* Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.

**<u>Option 2</u>**

**Payments Based on Joint Lives:** Under this option, income is payable periodically during the joint lifetime of two key lives, and thereafter during the remaining lifetime of the survivor, ceasing with the last payment prior to the survivor's death. No minimum number of payments is guaranteed under this option. *It is possible that only one payment will be payable if the death of all the key lives occurs before the date the second payment was due, and no other payments or death benefits would be payable.* Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.

**<u>Option 3</u>**

**Payments for Life with a Certain Period:** Under this option, income is payable until the death of the key life. However, if the key life dies before the end of the period selected (5, 10 or 15 years), the remaining payments are paid to the Beneficiary until the end of such period.

**<u>Option 4</u>**

**Fixed Payments for a Certain Period:** Under this option, income is payable periodically for a specified number of years. If the payee dies before the end of the specified number of years, the remaining payments are paid to the Beneficiary until the end of such period. *Note that under this option, payments are not based on any assumptions of life expectancy. Therefore, that portion of the insurance charge assessed to cover the risk that Key Lives outlive our expectations provides no benefit to an Owner selecting this option.* Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.

We may make different annuity and settlement options available in the future. We do not guarantee to continue to make available or any other option other than the fixed annuity payment options set forth in your contract.

**HOW AND WHEN DO I CHOOSE THE ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION?**

Unless prohibited by law, we require that you elect either a life annuity or an annuity with a certain period of at least 5 years if any CDSC would apply were you to surrender your Annuity on the Annuity Date. Therefore, making a Purchase Payment within seven years of the Annuity Date limits your annuity payment options. Certain annuity payment options may not be available if your Annuity Date occurs during the period that a CDSC would apply.

If you have not provided us with your Annuity Date or annuity payment option in writing, then:

• the
 Annuity Date will be the first day of the calendar month following the later of the Annuitant's 85 <sup>th</sup> birthday or the fifth anniversary of our receipt
 of your request to purchase an Annuity; and

• the
 annuity payments, where allowed by law, will be calculated on a fixed basis under Option 3, Payments for Life with 10 years certain.

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**HOW ARE ANNUITY PAYMENTS CALCULATED?**

**Fixed Annuity Payments**

If you choose to receive fixed annuity payments, you will receive equal fixed-dollar payments throughout the period you select. The amount of the fixed payment will vary depending on the annuity payment option and payment frequency you select. Generally, the first annuity payment is determined by multiplying the Account Value, minus any state premium taxes that may apply, by the factor determined from our table of annuity rates. The table of annuity rates differs based on the type of annuity chosen and the frequency of payment selected. Our rates will not be less than our guaranteed minimum rates. These guaranteed minimum rates are derived from the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality Table with an assumed interest rate of 3% per annum. Where required by law or regulation, such annuity table will have rates that do not differ according to the gender of the Key Life. Otherwise, the rates will differ according to the gender of the Key Life.

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**BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**

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**The following table summarizes information about the benefits available under the Annuity. Certain Contract Benefits may not be available** **through certain financial intermediaries. See the** [**<u>Cover Page</u>**](#chapter_1-sect1_1_934) **for additional information.**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Benefit** | **Purpose** | **Standard or**<br>**Optional** | **Maximum Fee** | **Restrictions/Limitations** |
|  Guaranteed Return Option (GRO)<sup>1</sup>/Guaranteed Return Option Plus (GRO Plus)<sup>2</sup> | Guarantees a "return of premium" at a future date, while allowing you to allocate all or a portion of your Account Value to the Variable Options of your choice. | Optional | 0.50%<br>(based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | Account Value subject to systematic transfers to and from Fixed Allocations. We may restrict the selection of certain Portfolios. **Please** **refer to** **<u>["Appendix A"](#chapter_18-sect1_1_252525)</u>** **for** **Variable Option availability.** |
|  Basic Death Benefit | Provides protection for your beneficiary(ies) by ensuring they do not receive less than your Account Value. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit<sup>3</sup> | Provides an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiary(ies) by providing amounts in addition to the basic Death Benefit that can be used to offset federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. | Optional | 0.75%<br>(based on the Account Value) | None. |
|  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit<sup>3</sup> | Provides an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiary(ies) by providing amounts in addition to the basic Death Benefit. | Optional | 0.55%<br>(based on the current Death Benefit amount) | None. |
|  Performance Advantage | Provides an increase to the Account Value if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded a "target value" on its 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Dollar Cost Averaging | Allows you to systematically transfer a percentage amount out of an investment option and into any other Variable Option(s). | Standard | None. | Minimum allocation requirements. |
|  Automatic Rebalancing | You can direct us to automatically rebalance your assets to return to your original allocation percentage or to a subsequent allocation percentage you select. | Standard | None. | None. |

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1. The
 Guaranteed Return Option benefit is no longer available for election. If you currently participate in this benefit, you may re-start the
 benefit on each anniversary of the Issue Date.

2. The
 Guaranteed Return Plus Option benefit is no longer available for election.

3. These
 benefits are no longer offered and must have been elected at the time that you purchased your Annuity.

**GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO)**

**GRO is no longer available for new elections.**

GRO is an optional benefit that, after a seven-year period following commencement of the benefit (we refer to the end of that period as the "Maturity Date") guarantees your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your benefit (called the "Protected Principal Value").

The benefit monitors your Account Value daily and, if necessary, systematically transfers amounts pursuant to a mathematical formula between the Variable Options you choose and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation used to support the Protected Principal Value. There is an additional charge if you elect the Guaranteed Return Option benefit.

The guarantee provided by the benefit exists only on the applicable Maturity Date. However, due to the ongoing monitoring of your Account Value and the transfer of Account Value between the Variable Options and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support our future guarantee, the benefit may provide some protection from significant Variable Option losses if you choose to surrender your Annuity or begin receiving annuity payments prior to a Maturity Date.

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**Key Feature – Protected Principal Value**

Under the GRO benefit, we guarantee that on the Maturity Date, your Account Value will be no less than the Protected Principal Value. On the Maturity Date if your Account Value is below the Protected Principal Value, we will apply additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase your Account Value to be equal to the Protected Principal Value. A subsequent Purchase Payment increases the amount of the Protected Principal Value by the amount of the Purchase Payment, and withdrawals reduce the Protected Principal Value (as discussed below).

We will notify you of any amounts added to your Annuity under the benefit. If our assumptions are correct and the operations relating to the administration of the benefit work properly, we do not expect that we will need to add additional amounts to an Annuity. The Protected Principal Value is generally referred to as the "Guaranteed Amount" in the rider we issue for this benefit.

**Key Feature – Allocation of Account Value**

GRO uses a mathematical formula that we operate to help manage your guarantees through all market cycles. The formula weighs a number of factors, including the current Account Value, the value in the Variable Options, the value in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the Protected Principal Value, the expected value of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations used to support the guarantee, the time remaining until maturity, and the current crediting rates associated with the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. In essence, and as detailed in the formula, the formula will transfer Account Value into the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations if needed to support an anticipated guarantee. **The formula is set forth in** [**<u>Appendix</u>** **<u>B</u>**](#chapter_19-sect1_1_934)**.** This required formula thus helps us manage our financial exposure under the benefit, by moving assets to a more stable option (i.e., the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations).

Each Valuation Day, the formula determines if any portion of your Account Value needs to be transferred into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, through reference to a "reallocation trigger". At any given time, some, none, or all of your Account Value may be allocated to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If your entire Account Value is transferred to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the formula will not transfer amounts out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options and the entire Account Value would remain in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If you make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity, they will be allocated to the Variable Options according to your allocation instructions. Such additional Purchase Payments may or may not cause the formula to transfer money in or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Once the Purchase Payments are allocated to your Annuity, they will also be subject to the formula, which may result in immediate transfers to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, if dictated by the formula. The amount of any such transfers will vary, as dictated by the formula, and will depend on the factors listed below.

Each market cycle is unique, therefore the performance of your Variable Options, and its impact on your Account Value, will differ from market cycle to market cycle producing different transfer activity under the formula. The amount and timing of transfers to and from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations pursuant to the formula depend on various factors unique to your Annuity and are not necessarily directly correlated with the securities markets, bond markets, interest rates or any other market or index. Some of the factors that determine the amount and timing of transfers (as applicable to your Annuity), include:

• The
 difference between your Account Value (including any Market Value Adjustment) and your Protected Principal Value(s);

• The
 amount of time until the maturity of your Guarantee(s);

• The
 amount invested in, and the performance of, the Variable Options;

• The
 amount invested in, and interest earned within, the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• The
 current crediting rates associated with Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• Additional
 Purchase Payments, if any, that you make to the Annuity; and

• Withdrawals,
 if any, taken from the Annuity.

Any amounts invested in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will affect your ability to participate in a subsequent recovery within the Variable Options. Conversely, the Account Value may be higher at the beginning of the recovery, e.g. more of the Account Value may have been protected from decline and volatility than it otherwise would have been had the benefit not been elected.

While you are not notified when your Account Value reaches a reallocation trigger, you will receive a confirmation statement indicating the transfer of a portion of your Account Value either to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation.

You may not allocate Purchase Payments to or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

You should be aware of the following potential ramifications of the formula:

• A
 Market Value Adjustment will apply when we reallocate Account Value from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to the Variable Options. Transfers
 of your Account Value can be frequent, and under some scenarios may occur on a daily basis. As indicated, each such transfer
 may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be positive or negative. Thus, a Market Value Adjustment will directly increase
 or reduce your Account Value.

• As
 indicated, some or even all, of your Account Value may be maintained in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. The greater the
 Account Value held in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the larger (in dollar terms) the Market Value Adjustment upon any transfer
 of such Account Value to the Variable Options.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• If
 your Account Value is less than the reallocation trigger, a portion of your Account Value in the Variable Options will be transferred
 from the Variable
 Options on a proportional basis according to your allocations to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) to support the
 applicable guaranteed amount. The new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will have a Guarantee Period equal to the time remaining
 until the applicable Maturity Date(s). The Account Value allocated to the new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will be credited
 with the fixed interest rate(s) then being credited to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) maturing on the applicable Maturity
 Date(s) (rounded to the next highest yearly duration). The Account Value will remain invested in each applicable Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation until the applicable Maturity Date unless, at an earlier date, your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation
 trigger and, therefore, amounts can be transferred to the Variable Options while maintaining the guaranteed protection under the
 program (as described above).

• If
 your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger, and a portion of the Account Value must be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options, then those amounts will be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocations and re-allocated to the Variable Options according to any asset allocation programs (including an Automatic Rebalancing
 program) established on your Annuity or in the absence of such programs, on a proportional basis, based on the Account Values
 in such Variable Options at that time. A Market Value Adjustment will apply upon a transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations, which may result in an increase or decrease in your Account Value.

• Transfers
 under the formula do not impact your guarantees under GRO that have already been locked-in.

Withdrawals from your Annuity, while the benefit is in effect, will reduce the Protected Principal Value proportionally. The proportion will be equal to the proportionate reduction in the Account Value due to the withdrawal as of that date. Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Systematic Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations up to growth in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations and thereafter on a proportional basis solely from the Variable Options. The growth in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations at any point in time consists of the remaining earnings since the program of systematic withdrawal began. Withdrawals will be subject to all other provisions of your Annuity, including any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Market Value Adjustment that would apply.

**Election of the Benefit**

We no longer permit new elections of GRO. If you currently participate in GRO, your existing guarantees are unaffected by the fact that we no longer offer GRO. **Please note that if you terminate a living benefit such as GRO and elect a new living benefit, you lose the guarantees that you had** **accumulated under your existing benefit and we will base any guarantees under the new benefit on your Account Value as of the date the new** **benefit becomes active. We reserve the right to waive, change and/or further limit the election frequency in the future.**

**Restart of the Benefit**

Once each Annuity Year you may request to restart the Benefit. Such a request is an election by you to terminate the existing Benefit (and all guarantees under the benefit) and start a new one. Restarts only take effect on anniversaries of the Issue Date. To make such a request for a restart, you must notify us in advance in accordance with our administrative requirements. If we accept your request, we then terminate the existing Benefit as of that valuation period, if it is an anniversary of the Issue Date, or, if not, as of the next following anniversary of the Issue Date. The new Benefit starts at that time. The initial Protected Principal Value for the new Benefit is the Account Value as of the effective date of the new Benefit. Unless you tell us otherwise, the duration of the new Benefit will be the same as that for the existing Benefit. However, if we do not then make that duration available, you must elect from those we make available at that time. For those who elect to re-start the benefit, the charge will be assessed according to the current methodology prior to re-starting the benefit. – see "Charges under the Program" below.

As part of terminating the existing Benefit, we transfer any amounts in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, subject to a Market Value Adjustment, to the Variable Options on a proportional basis. If your entire Account Value was then in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, you must first provide us instructions as to how to allocate the transferred Account Value among the Variable Options.

**Termination of the Benefit**

The Annuity Owner also can terminate the Guaranteed Return Option benefit. Upon termination, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will be transferred as follows: (a) if only a portion of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options on a proportional basis based on the Account Values in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive at our office other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program (b) if your entire Account Value is in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive at our Office prior instructions from you. A Market Value Adjustment will apply (except that if the benefit has terminated automatically due to payment of a death benefit, whether a Market Value Adjustment applies depends solely on the terms of the death benefit – see the "[<u>Optional Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_12_934)" section of this prospectus).

In general, you may cancel GRO and then elect another living benefit available post issue, effective on any Valuation Day after your cancellation of GRO. If you terminate GRO, you will lose all guarantees under that benefit. Your election of another living benefit is subject to State and firm availability and our eligibility rules.

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The benefit will terminate automatically upon: (a) the death of the Owner or the Annuitant (in an entity owned contract); (b) as of the date Account Value is applied to begin annuity payments; or (c) upon full surrender of your Annuity. If you elect to terminate the benefit, the Guaranteed Return Option will no longer provide any guarantees.

The charge for the Guaranteed Return Option benefit will no longer be deducted from your Account Value after the benefit has been terminated, although for those Annuities for which the GRO charge is deducted annually rather than daily (see "Charges under the Program" below), we will deduct the final annual charge upon termination of the benefit.

**<u>Special Considerations under the Guaranteed Return Option</u>**

This benefit is subject to certain rules and restrictions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Upon
 inception of the benefit, 100% of your Account Value must have been allocated to the Variable Options. The Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation must not have been in effect as of the date that you elected to participate in the benefit. However, the formula may
 transfer Account Value to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation as of the effective date of the benefit under some circumstances.

• Annuity
 Owners cannot allocate any portion of Purchase Payments or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocation while participating in the benefit; however, all or a portion of any Purchase Payments may be allocated by us to the Market
 Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support the amount guaranteed. You cannot participate in any dollar cost averaging benefit that
 transfers Account Value from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to a Variable Option.

• Transfers
 from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation made as a result of the formula under the benefit will be subject to the Market
 Value Adjustment formula under an Annuity; however, the 0.10% liquidity factor in the formula will not apply. A Market Value Adjustment
 may be either positive or negative. Transfer amounts will be taken from the most recently established Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation.

• Transfers
 from the Variable Options to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to
 the Variable Options under the benefit will not count toward the maximum number of free transfers allowable under an Annuity.

• Any
 amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity Date will not be treated as "investment in the contract" for income
 tax purposes.

• Any
 amounts that we add to your Annuity to support our guarantee under the benefit will be applied to the Variable Options on a proportional
 basis, after first transferring any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations as follows: (a) if only a portion
 of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options
 on a proportional basis based on the Account Values in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive at our office
 other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative
 support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program
 and (b) if your entire Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable
 Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive at our Office prior instructions from you.

• Low
 interest rates may require allocation to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation even when the current Account Value exceeds the
 guarantee.

• As
 the time remaining until the applicable Maturity Date gradually decreases the benefit will become increasingly sensitive to moves to the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation.

• We
 currently limit the Variable Options in which you may allocate Account Value if you participate in this benefit. Should we prohibit access to any investment
 option, any transfers required to move Account Value to eligible investment options will not be counted in determining the
 number of free transfers during an Annuity Year.

**Charges under the Benefit**

The maximum charge for Guaranteed Return Option is 0.50% annually of the daily net assets of the Variable Options. The annual charge is deducted daily against your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. Account Value allocated to Fixed Allocations under the program is not subject to the charge. The charge is deducted to compensate us for: (a) the risk that your Account Value on the Maturity Date of the program is less than the amount guaranteed; and (b) administration of the program.

Effective November 18, 2002, we changed the way in which the annual charge for the Guaranteed Return Option is deducted to the method described above. The annual charge for the Guaranteed Return Option for Owners who elected the benefit between May 1, 2001 and November 15, 2002 and subsequent to November 19, 2002 in those states where the daily deduction of the charge has not been approved, is deducted annually, in arrears, according to the prospectus in effect as of the date the program was elected. Owners who terminate and then re-elect the Guaranteed Return Option or elect to restart the Guaranteed Return Option at any time after November 18, 2002 will be subject to the charge method described above.

**Examples**

Example 1. Benefit Maturity

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This example is purely hypothetical and does not reflect the charges for the benefit or any other fees and charges under the annuity. It is intended to illustrate the benefit maturity on a guarantee amount under this benefit.

A Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) program begins on July 1, 2015. Your Account Value (AV) at the start of the program is $100,000. As of program maturity on July 1, 2022, there have been no additional Purchase Payments and no prior withdrawals, so your Guaranteed Amount remains at $100,000. The Account Value is $93,000.<br>Since the Guaranteed Amount exceeds the Account Value, a total of $7,000, the amount by which the guaranteed exceeds the AV, is added to the variable Variable Options which you have elected (or the AST Money Market Variable Option if such elections have not been made).

Example 2. Proportional reduction for withdrawal.

This example is purely hypothetical and does not reflect the charges for the benefit or any other fees and charges under the Annuity. It is intended to illustrate the proportional reduction of a withdrawal on each guarantee amount under this benefit.

A Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) program begins on July 1, 2015. Your Account Value (AV) at the start of the program is $100,000. As of July 1, 2020, there have been no additional Purchase Payments and no prior withdrawals, so your Guaranteed Amount remains at $100,000. The Account Value is $120,000. You then elect to take a $6,000 withdrawal. Assume that no CDSC, Market Value Adjustment or other charges apply.

The Guaranteed Amount is reduced as follows:

• Guaranteed
 Amount prior to withdrawal × (1 - withdrawal / AV prior to withdrawal)

= $100,000 × (1 - $6,000 / $120,000)

= $95,000

**GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GRO PLUS)**

**GRO Plus is no longer available for new elections.**

GRO Plus is an optional benefit that, after a seven-year period following commencement of the benefit (we refer to the end of that period and any applicable subsequent period as the "Maturity Date") and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter while the benefit remains in effect, guarantees your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your benefit (called the "Protected Principal Value"). The benefit also offers you the opportunity to elect a second, enhanced guaranteed amount at a later date if your Account Value has increased, while preserving the guaranteed amount established on the effective date of your benefit. The enhanced guaranteed amount (called the "Enhanced Protected Principal Value") guarantees that, after a separate period following election of the enhanced guarantee and on each anniversary thereafter while this enhanced guarantee amount remains in effect, your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your election of the enhanced guarantee. If the Maturity Date of any guarantee under GRO Plus is not a Valuation Day, and we are required to contribute an amount to your Account Value with respect to that maturing guarantee, we would contribute such an amount on the next Valuation Day.

The benefit monitors your Account Value daily and, if necessary, systematically transfers amounts between the Variable Options you choose and Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations used to support the Protected Principal Value(s). The benefit may be appropriate if you wish to protect a principal amount against poor Variable Option performance as of a specific date in the future. There is an additional charge if you elected the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit.

The guarantees provided by the benefit exist only on the applicable Maturity Date(s) and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date(s) thereafter.

**Key Feature – Protected Principal Value/Enhanced Protected Principal Value**

The Guaranteed Return Option Plus offers a base guarantee as well as the option of electing an enhanced guarantee at a later date.

• **Base Guarantee:** Under
 the base guarantee, we guarantee that on the Maturity Date and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter
 that the benefit remains in effect, your Account Value will be no less than the Protected Principal Value. On the Maturity Date and
 on each anniversary after the Maturity Date that the benefit remains in effect, if your Account Value is below the Protected Principal Value, we will apply
 additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase your Account Value to be equal to the Protected
 Principal Value. A subsequent Purchase Payment increases the amount of the base guarantee by the amount of the Purchase Payment,
 and withdrawals reduce the base guarantee (as discussed below). Any amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity
 Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will first be applied to any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations then required to
 support guarantees due on subsequent Maturity Dates. We will allocate the remainder to the Variable Options on a proportional basis, based
 on the Account Value in the Variable Options at that time.

• **Enhanced Guarantee:** On
 any anniversary following commencement of the benefit, you can establish an enhanced guarantee amount based
 on your current Account Value. Under the enhanced guarantee, we guarantee that at the end of the specified period following the election
 of the enhanced guarantee (also referred to as its "Maturity Date"), and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter
 that the enhanced
 guaranteed amount remains in effect, your Account Value will be no less than the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. You can
 elect an enhanced guarantee more than once; however, a subsequent election supersedes the prior election of an enhanced guarantee.
 Election of an enhanced guarantee does not impact the base guarantee. In addition, you may elect an "auto step-up" feature that will automatically
 create an enhanced guarantee (or increase your enhanced guarantee, if previously elected) on each anniversary of

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the benefit (and create a new maturity period for the new enhanced guarantee) if the Account Value as of that anniversary exceeds the Protected Principal Value and Enhanced Protected Principal Value by 7% or more. You may also elect to terminate an enhanced guarantee. If you elect to terminate an enhanced guarantee, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations for the enhanced guarantee will be liquidated, on the Valuation Day the request is processed, (which may result in a Market Value Adjustment), and such amounts will be transferred according to the rules described in "Termination of the Benefit/ Enhanced Guarantee". Termination of an enhanced guarantee will not result in termination of the base guarantee. If you have elected the enhanced guarantee, on the guarantee's Maturity Date and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter that the enhanced guarantee amount remains in effect, if your Account Value is below the Enhanced Protected Principal Value, we will apply additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase your Account Value to be equal to the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. Any amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will first be applied to any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations then required to support guarantees due on subsequent Maturity Dates. We will allocate the remainder to the Variable Options on a proportional basis, based on the Account Value in the Variable Options at that time.

If our assumptions are correct and the operations relating to the administration of the benefit work properly, we do not expect that we will need to add additional amounts to your Annuity. The Protected Principal Value is referred to as the "Base Guarantee" and the Enhanced Protected Principal Value is referred to as the "Step-Up Guarantee" in the rider we issue for this benefit.

**Withdrawals under your Annuity**

Withdrawals from your Annuity, while the benefit is in effect, will reduce the base guarantee under the benefit as well as any enhanced guarantee. Cumulative annual withdrawals up to 5% of the Protected Principal Value as of the effective date of the benefit (adjusted for any subsequent Purchase Payments) will reduce the applicable guaranteed amount by the actual amount of the withdrawal (referred to as the "dollar-for-dollar limit"). If the amount withdrawn is greater than the dollar-for-dollar limit, the portion of the withdrawal equal to the dollar-for-dollar limit will be treated as described above, and the portion of the withdrawal in excess of the dollar-for-dollar limit will reduce the base guarantee and the enhanced guarantee proportionally, according to the formula as described in the rider for this benefit (see the examples of this calculation below). Withdrawals other than Systematic Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and any Fixed Allocations. Withdrawals will be subject to all other provisions of your Annuity, including any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Market Value Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) that would apply.

Charges for other optional benefits under your Annuity that are deducted as an annual charge in arrears will not reduce the applicable guaranteed amount under the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit, however, any third party investment advisory service will be treated as withdrawals and will reduce the applicable guaranteed amount.

The following examples of dollar-for-dollar and proportional reductions assume that: 1.) the Issue Date and the effective date of the GRO Plus benefit are October 13, 2004; 2.) an initial Purchase Payment of $250,000; 3.) a base guarantee amount of $250,000; and 4.) a dollar-for-dollar limit of $12,500 (5% of $250,000). The values set forth here are purely hypothetical and do not reflect the charge for GRO Plus or other fees and charges.

**Example 1. Dollar-for-dollar reduction**

A $10,000 withdrawal is taken on November 29, 2004 (in the first Annuity Year). No prior withdrawals have been taken. As the amount withdrawn is less than the Dollar-for-dollar Limit:

• The
 base guarantee amount is reduced by the amount withdrawn (i.e., by $10,000, from $250,000 to $240,000).

• The
 remaining dollar-for-dollar limit ("Remaining Limit") for the balance of the first Annuity Year is also reduced by the amount
 withdrawn (from $12,500
 to $2,500).

**Example 2. Dollar-for-dollar and proportional reductions**

A second $10,000 withdrawal is taken on December 18, 2004 (still within the first Annuity Year). The Account Value immediately before the withdrawal is $180,000. As the amount withdrawn exceeds the Remaining Limit of $2,500 from Example 1:

• The
 base guarantee amount is first reduced by the Remaining Limit (from $240,000 to $237,500);

• The
 result is then further reduced by the ratio of A to B, where:

○ A
 is the amount withdrawn less the Remaining Limit ($10,000 – $2,500, or $7,500).

○ B
 is the Account Value less the Remaining Limit ($180,000 – $2,500, or $177,500).

The resulting base guarantee amount is: $237,500 × (1 – $7,500 / $177,500), or $227,464.79.

• The
 Remaining Limit is set to zero (0) for the balance of the first Annuity Year.

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**Example 3. Reset of the Dollar-for-Dollar Limit**

A $10,000 withdrawal is made on December 19, 2005 (second Annuity Year). The Remaining Limit has been reset to the dollar-for-dollar limit of $12,500. As the amount withdrawn is less than the dollar-for-dollar limit:

• The
 base guarantee amount is reduced by the amount withdrawn (i.e., reduced by $10,000, from $227,464.79 to $217,464.79).

• The
 Remaining Limit for the balance of the second Annuity Year is also reduced by the amount withdrawn (from $12,500 to $2,500).

**Key Feature – Allocation of Account Value**

GRO Plus uses a mathematical formula that we operate to help manage your guarantees through all market cycles. Each Valuation Day, the formula determines if any portion of your Account Value needs to be transferred into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, through reference to a "reallocation trigger". The formula does this by (a) first identifying each guarantee that is outstanding under GRO Plus (b) then discounting the value of each such guarantee to a present value, based on crediting rates associated with the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, then (c) identifying the largest of such present values. Then, the formula compares the largest present value to both the Account Value and the value of assets allocated to the Variable Options to determine whether a transfer into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations is required. As detailed in the formula, if that largest present value exceeds the Account Value less a percentage of the Variable Option value, a transfer into the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will occur. Conversely, if the largest present value is less than the Account Value less a percentage of the Variable Option value, a transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will occur. This required formula helps us manage our financial exposure under the benefit, by moving assets to a more stable option (i.e., the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations). **The formula is set forth in** [**<u>Appendix C</u>**](#chapter_20-sect1_1_934)**.**

If your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger, then:

• your
 Account Value in the Variable Options will remain allocated according to your most recent instructions; and

• if
 a portion of your Account Value is allocated to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support the applicable guaranteed amount, all or a portion
 of those amounts will be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation and re-allocated to the Variable Options
 according to any asset allocation programs (including an Automatic Rebalancing program) established on your Annuity or in the absence
 of such programs, on a proportional basis, based on the Account Values in such Variable Options at that time;

• if
 all of your Account Value is allocated to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation, then all or a portion of that amount may be transferred
 from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation and re-allocated to the Variable Options, according to the following hierarchy:
 (i) first according to any asset allocation program that you may have in effect (ii) if no such program is in effect, then in accordance
 with any automatic rebalancing program that you may have in effect and (iii) if neither such program is in effect, then to the AST
 Government Money Market Variable Option; and

• a
 Market Value Adjustment will apply when we reallocate Account Value from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to the Variable Options,
 which may result in a decrease or increase in your Account Value.

If your Account Value is less than the reallocation trigger, a portion of your Account Value in the Variable Options will be transferred from the Variable Options on a proportional basis according to your allocations to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) to support the applicable guaranteed amount. The new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will have a Guarantee Period equal to the time remaining until the applicable Maturity Date(s). The Account Value allocated to the new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will be credited with the fixed interest rate(s) then being credited to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) maturing on the applicable Maturity Date(s) (rounded to the next highest yearly duration). The Account Value will remain invested in each applicable Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation until the applicable Maturity Date unless, at an earlier date, your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger and, therefore, amounts can be transferred to the Variable Options while maintaining the guaranteed protection under the program (as described above).

At any given time, some, none, or all of your Account Value may be allocated to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. With respect to any amounts held within the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we can give no assurance how long the amounts will reside there or if such amounts will transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If you make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity, they will be allocated to the Variable Options according to your allocation instructions. Such additional Purchase Payments may or may not cause the formula to transfer money in or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Once the Purchase Payments are allocated to your Annuity, they will also be subject to the formula, which may result in immediate transfers to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, if dictated by the formula. The amount of such transfers will vary, as dictated by the formula, and will depend on the factors listed below. Market Value Adjustment will always be applicable on withdrawals and/or surrenders when allocated to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

Each market cycle is unique, therefore the performance of your Variable Options, and its impact on your Account Value, will differ from market cycle to market cycle producing different transfer activity under the formula. The amount and timing of transfers to and from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations pursuant to the formula depend on various factors unique to your Annuity and are not necessarily directly correlated with the securities markets, bond markets, interest rates or any other market or index. Some of the factors that determine the amount and timing of transfers (as applicable to your Annuity), include:

• The
 difference between your Account Value (including any Market Value Adjustment) and your Protected Principal Value(s);

• The
 amount of time until the maturity of your guarantee(s);

• The
 amount invested in, and the performance of, the Variable Options;

• The
 amount invested in, and interest earned within, the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The
 current crediting rates associated with Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• Additional
 Purchase Payments, if any, that you make to the Annuity; and

• Withdrawals,
 if any, taken from the Annuity.

Any amounts invested in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will affect your ability to participate in a subsequent recovery within the Sub-accounts. Conversely, the Account Value may be higher at the beginning of the recovery, e.g. more of the Account Value may have been protected from decline and volatility than it otherwise would have been had the benefit not been elected.

While you are not notified when your Account Value reaches a reallocation trigger, you will receive a confirmation statement indicating the transfer of a portion of your Account Value either to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

You may not allocate Purchase Payments to or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

Separate Fixed Allocations may be established in support of the Protected Principal Value and the Enhanced Protected Principal Value (if elected). There may also be circumstances when a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation will be established only in support of the Protected Principal Value or the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. If you elect an enhanced guarantee, it is more likely that a portion of your Account Value may be allocated to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations and will remain allocated for a longer period of time to support the Enhanced Protected Principal Value, even during a period of positive Variable Option performance and/or under circumstances where Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations would not be necessary to support the Protected Principal Value. Further, there may be circumstances where Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations in support of the Protected Principal Value or Enhanced Protected Principal Value are transferred to the Variable Options under the formula differently than each other because of the different guarantees they support.

You should be aware of the following potential ramifications of the formula:

• Transfers
 of your Account Value can be frequent, and under some scenarios may occur on a daily basis. As indicated, each such transfer may
 be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be positive or negative. Thus, a Market Value Adjustment will directly increase or reduce your Account
 Value.

• As
 indicated, some or even all, of your Account Value may be maintained in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. The greater the
 Account Value held in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the larger (in dollar terms) the Market Value Adjustment upon any transfer
 of such Account Value to the Variable Options.

• Transfers
 under the formula do not impact your guarantees under GRO Plus that have already been locked-in.

**Election of the Benefit**

We no longer permit new elections of GRO Plus. If you currently participate in GRO Plus, your existing guarantees are unaffected by the fact that we no longer offer GRO Plus. **Please note that if you terminate a living benefit such as GRO Plus and elect a new living benefit, you lose the** **guarantees that you had accumulated under your existing benefit and we will base any guarantees under the new benefit on your Account** **Value as of the date the new benefit becomes active. We reserve the right to waive, change and/or further limit the election frequency in the** **future.**

**Termination of the Benefit/Enhanced Guarantee**

You can elect to terminate the enhanced guarantee but maintain the protection provided by the base guarantee. You also can terminate the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit entirely, in which case you will lose any existing guarantees.

Upon termination of the benefit or of the enhanced guarantee, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations related to the guarantee(s) being terminated will be transferred as follows: (a) if only a portion of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options on a proportional basis, based on your Account Value in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program (b) if your entire Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive prior instructions from you. A Market Value Adjustment will apply (except that if the benefit has terminated automatically due to payment of a death benefit, whether a Market Value Adjustment applies depends solely on the terms of the death benefit – see the "[<u>Optional Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_12_934)" section of this prospectus).

In general, you may cancel GRO Plus and then elect another living benefit that is available post issue, effective on any Valuation Day after your cancellation of GRO Plus. If you terminate GRO Plus, you will lose all guarantees under that benefit. Your election of another living benefit is subject to State and firm availability and our eligibility rules.

The benefit will terminate automatically upon: (a) the death of the Owner or the Annuitant (in an entity owned contract); (b) as of the date Account Value is applied to begin annuity payments; or (c) upon full surrender of the Annuity. If you elect to terminate the benefit, the Guaranteed Return Option Plus will no longer provide any guarantees.

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**Special Considerations under the Guaranteed Return Option Plus**

This benefit is subject to certain rules and restrictions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Upon
 inception of the benefit, 100% of your Account Value must have been allocated to the Variable Options. No Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations may be in effect as of the date that you elect to participate in the benefit. However, the formula may transfer Account Value
 to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations as of the effective date of the benefit under some circumstances.

• You
 cannot allocate any portion of Purchase Payments or transfer Account Value to or from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation while
 participating in the benefit; however, all or a portion of any Purchase Payments may be allocated by us to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations to support the amount guaranteed. You cannot participate in any dollar cost averaging benefit that transfers Account Value
 from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to a Variable Option.

• Transfers
 from Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations made as a result of the formula under the benefit will be subject to the Market Value
 Adjustment formula under an Annuity; however, the 0.10% liquidity factor in the formula will not apply. A Market Value Adjustment may
 be either positive or negative. Transfer amounts will be taken from the most recently established Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation.

• Transfers
 from the Variable Options to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations or from Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations to the
 Variable Options under the benefit will not count toward the maximum number of free transfers allowable under an Annuity.

• Any
 amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will not be treated as "investment
 in the contract" for income tax purposes.

• Low
 interest rates may require allocation to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations even when the current Account Value exceeds the guarantee.

• As
 the time remaining until the applicable Maturity Date gradually decreases the benefit will become increasingly sensitive to moves to Market
 Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

• We
 currently limit the Variable Options in which you may allocate Account Value if you participate in this benefit. Should we prohibit access to any investment
 option, any transfers required to move Account Value to eligible investment options will not be counted in determining the
 number of free transfers during an Annuity Year.

**Charges under the Benefit**

The maximum charge for Guaranteed Return Option Plus is 0.50% annually of the daily net assets of the Variable Options. The annual charge is deducted daily. The charge is deducted to compensate us for: (a) the risk that your Account Value on the Maturity Date is less than the amount guaranteed; and (b) administration of the benefit. You will begin paying this charge as of the effective date of the benefit. We will not refund the charges you have paid even if we never have to make any payments under the benefit.

If you elect the Enhanced Guarantee under the benefit, and on the date you elect to step-up, the charges under the benefit have changed for new purchases, your benefit may be subject to the new charge level. These charges will not exceed the maximum charges shown in the section of this prospectus entitled "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_934)."

**PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE**

**Performance Advantage was offered, in those states where approved, between May 15, 1999 and April 30, 2001. The description below of the** **Performance Advantage benefit applies to those Contract Owners who purchased an Annuity during that time period when the Performance** **Advantage feature was offered.**

**GLOSSARY OF TERMS**

When determining the <u>Account Value</u> and <u>Surrender Value</u> of the Annuity, both amounts will not include any Target Value Credits (described below) that we are entitled to recapture upon Surrender of your Annuity.

**DO YOU PROVIDE ANY GUARANTEES ON MY INVESTMENT?**

The Annuity provides Variable Options and fixed investment options. Only the fixed investment options provide a guaranteed return on your investment, subject to certain terms and conditions. However, your Annuity includes a feature at no additional cost that provides certain benefits if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded a "target value" on its 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary. If, on the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, your Account Value has not reached the target value (as defined below) you can choose either of the following benefits:

• You
 may continue your Annuity without electing to receive Annuity payments and receive an <u>annual</u> Credit to your Account Value payable until
 you begin receiving Annuity payments. The Credit is equal to 0.25% of the average of your Annuity's Account Value for the preceding four complete calendar
 quarters. This Credit is applied to your investment options on a proportional basis based on the allocation of your then
 current Account Value.

**OR**

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• You
 may begin receiving Annuity payments within one year and accept a one-time Credit to your Annuity equal to 10% of the net of the Account
 Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of its Issue Date minus the sum of all Purchase Payments allocated in the prior five years. The annuity
 option you select must initially guarantee payments for not less than seven years.

Following the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, we will inform you if your Account Value did not meet or exceed the Target Value. We will assume that you have elected to receive the annual Credit to your Account Value unless, not less than 30 days prior to the next anniversary of the Annuity, we receive at our home office your election to begin receiving Annuity payments.

Certain provisions of this benefit and of the Target Value Credits described below may differ if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, from any other Annuity we issue.

**WHAT IS THE "TARGET VALUE" AND HOW IS IT CALCULATED?**

The Target Value is a tool used to determine whether you are eligible to elect either of the benefits described above. The Target Value does not impact the Account Value available if you surrender your Annuity or make a partial withdrawal and does not impact the Death Benefit available to your Beneficiary(ies). The Target Value assumes a rate of return over ten (10) Annuity Years that will allow your initial investment to double in value, adjusted for any withdrawals and/or additional Purchase Payments you make during the 10-year period. We calculate the "Target Value" as follows:

1. Accumulate
 the initial Purchase Payment at an annual interest rate of 7.2% until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date; plus

2. Accumulate
 any additional Purchase Payments at an annual interest rate of 7.2% from the date applied until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's
 Issue Date; minus

3. Each
 "proportional reduction" resulting from any withdrawal, accumulating at an annual interest rate of 7.2% from the date the
 withdrawal is processed
 until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date. We determine each "proportional reduction" by determining the percentage
 of your Account Value then withdrawn and reducing the Target Value by that same percentage. We include any withdrawals under
 your Annuity in this calculation, as well as the charge we deduct for any optional benefits you elect under the Annuity, but not the charge
 we deduct for the Annual Maintenance Fee or the Transfer Fee.

**Examples**

1. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no further Purchase Payments. The Target Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your
 Annuity's Issue Date would be $20,042, assuming no withdrawals are made. This is equal to $10,000 accumulating at an
 annual rate of 7.2% for the 10-year period. In this example if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded the Target Value of $20,042
 on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, you may choose to elect either of the benefits described above.

2. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no further Purchase Payments. Assume at the end of Year 6, your Account
 Value has increased to $15,000 and you make a withdrawal of 10% or $1,500. The Target Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary would be $18,722.
 This is equal to $10,000 accumulating at an annual rate of 7.2% for the 10-year period, minus the proportional reduction accumulating
 at an annual interest rate of 7.2%. In this example if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded the Target Value of $18,722
 on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, you may choose to elect either of the benefits described above.

**CAN I RESTART THE 10-YEAR TARGET VALUE CALCULATIONS?**

You can elect to lock in the growth in your Annuity by "restarting" the 10-year period on any anniversary of the Issue Date. If you elect to restart the calculation period, we will treat your Account Value on the restart date as if it was your Purchase Payment when determining if your Annuity's Account Value meets or exceeds the Target Value on the appropriate tenth (10<sup>th</sup>) anniversary. You may elect to restart the calculation more than once, in which case, the 10-year calculation period will begin on the date of the last restart date. We must receive your election to restart the calculation at our home office not later than 30 days after each anniversary of the Issue Date.

**WHAT ARE TARGET VALUE CREDITS?**

Target Value Credits are additional amounts that we apply to your Account Value to increase the likelihood that your Account Value will meet or exceed the Target Value. We add Target Value Credits to your Account Value at the time a Purchase Payment is applied to your Annuity. Only those Purchase Payments made before the first anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity are eligible to receive Target Value Credits. Target Value Credits are separate and distinct from other Credits we apply to all Purchase Payments.

The amount of the Target Value Credit is equal to 1.0% of each qualifying Purchase Payment. Target Value Credits are only payable on qualifying Purchase Payments if the Owner(s) of the Annuity is(are) less than age 81 on its Issue Date. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the age restriction applies to the age of the Annuitant on the Issue Date. The Target Value Credit is payable from our general account and is allocated to the investment options in the same ratio that the qualifying Purchase Payment is allocated. Payment of the Target Value Credit is subject to our claims-paying ability and financial strength.

Target Value Credits will not be available if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, of an Annuity we issued that has the same or a similar benefit.

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The amount of any Target Value Credits is not immediately vested and can be recaptured by us under the circumstances and for the time periods shown below. If we exercise our right to recapture the amount of any Target Value Credit, any investment gain on the Target Value Credit will not be recaptured.

1. If
 you surrender your Annuity before the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Issue Date of the Annuity.

2. If
 you elect to begin receiving Annuity payments before the first anniversary of the Issue Date.

3. If
 a person on whose life we pay the Death Benefit dies, or if a "contingency event" occurs which triggers a medically-related
 surrender:

• within
 12 months after the date a Target Value Credit was allocated to your Account Value; or

• within
 10 years after the date a Target Value Credit was allocated to your Account Value if any Owner was over age 70 on the Issue Date,
 or, if the Annuity was then owned by an entity, the Annuitant was over age 70 on the Issue Date.

Following completion of the above time periods, the amount of any Target Value Credits is vested in the Owner.

Performance Advantage may be referred to as "Prudential Annuities' Performance Advantage" in certain instances.

**TRIGGERS FOR PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT**

The Annuity provides a Death Benefit during its Accumulation Period. If the Annuity is owned by one or more natural persons, the Death Benefit is payable upon the first death of an Owner. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Death Benefit is payable upon the Annuitant's death, if there is no Contingent Annuitant. If a Contingent Annuitant was designated before the Annuitant's death and the Annuitant dies, then the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant and a Death Benefit will not be paid at that time. The person upon whose death the Death Benefit is paid is referred to below as the "decedent."

**BASIC DEATH BENEFIT**

The Annuity provides a basic Death Benefit at no additional charge. The insurance charge we deduct daily from your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options is used, in part, to pay us for the risk we assume in providing the basic Death Benefit guarantee under the Annuity.

**Considerations for Contingent Annuitants:** We may allow the naming of a Contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity contract is held by a pension plan or a tax favored retirement plan or held by a Custodial Account (as defined in this prospectus). In such a situation, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the Annuity contract continues after the death of the Annuitant. In some of our Annuities held by these same types of entities we allow for the naming of a Co-Annuitant, which also is used to mean the successor annuitant (and not another life used for measuring the duration of an annuity payment option). Like in the case of a Contingent Annuitant, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the contract continues after the death of the Annuitant. However, tax deferral should be provided instead by the pension plan, tax favored retirement plan, or Custodial Account. We may also allow the naming of a Contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity contract is held by an entity which is not eligible for tax deferral benefits under Section 72(u) of the Code. This does not supersede any benefit language which may restrict the use of the Contingent Annuitant.

The basic Death Benefit depends on the decedent's age on the date of death:

*If death occurs before the decedent's age 90:* The Death Benefit is the greater of:

○ The
 sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all withdrawals; and

○ The
 sum of your Account Value in the Variable Options and your Interim Value in the Fixed Allocations. Please note that your Account Value
 includes any applicable Market Value Adjustment.

*If death occurs when the decedent is age 90 or older:* The Death Benefit is your Account Value.

**<u>Here is an example of how the basic death benefit is calculated if death occurs before the decedent reaches age 90:</u>**

The contract was issued with Purchase Payments totaling $100,000 but, due to negative Variable Option performance, the Account Value had decreased to $80,000. If the Owner died, the death benefit would still be $100,000. This amount, however, is reduced when you make a withdrawal from the contract. If the contract Owner had withdrawn $10,000 of the remaining $80,000, the death benefit would also be reduced by $10,000. Since the death benefit had been $100,000, it would now be $90,000.

**<u>Here is an example of how the basic death benefit is calculated if death occurs after the decedent reaches age 90:</u>**

The contract was issued with Purchase Payments totaling $100,000 but, due to negative Variable Option performance, the Account Value had decreased to $80,000. If the Owner died, the death benefit would be $80,000.

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**OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFITS**

Optional Death Benefits are offered for purchase with your Annuity to provide an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiaries.

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These benefits are no longer offered and must have been elected at the time that you purchased your Annuity. Certain terms and conditions may differ if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, from any other Annuity we issue.

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**ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT**

The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit can provide additional amounts to your Beneficiary that may be used to offset federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. Whether this benefit is appropriate for you may depend on your particular circumstances, including other financial resources that may be available to your Beneficiary to pay taxes on your Annuity should you die during the Accumulation Period. No benefit is payable if death occurs on or after the Annuity Date.

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit provides a benefit that is payable in addition to the basic Death Benefit.** If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 75 or less at the time the benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 75 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 75 or less.

***Calculation of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit***

If you purchase the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit, the Death Benefit is calculated as follows:

1. the
 basic Death Benefit described above;

**PLUS**

1. 50%
 of the **"Death Benefit Amount"** less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

The amount calculated in Items 1 & 2 above may be reduced by any Credits or Target Value Credits under certain circumstances.

**"Proportional withdrawals"** are determined by calculating the percentage of your Account Value that each prior withdrawal represented when withdrawn.

**"Death Benefit Amount"** includes your Account Value and any amounts added to your Account Value under the basic Death Benefit when the Death Benefit is calculated. Under the basic Death Benefit, amounts are added to your Account Value when the Account Value is less than Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals.

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**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is subject to a maximum of 50% of all Purchase Payments applied to the Annuity** **at least 12 months prior to the death of the decedent that triggers the payment of the Death Benefit.**

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**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit described above was offered in those jurisdictions where we received regulatory** **approval. Please refer to the section entitled "**[**<u>Taxes</u>**](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)**" for a discussion of special tax considerations for purchasers of this benefit.**

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**Examples of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes that a $50,000 initial Purchase Payment is made and that no withdrawals are made prior to the Owner's death. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 50 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options.

**<u>Example with Variable Option increase</u>**

Assume Owner has made no withdrawals and that the Owner's Account Value has been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $75,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, which ever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $75,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($75,000) **PLUS** 50% of the "Death Benefit Amount" less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Purchase Payments | = | $50000 |
|  Account Value | = | $75000 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | = | $75000 |
|  Death Benefit Amount | = | $75,000 - $50,000 = $25,000 |
|  Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $75,000 + $12,500 = $87,500 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $75,000 + $12,500 = $87,500 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $75,000 + $12,500 = $87,500 |

---

**Examples with Variable Option decline**

Assume that the Owner has made no withdrawals and that the Owner's Account Value has been decreasing due to declines in Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $45,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, which ever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $50,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($50,000) **PLUS** 50% of the "Death Benefit Amount" less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Purchase Payments | = | $50000 |
|  Account Value | = | $40000 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | = | $50000 |
|  Death Benefit Amount | = | $50,000 - $50,000 = $0 |
|  Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $50,000 + $0 = $50,000 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $50,000 + $0 = $50,000 | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit = $50,000 + $0 = $50,000 |

---

**In this example you would receive no additional benefit from purchasing the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit.**

**GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT**

If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 80 or less at the time the optional Death Benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 80 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 80 or less.

**Key Terms Used with the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit**

• The  **<u>Death Benefit Target Date</u>** is the contract anniversary on or after the 80 <sup>th</sup> birthday of the current Owner, the oldest of either joint Owner
 or the Annuitant, if entity owned.

• The  **<u>Highest Anniversary Value</u>** equals the highest of all previous "Anniversary Values" on or before the earlier of the Owner's date of death
 and the "Death Benefit Target Date".

• The  **<u>Anniversary Value</u>** is
 the Account Value as of each anniversary of the Issue Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments on or after such
 anniversary less the sum of all "Proportional Reductions" since such anniversary.

• A  **<u>Proportional Reduction</u>** is a reduction to the value being measured caused by a withdrawal, equaling the percentage of the withdrawal as
 compared to the Account Value as of the date of the withdrawal. For example, if your Account Value is $10,000 and you withdraw $2,000
 (a 20% reduction), we will reduce both your Anniversary Value and the amount determined by Purchase Payments increasing at the
 appropriate interest rate by 20%.

**Calculation of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit**

The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit depends on whether death occurs before or after the Death Benefit Target Date.

*If the Owner dies before the Death Benefit Target Date,* the Death Benefit equals the greatest of:

1. the
 Account Value in the Variable Options plus the Interim Value of any Fixed Allocations (no Market Value Adjustment) as of the date we receive
 in writing "due proof of death"; and

2. the
 sum of all Purchase Payments minus the sum of all Proportional Reductions, each increasing daily until the Owner's date of death
 at a rate of 5.0%,
 subject to a limit of 200% of the difference between the sum of all Purchase Payments and the sum of all withdrawals as of the
 Owner's date of death; and

3. the
 "Highest Anniversary Value" on or immediately preceding the Owner's date of death.

The amount determined by this calculation is increased by any Purchase Payments received after the Owner's date of death and decreased by any Proportional Reductions since such date.

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*If the Owner dies on or after the Death Benefit Target Date,* the Death Benefit equals the greater of:

1. the
 Account Value as of the date we receive in writing "due proof of death" (a Market Value Adjustment may be applicable to amounts
 in any Fixed Allocations);
 and

2. the
 greater of Item 2 & 3 above on the Death Benefit Target Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all Proportional Reductions since
 the Death Benefit Target Date.

**Examples of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes that a $50,000 initial Purchase Payment is made and that no withdrawals are made prior to the Owner's death. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 50 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options.

**<u>Example of Variable Option increase</u>**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value has generally been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $90,000. The Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period is $72,000. The Death Benefit would be the Account Value ($90,000) because it is greater than the Highest Anniversary Value ($72,000) or the sum of prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77).

**<u>Example of Variable Option decrease</u>**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value generally increased until the fifth anniversary but generally has been decreasing since the fifth contract anniversary. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $48,000. The Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period is $54,000. The Death Benefit would be the sum of prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77) because it is greater than the Highest Anniversary Value ($54,000) or the Account Value ($48,000).

**<u>Example of Variable Option increase followed by decrease</u>**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value increased significantly during the first six years following the Issue Date. On the sixth anniversary date the Account Value is $90,000. During the seventh Annuity Year, the Account Value increases to as high as $100,000 but then subsequently falls to $80,000 on the date we receive due proof of death. The Death Benefit would be the Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period ($90,000), which occurred on the sixth anniversary, although the Account Value was higher during the subsequent period. The Account Value on the date we receive due proof of death ($80,000) is lower, as is the sum of all prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77).

**Annuities with Joint Owners**

For Annuities with Joint Owners, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the oldest of the Joint Owners is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. NOTE: If you and your spouse own the Annuity jointly, we will pay the Death Benefit to the Beneficiary. If the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving spouse, then the surviving spouse can elect to assume ownership of the Annuity and continue the contract instead of receiving the Death Benefit.

**Annuities Owned by Entities**

For Annuities owned by an entity, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the Annuitant is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. Payment of the Death Benefit is based on the death of the Annuitant (or Contingent Annuitant, if applicable).

**Can I terminate the optional Death Benefits? Do the optional Death Benefits terminate under other circumstances?**

You can terminate the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit and the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit at any time. Upon termination, you will be required to pay on a proportional basis a portion of the annual charge for the benefit. Both optional Death Benefits will terminate automatically on the Annuity Date. We may also terminate any optional Death Benefit if necessary to comply with our interpretation of the Code and applicable regulations.

**What Are The Charges For The Optional Death Benefits?**

The maximum charge for Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit and the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit respectively is 0.75% and 0.55%. The charges for these death benefits are deducted in arrears each Annuity Year. No charge applies after the Annuity Date. We deduct the charge:

1. on
 each anniversary of the Issue Date;

2. when
 Account Value is transferred to our general account prior to the Annuity Date;

3. if
 you surrender your Annuity; and

4. if
 you choose to terminate the benefit (Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit only).

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If you surrender the Annuity, elect to begin receiving annuity payments or terminate the benefit on a date other than an anniversary of the Issue Date, the charge will be prorated. During the first year after the Issue Date, the charge will be prorated from the Issue Date. In all subsequent years, it would be prorated from the last anniversary of the Issue Date.

We first deduct the amount of the charge on a proportional basis from the Account Value in the Variable Options. We only deduct the charge on a proportional basis from the Fixed Allocations to the extent there is insufficient Account Value in the Variable Options to pay the charge. If your Annuity's Account Value is insufficient to pay the charge, we may deduct your remaining Account Value and terminate your Annuity. We will notify you if your Account Value is insufficient to pay the charge and allow you to submit an additional Purchase Payment to continue your Annuity.

Please refer to the section entitled "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)" for additional considerations in relation to the optional Death Benefit.

**PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFITS**

**Payment of Death Benefit to Beneficiary from a Non-qualified Annuity**

Except in the case of a Spousal Continuation, upon your death certain distributions must be made under the Non-qualified Annuity. The required distributions depend on whether you die before you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity or after you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity. If you die on or after the Annuity Date, the remaining portion of the interest in the Annuity must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of death. In the event of the Decedent's death before the Annuity Date, the Death Benefit must be distributed:

1. within
 five (5) years of the date of death (the "five-year deadline"); or

2. as
 a series of payments not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary or over the life of the Beneficiary. Payments under this
 option must begin within one year of the date of death. If the Beneficiary does not begin installments by such time, then no partial withdrawals
 will be permitted thereafter, and we require that the Beneficiary take the Death Benefit as a lump sum within the five-year deadline.
 If we do not receive instructions on where to send the payment within five-years of the date of death, the funds will be escheated.

3. If
 the Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the Owner, the spouse may elect to continue the Annuity.

Unless you have made an election prior to death benefit proceeds becoming due, a Beneficiary can elect to receive the Death Benefit proceeds as a series of fixed annuity payments. See the section entitled "[<u>Annuity Period</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_934)."

**Spousal Beneficiary - Assumption of Annuity**

You may name your spouse as your Beneficiary. If you and your spouse own the Annuity jointly, we assume that the sole primary Beneficiary will be the surviving spouse unless you elect an alternative Beneficiary designation. Unless you elect an alternative Beneficiary designation, the spouse Beneficiary may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Death Benefit payment. Any Death Benefit (including any optional Death Benefits) that would have been payable to the Beneficiary will become the new Account Value as of the date we receive due proof of death and any required proof of a spousal relationship. As of the date the assumption is effective, the surviving spouse will have all the rights and benefits that would be available under the Annuity to a new purchaser of the same attained age. For purposes of determining any future Death Benefit for the surviving spouse, the new Account Value will be considered as the initial Purchase Payment. No CDSC will apply to the new Account Value. However, any additional Purchase Payments applied after the date the assumption is effective will be subject to all provisions of the Annuity, including any CDSC that may apply to the additional Purchase Payments.

See the section entitled "[<u>Change of Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations - Contingent Annuitant</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_2_934)" for a discussion of the treatment of a spousal Contingent Annuitant in the case of the death of the Annuitant in an entity owned Annuity.

**Alternative Death Benefit Payment Options – Annuities Held by Tax-Favored Plans**

Upon your death under an IRA or Roth IRA, any remaining interest must be distributed in accordance with federal income tax requirements. The post-death distribution requirements were amended, applicable generally with respect to deaths occurring after 2019, by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 (which includes the "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" Act (SECURE Act)), and further clarified by the associated final and proposed regulations. We reserve our rights to implement any additional regulations addressing these requirements in the future. The post-death distribution requirements under prior law continue to apply in certain circumstances. The following rules generally apply to deaths after 2019:

• 10-year
 rule: If you have a designated Beneficiary, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years after your death, unless the designated
 Beneficiary is an "eligible designated Beneficiary" ("EDB") or some other exception applies.

• Eligible
 designated beneficiaries: A designated Beneficiary is any individual designated as a Beneficiary by the IRA owner. An EDB is any designated
 Beneficiary who is (1) your surviving spouse, (2) your minor child, (3) disabled, (4) chronically ill, or (5) an individual not more than
 10 years younger than you. An individual's status as an EDB is generally determined on the date of your death.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Other
 applicable rules: This 10-year post-death distribution period applies regardless of whether you die before your required beginning date,
 or you die on or after that date (including after distributions have commenced in the form of an annuity). However, if you die on or after
 the required beginning date, then annual distributions will be required from the Annuity during the 10-year period. If the Beneficiary
 is an EDB and the
 EDB dies before the entire interest is distributed under this 10-year rule, the remaining interest must be distributed within 10
 years after the EDB's death (i.e., a new 10-year distribution period begins).

Instead of taking distributions under the 10-year rule, an EDB can stretch distributions over life, or over a period not extending beyond life expectancy, provided that such distributions commence within one year of your death, subject to certain special rules. In addition, if your minor child is an EDB, the child will cease to be an EDB on the date the child reaches the age of 21, and any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years after that date (regardless of whether the remaining distribution period under the stretch rule was more or less than 10 years).

It is important to note that under prior law, annuity payments that commenced under a method that satisfied the distribution requirements while the IRA Owner was alive could continue to be made under that method after the death of the IRA owner. However, under the current law, if you commence taking distributions in the form of an annuity that can continue after your death, such as in the form of a joint and survivor annuity or an annuity with a guaranteed period of more than 10 years, any distributions after your death that are scheduled to be made beyond the applicable distribution period imposed under the current law might need to be commuted at the end of that period (or otherwise modified after your death if permitted under federal tax law and by Fortitude) in order to comply with the post-death distribution requirements.

The post-death distribution requirements do not apply if annuity payments that comply with prior law commenced prior to December 20, 2019. Also, even if annuity payments have not commenced prior to December 20, 2019, the requirements generally do not apply to an immediate annuity contract purchased prior to that date, if you have made an irrevocable election before that date as to the method and amount of the annuity.

If your Beneficiary is not an individual, such as a charity, your estate, or a trust, any remaining interest after your death generally must be distributed under prior law in accordance with the 5-year rule or the at-least-as-rapidly rule, as applicable (but not the lifetime payout rule). You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your Beneficiary designations.

In addition, the post-death distribution requirements generally do not apply if the IRA Owner died prior to January 1, 2020. However, if the designated Beneficiary of the deceased IRA Owner dies after January 1, 2020, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years of the designated Beneficiary's death. Hence, this 10-year rule will apply to (1) a contract issued prior to 2020 which continues to be held by a designated Beneficiary of an IRA Owner who died prior to 2020, and (2) an inherited IRA issued after 2019 to the designated Beneficiary of an IRA Owner who died prior to 2020.

• Spousal
 continuation. Under the current law, as under prior law, if your Beneficiary is your spouse, such surviving spouse can delay the application
 of the post-death distribution requirements until after their death by transferring the remaining interest tax-free to their own IRA,
 or by treating your IRA as their own IRA subject to specific limits under the regulations. The post-death distribution requirements are complex in numerous
 respects. In addition, the manner in which these requirements will apply will depend on your particular facts and circumstances.
 You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

For more information, see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)." You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your Beneficiary designations.

Designated Beneficiaries may be eligible for the IRA Beneficiary Continuation Option; however, distribution periods may be limited by applicable tax law as stated above. Beneficiaries should consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of distribution options.

Upon election of this IRA Beneficiary Continuation option:

• the
 Annuity contract will be continued in the Owner's name, for the benefit of the Beneficiary.

• the
 Account Value will be equal to any Death Benefit (including any optional Death Benefit) that would have been payable to the Beneficiary
 if they had taken a lump sum distribution.

• the
 Beneficiary may request transfers among Variable Options, subject to the same limitations and restrictions that applied to the Owner. NOTE: The Variable
 Options offered under  the IRA Beneficiary Continuation option may be limited.

• no
 additional Purchase Payments can be applied to the Annuity.

• the
 basic Death Benefit and any optional Death Benefits elected by the Owner will no longer apply to the Beneficiary.

• the
 Beneficiary can request a withdrawal of all or a portion of the Account Value at any time without application of a CDSC.

• upon
 the death of the Beneficiary, any remaining Account Value will be paid in a lump sum to the person(s) named by the Beneficiary.

• all
 amounts in the Annuity must be paid out to the Beneficiary according to the Minimum Distribution rules described in the " [<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934) " section.

Payment under this option may be limited based on federal income tax requirements. See the "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)" section for more information on the limitations that may apply to this option.

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**Are there any exceptions to these rules for paying the Death Benefit?**

There are exceptions that apply no matter how your Death Benefit is calculated. There are exceptions to the Death Benefit if the decedent was not the Owner or Annuitant as of the Issue Date and did not become the Owner or Annuitant due to the prior Owner's or Annuitant's death. Any Death Benefit (including either optional Death Benefit) that applies will be suspended for a two-year period from the date he or she first became Owner or Annuitant. After the two-year suspension period is completed, the Death Benefit is the same as if this person had been an Owner or Annuitant on the Issue Date.

**When do you determine the Death Benefit?**

We determine the amount of the Death Benefit as of the date we receive "due proof of death", any instructions we require to determine the method of payment and any other written representations we require to determine the proper payment of the Death Benefit to all Beneficiaries. "Due proof of death" may include a certified copy of a death certificate, a certified copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding of death or other satisfactory proof of death. Upon our receipt of "due proof of death" we automatically transfer the Death Benefit to the AST Money Market Variable Option until we further determine the universe of eligible Beneficiaries.

Each Beneficiary must make an election as to the method they wish to receive their portion of the Death Benefit. Absent an election of a Death Benefit payment method, no Death Benefit can be paid to the Beneficiary. We may require written acknowledgment of all named Beneficiaries before we can pay the Death Benefit. During the period from the date of death until we receive all required paper work, the amount of the Death Benefit may be subject to Variable Option fluctuations.

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**PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE**

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**The Annuity referenced in this prospectus is no longer available for new sales or re-elections.**

**REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING THE ANNUITY**

**We may apply certain limitations, restrictions, and/or underwriting standards as a condition of our issuance of an Annuity and/or acceptance** **of Purchase Payments. Certain of the current limitations, restrictions and standards are described below. We may change these limitations,** **restrictions and standards in the future.**

**Initial Purchase Payment:** We no longer allow new purchases of this Annuity. Previously, the minimum initial Purchase Payment was $1,000. However, if you decided to make payments under a systematic investment or "bank drafting" program, we accepted a lower initial Purchase Payment provided that, within the first Annuity Year, you made at least $1,000 in total Purchase Payments.

We must approve any initial and additional Purchase Payments where the total amount of Purchase Payments equal $1,000,000 or more with respect to this Annuity and any other annuities you are purchasing from us (or that you already own) and/or our affiliates. To the extent allowed by state law, that required approval also will apply to a proposed change of Owner of the Annuity, if as a result of the ownership change, total Purchase Payments with respect to this Annuity and all other annuities owned by the new Owner would equal or exceed that $1 million threshold. We may have applied certain limitations and/or restrictions on the Annuity as a condition of our acceptance, including limiting the liquidity features or the Death Benefit protection provided under the Annuity, limiting the right to make additional Purchase Payments, changing the number of transfers allowable under the Annuity or restricting the Variable Options that are available. Other limitations and/or restrictions may apply.

**Age Restrictions:** There was no age restriction to purchase the Annuity. However, the basic Death Benefit provides greater protection for persons under age 90. The availability of certain optional benefits may vary based on the age of the Owner on the Issue Date of the Annuity.

**DESIGNATION OF OWNER, ANNUITANT, AND BENEFICIARY**

**Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations:** On your Application, we asked you to name the Owner(s), Annuitant and one or more Beneficiaries for your Annuity.

• <u>Owner:</u> The Owner(s) holds all rights under the Annuity. You may name up to two Owners in which case all ownership rights are held jointly.
 Generally, joint Owners are required to act jointly; however, if each Owner provides us with a written form that we find acceptable, we
 will permit each Owner to act independently on behalf of both Owners. All information and documents that we are required to send you will
 be sent to the first named Owner. This Annuity does not provide a right of survivorship. Refer to the [<u>Glossary of Terms</u>](#chapter_2-sect1_1_934) for a complete description
 of the term "Owner."

• <u>Annuitant:</u> The Annuitant is the person we agree to make annuity payments to and upon whose life we continue to make such payments. You
 must name an Annuitant who is a natural person. We do not accept a designation of joint Annuitants during the Accumulation Period. Where
 allowed by law, you may name one or more Contingent Annuitants. A Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant if the Annuitant
 dies before the Annuity Date. Please refer to the discussion of "Considerations for Contingent Annuitants" in the " [<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934) "
  section of
 the Prospectus.

• <u>Beneficiary:</u> The Beneficiary is the person(s) or entity you name to receive the death benefit. If no beneficiary is named the death benefit will
 be paid to you or your estate. If no beneficiary is named for a trust owned contract, the default beneficiary will be the contract owner.

Your right to make certain designations may be limited if your Annuity is to be used as an IRA, Beneficiary Annuity or other "qualified" investment that is given beneficial tax treatment under the Code. You should seek competent tax advice on the income, estate and gift tax implications of your designations.

**HOW AND WHEN ARE PURCHASE PAYMENTS INVESTED?**

(See "[<u>Processing and Valuing Transactions</u>](#chapter_12-sect1_11_934)" for a description of our procedure for pricing initial and subsequent Purchase Payments.)

**Initial Purchase Payment:** Once we accepted your application, we invested your net Purchase Payment in the Annuity. The net Purchase Payment is your initial Purchase Payment minus any tax charges that may apply. The Annuity is no longer sold.

**Subsequent Purchase Payments:** We will allocate any additional Purchase Payments you make according to your current allocation instructions. If any rebalancing or asset allocation programs are in effect, the allocation should conform with such a program. We assume that your current allocation instructions are valid for subsequent Purchase Payments until you make a change to those allocations or request new allocations when you submit a new Purchase Payment.

Depending on the tax status of your Annuity (e.g., if you own the Annuity through an IRA), there may be annual contribution limits dictated by applicable law. Please see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)" for additional information on these contribution limits.

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**ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENTS**

The minimum amount that we accept as an additional Purchase Payment is $100 unless you participate in the Systematic Investment Program or a periodic Purchase Payment program. We will allocate any additional Purchase Payments you make according to your most recent allocation instructions, unless you request new allocations when you submit a new Purchase Payment.

**SCHEDULED PAYMENTS DIRECTLY FROM A BANK ACCOUNT**

You can make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity by authorizing us to deduct money directly from your bank account and applying it to your Annuity. This type of program is often called "bank drafting". We call our bank drafting program the "Systematic Investment Program." Purchase Payments made through bank drafting may only be allocated to the Variable Options when applied. Bank drafting allows you to invest in your Annuity with a lower initial Purchase Payment, as long as you authorize payments that will equal at least $1,000 during the first 12 months of your Annuity. We may suspend or cancel bank drafting privileges if sufficient funds are not available from the applicable financial institution on any date that a transaction is scheduled to occur.

**SALARY REDUCTION PROGRAMS**

These types of programs are only available with certain types of qualified investments. If your employer sponsors such a program, we may agree to accept periodic Purchase Payments through a salary reduction program as long as the allocations are made only to Variable Options and the periodic Purchase Payments received in the first year total at least $1,000.

**HOW IS MY ACCOUNT VALUE DETERMINED?**

During the Accumulation Period, the Annuity has an Account Value. The Account Value is determined separately for each Variable Option allocation and for each Fixed Allocation. The Account Value is the sum of the values of each Variable Option allocation and the value of each Fixed Allocation. The Account Value does not reflect any CDSC that may apply to a withdrawal or surrender. When determining the Account Value on any day other than a Fixed Allocation's Maturity Date, the Account Value may include any Market Value Adjustment that would apply to a Fixed Allocation (if withdrawn or transferred) on that day.

**SURRENDER VALUE**

The Surrender Value of your Annuity is the value available to you on any day during the Accumulation Period. The Surrender Value is equal to your Account Value minus any CDSC, the Annual Maintenance Fee and the charge for any optional benefits. The Surrender Value will also include any Market Value Adjustment that may apply.

**VALUING THE VARIABLE OPTIONS**

When you allocate Account Value to a Variable Option, you are purchasing Units of the Variable Option. Each Variable Option invests exclusively in shares of an underlying Portfolio. The value of the Units fluctuates with the market fluctuations of the Portfolios. The value of the Units also reflects the daily accrual for the insurance charge and if you elected one or more optional benefits whose annual charge is deducted daily; the additional charge made for such benefits. There may be several different Unit Prices for each Variable Option to reflect the insurance charge and the charges for any optional benefits. The Unit Price for the Units you purchase will be based on the total charges for the benefits that apply to your Annuity. See the section entitled "[<u>Processing and Valuing Transactions</u>](#chapter_12-sect1_11_934)" for a detailed discussion of how Units are purchased and redeemed to reflect changes in the daily charges that apply to your Annuity.

Each Valuation Day, we determine the price for a Unit of each Variable Option, called the "Unit Price." The Unit Price is used for determining the value of transactions involving Units of the Variable Options. We determine the number of Units involved in any transaction by dividing the dollar value of the transaction by the Unit Price of the Variable Option as of the Valuation Day. The investment performance of the Portfolios, expenses, and deductions of certain charges affects the Unit Price, the number of Units, or both.

**Example**

Assume you allocate $5,000 to a Variable Option. On the Valuation Day you make the allocation, the Unit Price is $14.83. Your $5,000 buys 337.154 Units of the Variable Option. Assume that later, you wish to transfer $3,000 of your Account Value out of that Variable Option and into another Variable Option. On the Valuation Day you request the transfer, the Unit Price of the original Variable Option has increased to $16.79. To transfer $3,000, we sell 178.677 Units at the current Unit Price, leaving you 158.477 Units. We then buy $3,000 of Units of the new Variable Option at the Unit Price of $17.83. You would then have 168.255 Units of the new Variable Option.

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**VALUING THE FIXED ALLOCATIONS**

During the Guarantee Period, we use the concept of an Interim Value. The Interim Value can be calculated on any day and is equal to the initial value allocated to a Fixed Allocation plus all interest credited to a Fixed Allocation as of the date calculated. The Interim Value does not include the impact of any Market Value Adjustment. If you made any transfers or withdrawals from a Fixed Allocation, the Interim Value will reflect the withdrawal of those amounts and any interest credited to those amounts before they were withdrawn. To determine the Account Value of a Fixed Allocation on any day other than its Maturity Date, we multiply the Account Value of the Fixed Allocation times the Market Value Adjustment factor.

**PROCESSING AND VALUING TRANSACTIONS**

We are generally open to process financial transactions on those days that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. There may be circumstances where the NYSE does not open on a regularly scheduled date or time or closes at an earlier time than scheduled (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Financial transactions requested before the close of the NYSE which meet our requirements will be processed according to the value next determined following the close of business. Financial transactions requested on a non-Valuation Day or after the close of the NYSE will be processed based on the value next computed on the next Valuation Day. There may be circumstances when the opening or closing time of the NYSE is different than other major stock exchanges, such as NASDAQ. Under such circumstances, the closing time of the NYSE will be used when valuing and processing transactions.

There may be circumstances where the NYSE is open, however, due to inclement weather, natural disaster or other circumstances beyond our control, our offices may be closed or our business processing capabilities may be restricted. Under those circumstances, your Account Value may fluctuate based on changes in the Unit Values, but you may not be able to transfer Account Value or make a purchase or redemption request.

The NYSE is closed on certain announced holidays. On those dates, we will not process any financial transactions involving purchase or redemption orders.

We will also not process financial transactions involving purchase or redemption orders or transfers on any day that:

• trading
 on the NYSE is restricted;

• an
 emergency exists making redemption or valuation of securities held in the Separate Account impractical; or

• the
 SEC, by order, permits the suspension or postponement for the protection of security holders.

**Initial Purchase Payments:** We no longer allow new purchases of this Annuity. Previously, we allocated your initial Purchase Payment to the Variable Options within two (2) days after we receive all of our requirements to issue the Annuity. If we did not have all the required information to allow us to issue your Annuity, we may have retained the Purchase Payment while we tried to reach you or your representative to obtain all of our requirements. If we were unable to obtain all of our required information within five (5) days, we were required to return the Purchase Payment to you at that time, unless you specifically consented to our retaining the Purchase Payment while we gathered the required information. Once we obtained the required information, we invested the Purchase Payment and issued the Annuity within two (2) days. During any period that we were trying to obtain the required information, your money was not invested.

**Additional Purchase Payments:** We will apply any additional Purchase Payments on the Valuation Day that we receive the Purchase Payment with satisfactory allocation instructions.

**Scheduled Transactions:** "Scheduled" transactions include transfers under a Dollar Cost Averaging, rebalancing, or asset allocation program, Systematic Withdrawals, Minimum Distributions or annuity payments. Scheduled transactions are processed and valued as of the date they are scheduled, unless the scheduled day is not a Valuation Day. In that case, the transaction will be processed and valued on Valuation Day prior to the scheduled transaction date.

**Unscheduled Transactions:** "Unscheduled" transactions include any other non-scheduled transfers and requests for Partial Withdrawals or Charge Free Withdrawals or Surrenders. Unscheduled transactions are processed and valued as of the Valuation Day we receive the request at our Office and have all of the required information.

**Deferral of Transactions:** If we defer a distribution or transfer from any Fixed Allocation or any fixed annuity payment for more than 10 days, we pay interest using our then current crediting rate for this purpose, which is not less than 3% per year on the amount deferred. Medically-related Surrenders & Death Benefits: Medically-related surrender requests and Death Benefit claims require our review and evaluation before processing. We price such transactions as of the date we receive at our Office all supporting documentation we require for such transactions and that are satisfactory to us.

**Termination of Optional Benefit:** If you terminate any optional benefits, we will no longer deduct the charge we apply to purchase the optional benefit. On the date the charge no longer applies, your Annuity will become subject to a different daily asset-based charge. We will process a transaction where your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options will be used to purchase new Units of the Variable Options that reflect the insurance charge and any optional benefit or program still elected, but not the charge for the optional benefit or program that you terminated. The number of Units attributed to your Annuity will be decreased and the Unit Price of each Unit of the Variable Options in which you invested will be increased. **The adjustment in the** **number of Units and Unit Price will not affect your Account Value.** Beginning on that date, your Account Value will be determined based on the change in the value of Units that reflect the insurance charge and any other optional benefits that you have elected

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**SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS**

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**TYPES OF DISTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU**

During the Accumulation Period you can access your Account Value through Partial Withdrawals, Systematic Withdrawals, and where required for tax purposes, Minimum Distributions. You can also surrender your Annuity at any time. We may deduct a portion of the Account Value being withdrawn or surrendered as a CDSC. If you surrender your Annuity, in addition to any CDSC, we may deduct the Annual Maintenance Fee, any Tax Charge that applies and the charge for any optional benefits. We may also apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. Certain amounts may be available to you each Annuity Year that are not subject to a CDSC. These are called "Charge Free Withdrawals." In addition, under certain circumstances, we may waive the CDSC for surrenders made for qualified medical reasons or for withdrawals made to satisfy Minimum Distribution requirements. Unless you notify us differently, withdrawals are taken on a proportional basis based on the Account Value in the investment options at the time we receive your withdrawal request. Each of these types of distributions is described more fully below.

**TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

(For more information, see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)")

**Prior to Annuitization**

For federal income tax purposes, a distribution during the Accumulation Period is deemed to come first from any "gain" in your Annuity and second as a return of your "cost basis", if any. Distributions from your Annuity are generally subject to ordinary income taxation on the amount of any investment gain unless the distribution qualifies as a non-taxable exchange or transfer. If you take a distribution prior to the taxpayer's age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% additional tax in addition to ordinary income taxes on any gain. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for advice before requesting a distribution.

**During Annuitization**

During the Annuitization period, a portion of each annuity payment is taxed as ordinary income at the tax rate you are subject to at the time of the payment. The Code and regulations have "exclusionary rules" that we use to determine what portion of each annuity payment should be treated as a return of any cost basis you have in the Annuity. Once the cost basis in the Annuity has been distributed, the remaining annuity payments are taxable as ordinary income. The cost basis in the Annuity may be based on the cost basis from a prior contract in the case of a Section 1035 exchange or other qualifying transfer.

There may also be tax implications on distributions from qualified Annuities. See "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)" for information about qualified Annuities and for additional information about Non-qualified Annuities.

**CAN I WITHDRAW A PORTION OF MY ANNUITY?**

You can make a withdrawal during the Accumulation Period.

• To
 meet liquidity needs, you can withdraw a limited amount from your Annuity during each of Annuity Years 1-7 without a CDSC being applied.
 We call this the "Charge Free Withdrawal" amount. The Charge Free Withdrawal amount is not available if you choose to surrender
 your Annuity. Amounts withdrawn as a Charge Free Withdrawal do not reduce the amount of CDSC that may apply upon a subsequent
 withdrawal or surrender of the Annuity. The minimum Charge Free Withdrawal you may request is $100.

• You
 can also make withdrawals in excess of the Charge Free Withdrawal amount. We call this a "Partial Withdrawal." The amount
 that you may withdraw
 will depend on the Annuity's Surrender Value. The Surrender Value is equal to your Account Value minus any CDSC, the Annual
 Maintenance Fee, the Tax Charge, any charges for optional benefits and any Market Value Adjustment that may apply to any Fixed
 Allocations. After any Partial Withdrawal, your Annuity must have a Surrender Value of at least $1,000, or we may treat the Partial Withdrawal
 request as a request to fully surrender your Annuity. The minimum Partial Withdrawal you may request is $100.

When we determine if a CDSC applies to Partial Withdrawals and Systematic Withdrawals, we will first determine what, if any, amounts qualify as a Charge Free Withdrawal. Those amounts are not subject to the CDSC. Partial Withdrawals or Systematic Withdrawals of amounts greater than the maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount will be subject to a CDSC.

*Gross Withdrawal or Net Withdrawal.* Generally, you can request either a gross withdrawal or a net withdrawal. If, however, you are taking your withdrawal through a systematic withdrawal program, you may only be permitted to take that withdrawal on a gross basis. In a gross withdrawal, you request a specific withdrawal amount with the understanding that the amount you actually receive is reduced by any applicable CDSC or tax withholding. In a net withdrawal, you request a withdrawal for an exact dollar amount with the understanding that any applicable deduction for CDSC or tax withholding is taken from your Account Value. This means that an amount greater than the amount of your requested withdrawal will be deducted from your Account Value. To make sure that you receive the full amount requested, we calculate the entire amount, including the amount generated due to the CDSC or tax withholding, that will need to be withdrawn. We then apply the CDSC or tax withholding to that entire amount. As a result, you will pay a greater CDSC or have more tax withheld if you elect a net withdrawal.

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Partial Withdrawals may also be available following Annuitization but only if you choose certain annuity payment options.

To request the forms necessary to make a withdrawal from your Annuity, call 1-800-879-7012 or visit our website at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>.

**HOW MUCH CAN I WITHDRAW AS A CHARGE FREE WITHDRAWAL?**

The Charge Free Withdrawal provision that applies to your Annuity depends on its Issue Date and your residence state. We began offering a new Charge Free Withdrawal provision in most states as of May 1, 1996. The Charge Free Withdrawal provision also varies depending on whether your Annuity is used as a funding vehicle for a qualified plan under Section 401 of the Code. As of the date of this Prospectus, we are no longer offering the Annuity for use with Section 401 plans.

*Annuities Issued on or after May 1, 1996*<br>The maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the greater of:

1. the
 "Growth" in the Annuity; or

2. 10%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Charge Free Withdrawals, or amounts deemed to come from Charge Free Withdrawals, during the then current
 Annuity Year.

3. The
 "emergency amount" available each Annuity Year minus any prior Charge Free Withdrawals or amounts deemed to come from Charge
 Free Withdrawals. The "emergency amount" on the Issue Date is 10% of the initial Purchase Payment. At the beginning of each subsequent Annuity
 Year, the "emergency amount" is increased by 10% of all Purchase Payments that have been invested for less than the
 CDSC period, subject to a maximum of 50%. During any Annuity Year, the "emergency amount" is increased by 10% of all Purchase Payments applied
 during the Annuity Year.

*Annuities Issued before May 1, 1996*<br>The maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the greater of:

1. the
 "Growth" in the Annuity; or

2. 10%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Charge Free Withdrawals, or amounts deemed to come from Charge Free Withdrawals, during the then current
 Annuity Year.

3. The
 "emergency amount" available each Annuity Year on or after Annuity Year 1 is 35% of all Purchase Payments that have been invested
 for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven (7) years) minus the sum of all prior withdrawals of any type.

*Annuities used as funding vehicles for Section 401 Plans*<br>The maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the same as above based on the Issue Date of the Annuity. However, Item (2) of each provision is as follows:

1. 20%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Charge Free Withdrawals, or amounts deemed to come from Charge Free Withdrawals, during the then current
 Annuity Year.

Under each provision above, "Growth" equals the current Account Value less all Purchase Payments that have been invested for less than the CDSC period and have not been previously withdrawn. "Growth" does not include any additional amounts we applied to your Annuity based on your Purchase Payments.

**NOTE:** Charge Free Withdrawals do not reduce the amount of any CDSC that would apply upon a partial withdrawal or subsequent surrender. The minimum Charge Free Withdrawal you may request is $100. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations.

**Examples**

The following hypothetical examples assume that your Annuity was issued on or after May 1, 1996.

1. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. If you have made no previous Charge Free Withdrawals, the maximum
 Charge Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 3 would be the greater of Growth (Account Value minus Purchase Payments = $2,500),
 10% of Purchase Payments ($1,000) or 30% of Purchase Payments ($3,000). Your maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity
 Year 3 would be $3,000.

2. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. Assume you choose to withdraw the Growth, equal to $2,500 in Annuity
 Year 3. Assume further that in Annuity Year 5, your Account Value has increased to $11,000 due to positive investment performance.
 The maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 5 would be the greater of Growth (Account Value minus Purchase
 Payments = $1,000), 10% of Purchase Payments ($1,000) or 50% of Purchase Payments minus the sum of any prior Charge Free
 Withdrawals ($5,000 - $2,500 = $2,500).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

3. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. Assume you take the maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount in
 Annuity Year 3 ($3,000) as described in Item 1 above. Further assume that in Annuity Year 4, you choose to surrender your Annuity. Assume
 that your Account Value in Annuity Year 4 has increased to $10,500 due to positive investment performance. Upon surrender, we will
 deduct a CDSC of 5% based on the number of years that your Purchase Payment has been invested times the amount of your Purchase
 Payment that has not been previously withdrawn. The amount of the previous Charge Free Withdrawal was not subject to a CDSC
 when withdrawn. Therefore, upon surrender, the amount of the entire Purchase Payment is subject to the CDSC (5.0% of $10,000 =
 $500). You would receive $10,000 minus the Annual Maintenance Fee.

When we determine if a CDSC applies to Partial Withdrawals and Systematic Withdrawals, we will first determine what, if any, amounts qualify as a Charge Free Withdrawal. Those amounts are not subject to the CDSC. Partial Withdrawal or Systematic Withdrawal of amounts greater than the maximum Charge Free Withdrawal amount will be subject to a CDSC.

**IS THERE A CHARGE FOR A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL?**

A CDSC may be assessed against a Partial Withdrawal during the Accumulation Period. Whether a CDSC applies and the amount to be charged depends on whether the Partial Withdrawal exceeds any Charge Free Withdrawal amount and, if so, the number of years that have elapsed since the Purchase Payment being withdrawn has been invested in the Annuity.

1. If
 you request a Partial Withdrawal we determine if the amount you requested is available as a Charge Free Withdrawal (in which case it would
 not be subject to a CDSC);

2. If
 the amount requested exceeds the available Charge Free Withdrawal amount:

• First,
 we withdraw the amount from Purchase Payments that have been invested for longer than the CDSC period, if any (with your Annuity,
 seven (7) years);

• Second,
 we withdraw the remaining amount from the Purchase Payments that are still subject to a CDSC. We withdraw the "oldest" of
 your Purchase Payments first so that the lowest CDSC will apply to the amount withdrawn.

Any CDSC will only apply to the amount withdrawn that exceeds the Charge Free Withdrawal amount.

For purposes of calculating the CDSC on a partial withdrawal, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Charge Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance.

3. If
 the amount requested exceeds the amounts available under Item #2 above, we withdraw the remaining amount from any other Account Value.

**CAN YOU CLOSE MY ACCOUNT AND INVOLUNTARILY REDEEM MY INVESTMENT?**

As explained above, after any Partial Withdrawal, your Annuity must have a Surrender Value of at least $1,000, or we may treat the Partial Withdrawal request as a request to fully surrender your Annuity.

**SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS**

You can receive Systematic Withdrawals of earnings only, principal plus earnings or a flat dollar amount. Systematic Withdrawals based on the Charge Free Withdrawal amount are only available if the contract is still within the surrender charge period and will be calculated based only on the Purchase Payments that are still subject to CDSC. Systematic Withdrawals may be subject to a CDSC. We will determine whether a CDSC applies and the amount in the same way as we would for a Partial Withdrawal.

Systematic Withdrawals can be made from Account Value allocated to the Variable Options or Fixed Allocations. Generally, Systematic Withdrawals from Fixed Allocations are limited to earnings accrued after the program of Systematic Withdrawals begins, or payments of fixed dollar amounts that do not exceed such earnings. Systematic Withdrawals are available on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. We may require that the Surrender Value of your Annuity must be at least $20,000 before we will allow you to begin a program of Systematic Withdrawals.

The minimum amount for each Systematic Withdrawal is $100. If any scheduled Systematic Withdrawal is for less than $100, we may postpone the withdrawal and add the expected amount to the amount that is to be withdrawn on the next scheduled Systematic Withdrawal.

**SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS UNDER SECTION 72(t) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE**

If your Annuity is used as a funding vehicle for certain retirement plans that receive special tax treatment under Sections 401, 403(b) or 408 of the Code, Section 72(t) of the Code may provide an exception to the 10% additional tax on distributions made prior to age 59½ if you elect to receive distributions as a series of "substantially equal periodic payments". Distributions received under this provision in any Annuity Year that exceed the maximum amount available as a Charge Free Withdrawal will be subject to a CDSC. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. To request a

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program that complies with Section 72(t), you must provide us with certain required information in writing on a form acceptable to us. We may require advance notice to allow us to calculate the amount of 72(t) withdrawals. The Surrender Value of your Annuity must be at least $20,000 before we will allow you to begin a program for withdrawals under Section 72(t). The minimum amount for any such withdrawal is $100.

You may also annuitize your contract and begin receiving payments for the remainder of your life (or life expectancy) as a means of receiving income payments before age 59½ that are not subject to the 10% additional tax.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS**

(See "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_934)" for a further discussion of Minimum Distributions.)

Minimum Distributions are a type of Systematic Withdrawal we allow to meet distribution requirements under Sections 401, 403(b) or 408 of the Code. Under the Code, you may be required to begin receiving periodic amounts from your Annuity. In such case, we will allow you to make Systematic Withdrawals in amounts that satisfy the minimum distribution rules under the Code. We do not assess a CDSC on Minimum Distributions from your Annuity if you are required by law to take such Minimum Distributions from your Annuity at the time it is taken. However, a CDSC may be assessed on that portion of a Systematic Withdrawal that is taken to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements in relation to other savings or investment plans under other qualified retirement plans not maintained with us.

The amount of the required Minimum Distribution for your particular situation may depend on other annuities, savings or investments. We will only calculate the amount of your required Minimum Distribution based on the value of your Annuity. We require three (3) days advance written notice to calculate and process the amount of your payments. You may elect to have Minimum Distributions paid out monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. The $100 minimum that applies to Systematic Withdrawals does not apply to Minimum Distributions.

You may also annuitize your contract and begin receiving payments for the remainder of your life (or life expectancy) as a means of receiving income payments and satisfying the Minimum Distribution requirements under the Code.

In any year in which the requirement to take Required Minimum Distributions is suspended by law, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion and regardless of any position taken on this issue in a prior year, to treat any amount that would have been considered as a Required Minimum Distribution if not for the suspension as eligible for treatment as described herein.

**SURRENDER VALUE**

During the Accumulation Period you can surrender your Annuity at any time. Upon surrender, you will receive the Surrender Value. Upon surrender of your Annuity, you will no longer have any rights under the Annuity.

For purposes of calculating the CDSC on surrender, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Charge Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations.

Under certain annuity payment options, you may be allowed to surrender your Annuity for its then current value.

To request the forms necessary to surrender your Annuity, call 1-800-879-7012 or visit our website at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>.

**MEDICALLY-RELATED SURRENDERS**

Where permitted by law, you may request to surrender your Annuity prior to the Annuity Date without application of any CDSC upon occurrence of a medically-related "Contingency Event". We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. The amount payable will be your Account Value.

This waiver of any applicable CDSC is subject to our rules, including but not limited to the following:

• the
 Annuitant must have been named or any change of Annuitant must have been accepted by us, prior to the "Contingency Event" described below in
 order to qualify for a medically-related surrender;

• the
 Annuitant must be alive as of the date we pay the proceeds of such surrender request;

• if
 the Owner is one or more natural persons, all such Owners must also be alive at such time;

• we
 must receive satisfactory proof of the Annuitant's confinement in a Medical Care Facility or Fatal Illness in writing on a form satisfactory to us;

• this
 benefit is not available if the total Purchase Payments received exceed $500,000 for all annuities issued by us with this benefit where the same person is
 named as Annuitant; and

• proceeds
 will only be sent by check or electronic funds transfer directly to the Owner.

For contracts issued before May 1, 1996 a "Contingency Event" occurs if the Annuitant is:

• first
 confined in a "Medical Care Facility" while your Annuity is in force and remains confined for at least 90 days in a row; or

• first
 diagnosed as having a "Fatal Illness" while your Annuity is in force.

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For contracts issued on or after May 1, 1996, and where allowed by law, the Annuitant must have been named or any change of Annuitant must have been accepted by us, prior to the "Contingency Event" described above in order to qualify for a medically-related surrender.

The definitions of "Medical Care Facility" and "Fatal Illness," as well as additional terms and conditions, are provided in your Annuity. Specific details and definitions in relation to this benefit may differ in certain jurisdictions.

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**TAXES**

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The tax considerations associated with an Annuity vary depending on whether the Annuity is (i) owned by an individual or non-natural person, and not associated with a tax-favored retirement plan, or (ii) held under a tax-favored retirement plan. We discuss the tax considerations for these categories of Annuities below. The discussion is general in nature and describes only federal income tax law. We generally do not describe state, local, foreign or other federal tax laws. It is based on current law and interpretations which may change. The information provided is not intended as tax advice. The federal income tax treatment of the Annuity is unclear in certain circumstances, and you should always consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the application of law to individual circumstances. Generally, the cost basis in an Annuity is the amount you pay into your Annuity, or into an annuity exchanged for your Annuity, on an after-tax basis less any withdrawals of such payments. Cost basis for a tax-favored retirement plan is provided only in limited circumstances, such as for contributions to a Roth IRA or nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA. We do not track cost basis for tax-favored retirement plans, which is the responsibility of the Owner.

On advisory products, you may establish an advisory fee deduction program for a qualified or Non-qualified Annuity such that charges for investment advisory fees are not taxable to the Annuity Owner. Please note that there are additional requirements that must be satisfied in order for investment advisory fee charges paid from a Non-qualified Annuity to be treated as not taxable.

The discussion below generally assumes that the Annuity is issued to the Annuity Owner. For Annuities issued under the Beneficiary Continuation Option or as a Beneficiary Annuity, refer to the Taxes Payable by Beneficiaries for a Non-qualified Annuity and Required Distributions Upon Your Death for Qualified Annuities sections below.

**NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

**In general, as used in this prospectus, a Non-qualified Annuity is owned by an individual or non-natural person and is not associated with a** **tax-favored retirement plan.**

**Taxes Payable by You**

We believe the Annuity is an Annuity for tax purposes. Accordingly, as a general rule, you should not pay any tax until you receive money under the Annuity. Generally, all Annuity contracts issued by the same company (and affiliates) to you during the same calendar year must be treated as one Annuity for purposes of determining the amount of any withdrawal that is subject to tax under the rules described below. We treat advisory fee payments as an expense of the Annuity and not a taxable distribution if your Non-qualified Annuity satisfies the requirements of a Private Letter Ruling issued to us by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). In accordance with the PLR, advisory fee payments from your Non-qualified Annuity are treated as an expense as long as your advisor attests to us that the PLR requirements have been met, including that the advisory fees will not exceed 1.5% of the Annuity's cash value and the Annuity only pays the advisor for fees related to investment advice with respect to the Annuity and no other services. The PLR does not generally allow such favorable tax treatment of advisory fee payments where a commission is also paid on the Annuity.

It is possible that the IRS could assert that some or all of the charges for the optional living or death benefits under the Annuity should be treated for federal income tax purposes as a partial withdrawal from the Annuity. If this were the case, the charge for this benefit could be deemed a withdrawal and treated as taxable income to the extent there are earnings in the Annuity. Additionally, for Owners under age 59½, the taxable income attributable to the charge for the benefit could be subject to the 10% additional tax. If the IRS determines that the charges for one or more benefits under the Annuity are taxable withdrawals, then the sole, primary, or surviving Owner will be provided with a notice from us describing available alternatives regarding these benefits.

**Taxes on Withdrawals and Surrender Before Annuity Payments Begin**

If you make a withdrawal from your Annuity or surrender it before annuity payments begin, the amount you receive will be taxed as ordinary income, rather than as a return of cost basis, until all gain has been withdrawn. At any time there is no gain in your Annuity, payments will be treated as a nontaxable return of cost basis until all cost basis has been returned. After all cost basis is returned, all subsequent amounts will be taxed as ordinary income. An exception to this treatment exists for contracts that include Purchase Payments made prior to August 14, 1982 that are issued via 1035 exchange. Withdrawals from a contract with Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 are treated as a return of cost basis in the Annuity first until those pre-August 14, 1982 Purchase Payments are withdrawn. Moreover, income allocable to Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 is not subject to the 10% additional tax.

You will generally be taxed on any withdrawals from the Annuity while you are alive even if the withdrawal is paid to someone else. Withdrawals under any of the optional living benefits or as a systematic payment are taxed under these rules. If you assign or pledge all or part of your Annuity as collateral for a loan, the part assigned generally will be treated as a withdrawal and subject to income tax to the extent of gain. If the entire Account Value is assigned or pledged, subsequent increases in the Account Value are also treated as withdrawals for as long as the assignment or pledge remains in place. The cost basis is increased by the amount includible in income with respect to such assignment or pledge. If you transfer your Annuity for less than full consideration, such as by gift, you will also trigger tax on any gain in the Annuity. Under most circumstances, this rule does not apply if you transfer the Annuity to your spouse or if you transfer the Annuity incident to divorce.

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If you choose to receive payments under an interest payment option, or a Beneficiary chooses to receive a death benefit under an interest payment option, that election will be treated, for tax purposes, as surrendering your Annuity and will immediately subject any gain in the Annuity to income tax and possibly the 10% additional tax.

**Taxes on Annuity Payments**

If you select an annuity payment option as described in "[<u>Annuity Period</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_934)", a portion of each annuity payment you receive will be treated as a partial return of your cost basis and will not be taxed. The remaining portion will be taxed as ordinary income. Generally, the nontaxable portion is determined by multiplying the annuity payment you receive by a fraction, the numerator of which is your cost basis (less any amounts previously received tax-free) and the denominator of which is the total expected payments under the Annuity. After the full amount of your cost basis has been recovered tax-free, the full amount of the annuity payments will be taxable. If annuity payments stop due to the death of the Annuitant before the full amount of your cost basis has been recovered, a tax deduction may be allowed for the unrecovered amount.

If your Account Value is reduced to zero but the Annuity remains in force due to a benefit provision, further distributions from the Annuity will be reported as annuity payments, using an exclusion ratio based upon the undistributed cost basis in the Annuity and the total value of the anticipated future payments until such time as all cost basis has been recovered.

**Maximum Annuity Date**

You must commence annuity payments no later than the first day of the calendar month following the maximum Annuity Date for your Annuity. Upon reaching the maximum Annuity Date you can no longer make Purchase Payments, surrender, exchange, or transfer your contract. The maximum Annuity Date may be the same as the Latest Annuity Date as described elsewhere in this prospectus. For some of our Annuities, you can choose to defer the Annuity Date beyond the default or Latest Annuity Date, as applicable, described in your Annuity. However, the IRS may not then consider your Annuity to be an Annuity under the tax law.

Please refer to your Annuity contract for the maximum Annuity Date.

**Partial Annuitization**

We do not currently permit partial annuitization.

**Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income**

The Code includes a Medicare tax on investment income. This tax assesses a 3.8% surtax on the lesser of (1) net investment income or (2) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over a threshold amount. The "threshold amount" is $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) with dependent child, $125,000 for married taxpayers filing separately, $200,000 for all others, and approximately $16,000 for estates and certain trusts. The taxable portion of payments received as a withdrawal, surrender, annuity payment, death benefit payment or any other actual or deemed distribution under the Annuity will be considered investment income for purposes of this surtax.

**10% Additional Tax for Early Withdrawal from a Non-Qualified Annuity**

You may owe a 10% additional tax on the taxable part of distributions received from your Non-qualified Annuity. Amounts are not subject to this additional tax if:

• the
 amount is paid on or after you reach age 59½;

• the
 amount is paid on or after your death (or the death of the Annuitant when the owner is not an individual);

• the
 amount received is attributable to your becoming disabled (as defined in the Code);

• generally
 the amount paid or received is in the form of substantially equal periodic payments (as defined in the Code) not less frequently than
 annually (please note that substantially equal periodic payments must continue until the later of reaching age 59½ or five years
 and the impermissible
 modification of payments during that time period will result in retroactive application of the 10% additional tax); or

• the
 amount received is paid under an immediate Annuity (within the meaning of the Code) and the annuity start date is no more than one year
 from the date of purchase (the first monthly annuity payment being required to be paid within 13 months).

Other exceptions to this tax may apply. You should consult your tax advisor for further details.

**Special Rules in Relation to Tax-free Exchanges Under Section 1035**

Section 1035 of the Code permits certain tax-free exchanges of a life insurance contract, annuity contract or endowment contract for an Annuity, including tax-free exchanges of annuity death benefits for a Beneficiary Annuity. Partial exchanges may be treated in the same way as tax-free 1035 exchanges of entire contracts, therefore avoiding current taxation of the partially exchanged amount as well as the 10% additional tax on pre-age 59½ withdrawals. In Revenue Procedure 2011-38, the IRS indicated that, for partial exchanges on or after October 24, 2011, where there is a surrender or distribution from either the initial annuity contract or receiving annuity contract within 180 days of the date on which the partial exchange was completed

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(other than an amount received as an annuity for a period of 10 years or more or during one or more lives), the IRS may not treat the transaction as a tax-free Section 1035 exchange. The IRS will apply general tax rules to determine the substance and treatment of the transaction in such cases. We strongly urge you to discuss any partial exchange transaction of this type with your tax advisor before proceeding with the transaction.

If an Annuity is purchased through a tax-free exchange of a life insurance contract, annuity contract or endowment contract that was purchased prior to August 14, 1982, then any Purchase Payments made to the original contract prior to August 14, 1982 will be treated as made to the new Annuity prior to that date. Generally, such pre-August 14, 1982 withdrawals are treated as a return of cost basis first until Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 are withdrawn. Moreover, income allocable to Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982, is not subject to the 10% additional tax.

After you elect an Annuity Payout Option, we do not allow you to exchange your Annuity.

**Taxes Payable by Beneficiaries for a Non-Qualified Annuity**

If an Owner dies before the Annuity Date, the Death Benefit distributions are taxed at ordinary income tax rates. The value of the Death Benefit, as determined under federal law, is also included in the Owner's estate for federal estate tax purposes. Generally, the same income tax rules described above would also apply to amounts received by your Beneficiary. Choosing an option other than a lump sum Death Benefit may defer taxes. Certain minimum distribution requirements apply upon your death, as discussed further below in the Annuity Qualification section. Tax consequences to the Beneficiary vary depending upon the Death Benefit payment option selected. Generally, for payment of the Death Benefit:

• As
 a lump sum payment, the Beneficiary is taxed in the year of payment on gain in the Annuity.

• Within
 5 years of death of Owner, the Beneficiary is taxed on the lump sum payment. The Death Benefit must be taken as one lump sum payment
 within 5 years of the death of the Owner. Partial withdrawals are not permitted to be paid to Beneficiaries under our Annuity contracts.

• Under
 an Annuity or Annuity settlement option where distributions begin within one year of the date of death of the Owner, the Beneficiary is
 taxed on each payment with part as gain and part as return of cost basis. After the full amount of cost basis has been recovered tax-free,
 the full amount of the annuity payments will be taxable.

After the Annuity Date, if a period certain remains under the annuity option and the Annuitant dies before the end of that period, any remaining payments made to the Beneficiary will be fully excluded from income until the remaining cost basis is recovered and all annuity payments thereafter are fully includible in income. If we allow the Beneficiary to commute the remaining payments in a lump sum, the proceeds will be taxable as a surrender.

**Considerations for Contingent Annuitants:** We may allow the naming of a contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity is held by a pension plan or a tax favored retirement plan, or held by a Custodial Account (as defined in this prospectus). In such a situation, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the Annuity continues after the death of the Annuitant. However, tax deferral should be provided instead by the pension plan, tax favored retirement plan, or Custodial Account. We may also allow the naming of a contingent annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity is held by an entity owner when such Annuities do not qualify for tax deferral under the current tax law. This does not supersede any benefit language which may restrict the use of the contingent annuitant.

**Reporting and Withholding on Distributions**

Amounts distributed from an Annuity are subject to federal and state income tax reporting and withholding. In general, we will withhold federal income tax from the taxable portion of such distribution based on the type of distribution. In the case of an annuity payment, we apply default withholding under the applicable tax rules unless you designate a different withholding status. In the case of all other distributions, we will withhold at a 10% rate. You may generally elect a different tax withholding rate or elect not to have tax withheld from your payments. An election out of withholding must be made on forms that we provide. If you are a U.S. person (which includes a resident alien), and you request a payment be delivered outside the United States or do not provide a U.S. taxpayer identification number, we are required to withhold income tax.

State income tax withholding rules vary and we will withhold based on the rules of your state of residence. Special tax rules apply to withholding for nonresident aliens, and we generally withhold income tax for nonresident aliens at a 30% rate. A different withholding rate may be applicable to a nonresident alien based on the terms of an existing income tax treaty between the United States and the nonresident alien's country. Please refer to the discussion below regarding withholding rules for a Qualified Annuity.

Regardless of the amount withheld by us, you are liable for payment of income taxes (including any estimated taxes that may be due) on the taxable portion of distributions from the Annuity. You should consult with your tax advisor regarding the payment of the correct amount of these income taxes and potential liability if you fail to pay such taxes.

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**Entity Owners**

Where an Annuity is held by a non-natural person (e.g., a corporation, partnership), other than as an agent or nominee for a natural person (or in other limited circumstances), increases in the value of the Annuity over its cost basis will be subject to tax annually.

Where an Annuity is issued to a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), increases in the value of the Annuity over its cost basis will be subject to tax reporting annually. As there are charges for the optional living and death benefits described elsewhere in this prospectus, and such charges reduce the contract value of the Annuity, trustees of the CRT should discuss with their legal advisors whether election of such optional living or death benefits violates their fiduciary duty to the remainder beneficiary.

Where an Annuity is issued to a trust, and such trust is characterized as a grantor trust under the Code, such Annuity is generally not considered to be held by a non-natural person and will be subject to the tax reporting and withholding requirements generally applicable to a Non-qualified Annuity held by a natural person, provided that all grantors of the trust are natural persons. At this time, we will not issue an Annuity to grantor trusts with more than two grantors.

Where the Annuity is owned by a grantor trust, the Annuity must be distributed within five years after the date of the first grantor's death (or the Annuitant's death in certain instances) under Section 72(s) of the Code. See the "[<u>Payment of Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_13_934)" section for scenarios where a Death Benefit or Surrender Value is payable depending upon the underlying facts.

Trusts are required to complete and submit a Certificate of Entity form, and we will tax report based on the information provided on this form.

**Annuity Qualification**

*Diversification And Investor Control.* In order to qualify for the tax rules applicable to Annuities described above, the investment assets in the Non-qualified Annuity Variable Options must be diversified according to certain rules under the Code. Each Portfolio is required to diversify its investments each quarter so that no more than 55% of the value of its assets is represented by any one investment, no more than 70% is represented by any two investments, no more than 80% is represented by any three investments, and no more than 90% is represented by any four investments. Generally, securities of a single issuer are treated as one investment, and obligations of each U.S. Government agency and instrumentality (such as the Government National Mortgage Association) are treated as issued by separate issuers. In addition, any security issued, guaranteed or insured (to the extent so guaranteed or insured) by the U.S. or an instrumentality of the U.S. will be treated as a security issued by the U.S. Government or its instrumentality, where applicable. We believe the Portfolios underlying the Variable Options of the Annuity meet these diversification requirements.

An additional requirement for qualification for the tax treatment described above is that we, and not you as the Annuity Owner, must have sufficient control over the underlying assets to be treated as the owner of the underlying assets for tax purposes. The tax law limits the amount of control you may have over choosing investments for your Annuity. If this "investor control" rule is violated your Annuity assets will be considered owned directly by you and you lose the favorable tax treatment generally afforded to annuities.

While we also believe these investor control rules will be met, the Treasury Department may promulgate guidelines under which a variable annuity will not be treated as an annuity contract for tax purposes if persons with ownership rights have excessive control over the investments underlying such variable annuity contract. It is unclear whether such guidelines, if in fact promulgated, would have retroactive effect. It is also unclear what effect, if any, such guidelines might have on transfers between the Investment Options offered pursuant to this prospectus. We reserve the right to take any action, including modifications to your Annuity or the Investment Options, required to comply with such guidelines if promulgated. Any such changes will apply uniformly to affected Owners and will be made with such notice to affected Owners as is feasible under the circumstances.

**Required Distributions Upon Your Death for a Non-Qualified Annuity.**

Upon your death, certain distributions must be made under the Annuity. The required distributions depend on whether you die before you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity or after you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity. If you die on or after the Annuity Date, the remaining portion of the interest in the Annuity must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of death. If you die before the Annuity Date, the entire interest in the Annuity must be distributed within five years after the date of death, or as periodic payments over a period not extending beyond the life or life expectancy of the designated Beneficiary (provided such payments begin within one year of your death). If the Beneficiary does not begin installments within one year of the date of death, no partial withdrawals will be permitted thereafter, and we require that the Beneficiary take the Death Benefit as a lump sum within the five-year deadline. Your designated Beneficiary is the person to whom benefit rights under the Annuity pass by reason of death, and must be a natural person in order to elect a periodic payment option based on life expectancy or a period exceeding five years. Additionally, if the Annuity is payable to (or for the benefit of) your surviving spouse, that portion of the Annuity may be continued with your spouse as the Owner. For Non-qualified Annuities owned by a non-natural person, the required distribution rules generally apply upon the death of the Annuitant. This means, for example, that for an Annuity held by a non-natural person (such as a trust) for which there is named a co-annuitant, then such required distributions will be triggered by the death of the first co-annuitant to die.

*Changes To Your Annuity.* We reserve the right to make any changes we deem necessary to assure that your Annuity qualifies as an Annuity for tax purposes. Any such changes will apply to all Annuity Owners and you will be given notice to the extent feasible under the circumstances.

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**QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

**In general, as used in this prospectus, a Qualified Annuity is an Annuity with applicable endorsements for a tax-favored plan or a** **Non-qualified Annuity held by a tax-favored retirement plan.**

The following is a general discussion of the tax considerations for Qualified Annuities. This Annuity may or may not be available for all types of the tax-favored retirement plans discussed below. This discussion assumes that you have satisfied the eligibility requirements for any tax-favored retirement plan. Please consult your financial professional prior to purchase to confirm if this Annuity is available for a particular type of tax-favored retirement plan or whether we will accept the type of contribution you intend for this Annuity.

A Qualified Annuity may have been purchased for use in connection with:

• Individual
 retirement accounts and annuities (IRAs), including inherited IRAs (which we refer to as a Beneficiary IRA), which are subject to Sections
 408(a) and 408(b) of the Code;

• Roth
 IRAs, including inherited Roth IRAs (which we refer to as a Beneficiary Roth IRA) under Section 408A of the Code;

• A
 corporate Pension or Profit-sharing plan (subject to 401(a) of the Code);

• H.R.
 10 plans (also known as Keogh Plans, subject to 401(a) of the Code);

• Tax
 Sheltered Annuities (subject to 403(b) of the Code, also known as Tax Deferred Annuities or TDAs);

• Section
 457 plans (subject to 457 of the Code).

A Non-qualified Annuity may have been purchased by a 401(a) trust, a custodial IRA or a custodial Roth IRA account, or a Section 457 plan, which can hold other permissible assets. The terms and administration of the trust or custodial account or plan in accordance with the laws and regulations for 401(a) plans, IRAs or Roth IRAs, or a Section 457 plan, as applicable, are the responsibility of the applicable trustee or custodian.

You should be aware that tax favored plans such as IRAs generally provide income tax deferral regardless of whether they invest in Annuities. This means that when a tax favored plan invests in an Annuity, it generally does not result in any additional tax benefits (such as income tax deferral and income tax free transfers).

**Types of Tax-favored Plans**

***IRAs.*** The "IRA Disclosure Statement" and "Roth IRA Disclosure Statement" which accompany the prospectus contain information about eligibility, contribution limits, tax particulars, and other IRA information. In addition to this information (the material terms are summarized in this prospectus and in those Disclosure Statements), the IRS requires that you have a "Free Look" after making an initial contribution to the Annuity. During this time, you can cancel the Annuity by notifying us in writing, and we will refund the greater of all purchase payments under the Annuity or the Account Value, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.

*Contribution Limits/Rollovers.* Subject to the minimum purchase payment requirements of an Annuity, you may purchase an Annuity for an IRA in connection with a "rollover" of amounts from a qualified retirement plan, as a transfer from another IRA, by making a contribution consisting of your IRA contributions and catch-up contributions, if applicable, attributable to the prior year during the period from January 1 to April 15 (or the later applicable due date of your federal income tax return, without extension), or as a current year contribution. Contribution amounts are indexed for inflation. The IRS generally provides contribution limits for the subsequent year in the fourth quarter of the current year. The tax law also provides for a catch-up provision for individuals who are age 50 and above, allowing these individuals an additional $1,000 contribution each year. The $1,000 catch-up contribution for IRA owners age 50 or older is indexed for inflation starting in 2024 in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (which includes SECURE 2.0 of 2022 ("SECURE 2.0"). You may be able to claim a deduction for your contributions depending on your modified adjusted gross income. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the limits for each year.

The "rollover" rules under the Code are fairly technical; however, an individual (or his or her surviving spouse) may generally "roll over" certain distributions from tax favored retirement plans (either directly or within 60 days from the date of these distributions) if he or she meets the requirements for distribution. Once you buy an Annuity, you can make regular IRA contributions under the Annuity (to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the Annuity). For IRA rollovers, an individual can only make an IRA to IRA rollover if the individual has not made a rollover involving any IRAs owned by the individual in the prior 12 months. An IRA transfer is a tax-free trustee-to-trustee "transfer" from one IRA account to another. IRA transfers are not subject to this 12-month rule. There is no age limitation with regard to contributions to a traditional IRA as long as the earned income requirements are met.

In some circumstances, non-spouse Beneficiaries may roll over to an IRA amounts due from qualified plans, 403(b) plans, and governmental 457(b) plans. However, the rollover rules applicable to non-spouse Beneficiaries under the Code are more restrictive than the rollover rules applicable to Owner/participants and spouse Beneficiaries. Generally, non-spouse Beneficiaries may roll over distributions from tax favored retirement plans only as a direct rollover. An inherited IRA must be directly rolled over from the employer plan or transferred from an IRA and must be titled in the name of the deceased (i.e., John Doe deceased for the benefit of Jane Doe). No additional contributions can be made to an inherited IRA. In this prospectus, an inherited IRA is also referred to as a Beneficiary Annuity.

*Required Provisions.* Annuities that are IRAs (or endorsements that are part of the contract) must contain certain provisions:

• You,
 as Owner of the Annuity, must be the "Annuitant" under the contract (except in certain cases involving the division of property
 under a decree of
 divorce);

• Your
 rights as Owner are non-forfeitable;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• You
 cannot sell, assign or pledge the Annuity;

• The
 annual contribution you pay cannot be greater than the maximum amount allowed by law, including catch-up contributions if applicable
 (which does not include any rollover amounts or amounts transferred by trustee-to-trustee transfer);

• The
 date on which required minimum distributions must begin cannot be later than April 1 <sup>st</sup> of the calendar year after the calendar year you
 turn the applicable age (see the Required Minimum Distribution rules for more details); and

• Death
 and annuity payments must meet Required Minimum Distribution rules described below.

Usually, the full amount of any distribution from an IRA (including a distribution from this Annuity) which is not a transfer or rollover is taxable. As taxable income, these distributions are subject to the general income tax withholding rules described earlier regarding an Annuity in the Non-qualified Annuity section. In addition to this normal tax liability, you may also be liable for the following, depending on your actions:

• A
 10% early withdrawal additional tax described below;

• Liability
 for "prohibited transactions" if you, for example, borrow against the value of an IRA; or

• Failure
 to take a Required Minimum Distribution, also described below.

If you make any non-deductible contributions to your IRA, a portion of any subsequent distribution may be tax-free as a return of those contributions. You are required to keep track of this and determine the taxable and non-taxable portions. IRS rules require that we report the full amount of any distribution as taxable.

***Simplified Employee Pensions (SEP).*** SEPs are a variation on a standard IRA, and Annuities issued to a SEP must satisfy the same general requirements described under IRAs (above). There are, however, some differences:

• If
 you participate in a SEP, you generally do not include in income any employer contributions made to the SEP on your behalf up to the lesser
 of (a) the annual employer contribution limit as indexed for inflation, or (b) 25% of your taxable compensation paid by the contributing
 employer (not including the employer's SEP contribution as compensation for these purposes). However, for these purposes, compensation
 in excess of certain limits established by the IRS will not be considered. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution and
 catch-up limits and compensation limit.

• SEPs
 must satisfy certain participation and nondiscrimination requirements not generally applicable to IRAs; and

• SEPs
 that contain a salary reduction or "SARSEP" provision prior to 1997 may permit salary deferrals from employee income with
 the employer making
 these contributions to the SEP. Contribution amounts are indexed for inflation. The IRS generally provides contribution limits
 for the subsequent year in the fourth quarter of the current year. However, no new "salary reduction" or "SARSEPs"
 can be established
 after 1996. Individuals participating in a SARSEP who are age 50 or above by the end of the year are permitted to contribute an
 additional catch-up contribution amount. These amounts are indexed for inflation and may depend on the participant's age. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution limit and catch-up contribution limit. Not all Annuities issued by us are available for SARSEPs.

• You
 will also be provided the same information, and have the same "Free Look" period, as you would have if you purchased the Annuity for a standard IRA.

• Roth
 contributions are permitted for SEP IRAs starting in 2023. The Company does not currently offer Roth contributions for  SEP IRAs, but we reserve the
 right to offer this contribution type in the future.

***ROTH IRAs.*** The "Roth IRA Disclosure Statement" contains information about eligibility, contribution limits, tax particulars and other Roth IRA information. Like standard IRAs, income within a Roth IRA accumulates tax-free, and contributions are subject to specific limits. Roth IRAs have, however, the following differences:

• Contributions
 to a Roth IRA cannot be deducted from your gross income;

• "Qualified
 distributions" from a Roth IRA are excludable from gross income. A "qualified distribution" is a distribution that satisfies
 two requirements:
 (1) the distribution must be made (a) after the Owner of the IRA attains age 59½; (b) after the Owner's death; (c) due to the Owner's disability;
 or (d) for a qualified first time homebuyer distribution within the meaning of Section 72(t)(2)(F) of the Code; and (2) the distribution
 must be made in the year that is at least five tax years after the first year for which a contribution was made to any Roth IRA established
 for the Owner. Distributions from a Roth IRA that are not qualified distributions will be treated as made first from contributions and
 then from earnings and earnings will be taxed generally in the same manner as distributions from a traditional IRA.

• If
 eligible (including meeting income limitations and earnings requirements), you may make contributions to a Roth IRA during your lifetime,
 and distributions are not required during the owner's lifetime.

Subject to the minimum Purchase Payment requirements of an Annuity, you may purchase an Annuity for a Roth IRA in connection with a "rollover" of amounts of another traditional IRA, SEP, SIMPLE-IRA (subject to a timing restriction), employer sponsored retirement plan (under Sections 401(a) or 403(b) of the Code) or Roth IRA. You may also purchase an Annuity for a Roth IRA, if you meet certain income limitations, by making a contribution consisting of your Roth IRA contributions and catch-up contributions, if applicable, attributable to the prior year during the period from January 1 to April 15 (or the applicable due date of your federal income tax return, without extension), or as a current year contribution. The Code permits persons who receive certain qualifying distributions from such non-Roth IRAs, to directly rollover or make, within 60 days, a "rollover" of all or any part of the amount of such distribution to a Roth IRA which they establish (a "conversion"). The conversion of non-Roth accounts triggers current taxation (but is not subject to a 10% early distribution additional tax unless a distribution that is allocable to the rollover contribution is distributed within 5 years of the conversion).

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In addition, SECURE 2.0 amends the Code to allow for tax and penalty free rollovers from 529 accounts to Roth IRAs, under certain conditions. Starting in 2024, beneficiaries of 529 college savings accounts would be permitted to roll over up to $35,000 over the course of their lifetime from any 529 account in their name to their Roth IRA. These rollovers generally are also subject to Roth IRA annual contribution limits, and the 529 account must have been open for at least 15 years, among other requirements.

The Code also permits the recharacterization of current year contribution amounts from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, or from a Roth IRA to a traditional IRA. Recharacterization is accomplished through a trustee-to-trustee transfer of a contribution (or a portion of a contribution) plus earnings, between different types of IRAs. A properly recharacterized contribution is treated as a contribution made to the second IRA instead of the first IRA. Such recharacterization must be completed by the applicable tax return due date (with extensions). However, no recharacterizations of conversions can be made.

Once an Annuity has been purchased, regular Roth IRA contributions will be accepted to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the Annuity. In addition, an individual receiving an eligible rollover distribution from a designated Roth account under an employer plan may roll over the distribution to a Roth IRA even if the individual is not eligible to make regular contributions to a Roth IRA. Non-spouse Beneficiaries receiving a distribution from an employer sponsored retirement plan under Sections 401(a) or 403(b) of the Code can also directly roll over contributions to a Roth IRA. However, it is our understanding of the Code that non-spouse Beneficiaries cannot "rollover" benefits from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

***TDAs.*** In general, you may own a Tax Deferred Annuity (also known as a TDA, Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA), 403(b) plan or 403(b) Annuity) if you are an employee of a tax-exempt organization (as defined under Code Section 501(c)(3)) or a public educational organization, and you may make contributions to a TDA so long as your employer maintains such a plan and your rights to the Annuity are non-forfeitable. Contributions to a TDA, and any earnings, are not taxable until distribution. You may also make contributions to a TDA under a salary reduction agreement subject to specific limits. Individuals participating in a TDA who are age 50 or above by the end of the year will be permitted to contribute an additional amount. This amount is indexed for inflation. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution limit and catch-up contribution limit. Further, you may roll over TDA amounts to another TDA or an IRA. You may also roll over TDA amounts to a qualified retirement plan, a SEP and a governmental 457(b) plan. An Annuity may generally only qualify as a TDA if distributions of salary deferrals (other than "grandfathered" amounts held as of December 31, 1988) may be made only on account of:

• Your
 attainment of age 59½;

• Your
 severance of employment;

• Your
 death;

• Your
 total and permanent disability; or

• Hardship

In any event, you must begin receiving distributions from your TDA by April 1<sup>st</sup> of the calendar year after the calendar year you turn the applicable age or retire, whichever is later. These distribution limits do not apply either to transfers or exchanges of investments under the Annuity, or to any "direct transfer" of your interest in the Annuity to another employer's TDA plan or mutual fund "custodial account" described under Code Section 403(b)(7). Employer contributions to TDAs are subject to the same general contribution, nondiscrimination, and minimum participation rules applicable to "qualified" retirement plans.

**Caution:** Under IRS regulations we can accept contributions, transfers and rollovers only if we have entered into an information-sharing agreement, or its functional equivalent, with the applicable employer or its agent. In addition, in order to comply with the regulations, we will only process certain transactions (e.g., transfers, withdrawals, hardship distributions and, if applicable, loans) with employer approval. This means that if you request one of these transactions we will not consider your request to be in Good Order, and will not therefore process the transaction, until we receive the employer's approval in written or electronic form.

**Late Rollover Self-Certification**

You may be able to apply a rollover contribution to your IRA or qualified retirement plan after the 60-day deadline through a self-certification procedure established by the IRS. Please consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your eligibility to use this self-certification procedure. As indicated in this IRS guidance, we, as a financial institution, are not required to accept your self-certification for waiver of the 60-day deadline.

**Required Minimum Distributions and Payment Options**

If you hold the Annuity under an IRA (or other tax-favored plan), Required Minimum Distribution rules must be satisfied. This means that generally payments must start by April 1 of the year after the year you reach the applicable age ("required beginning date") and must be made for each year thereafter. For a TDA or a 401(a) plan for which the participant is not a greater than 5% owner of the employer, this required beginning date can generally be deferred to retirement, if later. Roth IRAs and designated Roth accounts under employer sponsored plans are not subject to these rules during the Owner's lifetime.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **If you were born...** | **Your "applicable age" is …** |
|  Before July 1, 1949 | 70½ |
|  After June 30, 1949 and before 1951 | 72 |
|  After 1950 and before 1960 | 73 |
|  After 1959 | 75 |

---

The amount of the payment must at least equal the minimum required under the IRS rules. Several choices are available for calculating the minimum amount. More information on the mechanics of this calculation is available on request. Please contact us at a reasonable time before the Required Minimum Distribution deadline so that a timely distribution is made. Please note that there is a 25% excise tax (a 50% excise tax applied prior to the 2023 taxable year) on the amount of any required minimum distribution not made in a timely manner. The excise tax on failure is further reduced from 25% to 10% if corrected in a timely manner and certain other conditions are met in accordance with SECURE 2.0.

Required Minimum Distributions are calculated based on the sum of the Account Value and the actuarial present value of any additional living and death benefits from optional riders that you have purchased under the Annuity. As a result, the Required Minimum Distributions may be larger than if the calculation were based on the Account Value only, which may in turn result in an earlier (but not before the required beginning date) distribution of amounts under the Annuity and an increased amount of taxable income distributed to the Annuity Owner, and a reduction of payments under the living and death benefit optional riders.

You can use the Minimum Distribution option to satisfy the Required Minimum Distribution rules for an Annuity without either beginning annuity payments or surrendering the Annuity. Under this option we will distribute to you the Required Minimum Distribution amount, less any other partial withdrawals that you made during the year. Such amount will be based on the value of the Annuity as of December 31 of the prior year, but is determined without regard to other tax favored retirement plans you may own. If a trustee-to-trustee transfer or direct rollover of the full contract value is requested when there is an active Required Minimum Distribution program running, the Required Minimum Distribution will be removed and sent to the Owner prior to the remaining funds being sent to the transfer institution.

Although the IRS rules determine the required amount to be distributed from your IRA each year, certain payment alternatives are still available to you. In accordance with SECURE 2.0, a new optional method for calculating your RMDs may be available if you have an IRA in an annuity payout (or partial annuity payout), and an IRA in the deferral stage. Please contact your tax advisor to determine if this calculation method is appropriate for you. In addition, if you own more than one IRA, you can choose to satisfy your minimum distribution requirement for each of your IRAs by withdrawing that amount from any of your non-Roth IRAs. If you inherit more than one IRA or more than one Roth IRA from the same Owner, similar rules apply. These rules may also apply to other types of tax favored retirement plans such as TDAs.

**Charitable IRA Distributions.**

Certain qualified IRA distributions used for charitable purposes are eligible for an exclusion from gross income, up to $100,000 (indexed for inflation beginning after 2023), for otherwise taxable IRA distributions from a traditional or Roth IRA. A qualified charitable distribution is a distribution that is made (1) directly by the IRA trustee to certain qualified charitable organizations and (2) on or after the date the IRA owner attains age 70½. Distributions that are excluded from income under this provision are not taken into account in determining the individual's deductions, if any, for charitable contributions. The amount of your qualified charitable distributions that are excluded from income for a tax year is reduced (but not below zero) by the excess of: (1) the total amount of your IRA deductions allowed for all tax years ending on or after the date you attain age 70½, over (2) the total amount of reductions for all tax years preceding the current tax year. You should consult your tax advisor about whether a one-time distribution up to $50,000 (indexed for inflation beginning after 2023) that is made from your IRA to a "split-interest entity" can be excluded from your gross income.

The IRS has currently indicated that an IRA trustee is not responsible for determining whether a distribution to a charity is one that satisfies the requirements of the charitable giving incentive. Unless otherwise required in the future by the IRS, we will report the distribution as a normal IRA distribution on Form 1099-R. In those instances, individuals are responsible for reflecting the distributions as charitable IRA distributions on their personal tax returns. However, if we receive certification that the distribution satisfies the requirements, we will report the distribution as a charitable IRA distribution on Form 1099-R.

**Required Distributions Upon Your Death for a Qualified Annuity**

Upon your death under an IRA, Roth IRA, 403(b) or other employer sponsored plan, any remaining interest must be distributed in accordance with federal income tax requirements. For Owner and Beneficiary deaths prior to 2020, please consult your tax advisor regarding the applicable post-death distribution requirements.

The information provided below applies to Owner and Beneficiary deaths after 2019. In addition, if you are an employee under a governmental plan, such as a section 403(b) plan of a public school or a governmental 457(b) plan, this law applies if you die after 2021. In addition, if your plan is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements, this law generally applies if you die after 2021 (unless the collective bargaining agreements terminate earlier).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• *Death before your required beginning date.* If you die before your required beginning date, and you have a designated beneficiary, any remaining
 interest must be distributed within 10 years after your death, unless the designated beneficiary is an "eligible designated beneficiary"
 ("EDB") or some other exception applies. A designated beneficiary is any individual designated as a beneficiary by the employee
 or IRA owner. An EDB is any designated beneficiary who is (1) your surviving spouse, (2) your minor child, (3) disabled, (4) chronically
 ill, or (5) an individual not more than 10 years younger than you. An individual's status as an EDB is generally determined on the
 date of your death. An EDB (other than a minor child) can generally stretch distributions over their life or life expectancy if payments begin by the end
 of the calendar year following the year of your death and continuing over the EDB's remaining life expectancy after the EDB's
 death. However, all amounts must be fully distributed by the end of the year containing the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the EDB's death. Special
 rules apply to minors and Beneficiaries that are not individuals. Additional special rules apply to surviving spouses, see "Spousal Continuation"
 below.

• *Death on or after your required beginning date.* In general, if you die on or after your required beginning date, and you have a designated beneficiary
 who is not an EDB, any remaining interest in your Qualified Annuity must continue to be distributed over the longer of your remaining
 life expectancy and your designated beneficiary's life expectancy (or more rapidly), but all amounts must be distributed within 10 years of your
 death. If your Beneficiary is an EDB (other than a minor child), distributions must continue over the longer of your remaining
 life expectancy and the EDB's life expectancy (or more rapidly), but all amounts must be distributed within 10 years of the EDB's
 death. Special rules apply to EDBs who are minors  and Beneficiaries that are not individuals.

• *Annuity payments.* If
 you commence taking distributions in the form of an annuity that can continue after your death, such as in the form of a
 joint and survivor annuity or an annuity with a guaranteed period of more than 10 years, any distributions after your death that are scheduled
 to be made beyond the applicable distribution period imposed under the law might need to be commuted at the end of that period
 (or otherwise modified after your death if permitted under federal tax law and by us) in order to comply with the post-death distribution
 requirements.

• *Other rules.* The post-death
 distribution requirements do not apply if the employee or IRA owner elected annuity payments that comply with
 prior law commenced prior to December 20, 2019. Also, even if annuity payments have not commenced prior to December 20, 2019, the
 requirements generally do not apply to an immediate annuity contract purchased prior to that date, if you have made an irrevocable election
 before that date as to the method and amount of the annuity.

If your beneficiary is not an individual, such as a charity, your estate, or a trust, any remaining interest after your death generally must be distributed in accordance with the 5-year rule or the at-least-as-rapidly rule, as applicable (but not the lifetime payout rule). You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your beneficiary designations.

In addition, these post-death distribution requirements generally do not apply if the employee or IRA owner died prior to January 1, 2020. However, if the designated beneficiary of the deceased employee or IRA owner dies after January 1, 2020, and the designated beneficiary had elected the lifetime payout rule or was under the at-least-as rapidly rule, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 year of the designated beneficiary's death. Hence, this 10-year rule will apply to (1) a contract issued prior to 2020 which continues to be held by a designated beneficiary of an employee or IRA owner who died prior to 2020, and (2) an inherited IRA issued after 2019 to the designated beneficiary of an employee or IRA owner who died prior to 2020.

• *Spousal continuation.* If your beneficiary is your spouse, such surviving spouse can delay the application of the post-death distribution requirements
 until after their death by transferring the remaining interest tax-free to their own IRA, or by electing to treat your IRA as their own
 IRA. However, in certain circumstances the surviving spouse may have to take "hypothetical RMDs" (i.e., catch-up amounts required in accordance with
 the regulations).

The post-death distribution requirements are complex in numerous respects. Treasury has issued final and proposed regulations that may impact these required minimum distribution requirements. We reserve the right to make changes in order to comply with the final and proposed regulations, or any regulations published in the future. Any such changes will apply uniformly to affected Owners or Beneficiaries and will be made with such notice to affected Owners or Beneficiaries as is feasible under the circumstances. In addition, the manner in which these requirements will apply will depend on your particular facts and circumstances. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

Unless payments are being made in the form of an annuity, a Beneficiary has the flexibility to take out more each year than mandated under the required minimum distribution rules.

Note that in 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Inherited IRAs, other than IRAs inherited by the owner's spouse, do not qualify as retirement assets for purposes of protection under the federal bankruptcy laws.

Until withdrawn, amounts in a Qualified Annuity continue to be tax deferred. Amounts withdrawn each year, including amounts that are required to be withdrawn under the required minimum distribution rules, are subject to tax. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

For a Roth IRA, if death occurs before the entire interest is distributed, the death benefit must be distributed under the same rules applied to IRAs where death occurs before the required beginning date. Similar rules may apply to designated Roth accounts under an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Consult your plan sponsor or tax advisor for more information on designated Roth accounts.

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**10% Additional Tax for Early Withdrawals from a Qualified Annuity**

You may owe a 10% additional tax on the taxable part of distributions received from an IRA, SEP, Roth IRA, TDA or qualified retirement plan. Amounts are not subject to this additional tax if:

• the
 amount is paid on or after you reach age 59½ or die;

• the
 amount received is attributable to your becoming disabled; or

• generally
 the amount paid or received is in the form of substantially equal periodic payments (as defined in the Code) not less frequently than
 annually. (Please note that substantially equal periodic payments must continue until the later of reaching age 59½ or five years. Certain modification
 of payments or additional contributions to the Annuity during that time period will result in retroactive application of the
 10% additional tax.)

There are a number of other exceptions to this tax that may apply. In addition, distributions that satisfy certain exceptions to this tax may be repaid in certain circumstances. You should consult your tax advisor for further details.

**Withholding**

For 403(b) Tax Deferred annuities, we will withhold federal income tax at the rate of 20% for any eligible rollover distribution paid by us to or for a plan participant, unless such distribution is "directly" rolled over into another qualified plan, IRA (including the IRA variations described above), SEP, governmental 457(b) plan or TDA. An eligible rollover distribution is defined under the tax law as a distribution from an employer plan under 401(a), a TDA or a governmental 457(b) plan, excluding any distribution that is part of a series of substantially equal payments (at least annually) made over the life expectancy of the employee or the joint life expectancies of the employee and his designated Beneficiary, any distribution made for a specified period of 10 years or more, any distribution that is a required minimum distribution and any hardship distribution. Regulations also specify certain other items which are not considered eligible rollover distributions. We will not withhold for payments made from trustee owned Annuities or for payments under a 457 plan. For all other distributions, unless you elect otherwise, we will withhold federal income tax from the taxable portion of such distribution at an appropriate percentage. The rate of withholding on annuity payments where no mandatory withholding is required is determined on the basis of the withholding certificate that you file with us. If you do not file a certificate, we will automatically withhold federal taxes on the following basis:

• For
 any annuity payments not subject to mandatory withholding, you will have taxes withheld under the applicable default withholding rules;
 and

• For
 all other distributions, we will withhold at a 10% rate.

If no U.S. taxpayer identification number is provided, no election out of withholding will be allowed, and we will automatically withhold using the default withholding rules. In addition, if you are a U.S. person (which includes a resident alien), and you request a payment be delivered outside the U.S., we are required to withhold income tax

We will provide you with forms and instructions concerning the right to elect that no amount be withheld from payments in the ordinary course. However, you should know that, in any event, you are liable for payment of federal income taxes (including any estimated tax liabilities) on the taxable portion of the distributions, and you should consult with your tax advisor to find out more information on your potential liability if you fail to pay such taxes. There may be additional state income tax withholding requirements.

Special tax rules apply to withholding for nonresident aliens, and we generally withhold income tax for nonresident aliens at a 30% rate. A different withholding rate may be applicable to a nonresident alien based on the terms of an existing income tax treaty between the United States and the nonresident alien's country.

**ERISA Requirements**

ERISA (the "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974") and the Code prevent a fiduciary and other "parties in interest" with respect to a plan (and, for these purposes, an IRA would also constitute a "plan") from receiving any benefit from any party dealing with the plan, as a result of the sale of the Annuity. Administrative exemptions under ERISA generally permit the sale of insurance/annuity products to plans, provided that certain information is disclosed to the person purchasing the Annuity. This information has to do primarily with the fees, charges, discounts and other costs related to the Annuity, as well as any commissions paid to any agent selling the Annuity. Information about any applicable fees, charges, discounts, penalties or adjustments may be found in the applicable sections of this prospectus. Information about sales representatives and commissions may be found in the sections of this prospectus addressing distribution of the Annuities.

Other relevant information required by the exemptions is contained in the contract and accompanying documentation.

Please consult with your tax advisor if you have any questions about ERISA and these disclosure requirements.

**Spousal Consent Rules for Retirement Plans – Qualified Annuities**

If you are married at the time your payments commence, you may be required by federal law to choose an income option that provides survivor annuity income to your spouse, unless your spouse waives that right. Similarly, if you are married at the time of your death, federal law may require all or a portion of the Death Benefit to be paid to your spouse, even if you designated someone else as your Beneficiary. A brief explanation of the applicable rules follows. For more information, consult the terms of your retirement arrangement.

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*Defined Benefit Plans and Money Purchase Pension Plans.* If you are married at the time your payments commence, federal law requires that benefits be paid to you in the form of a "qualified joint and survivor annuity" (QJSA), unless you and your spouse waive that right, in writing. Generally, this means that you will receive a reduced payment during your life and, upon your death, your spouse will receive at least one-half of what you were receiving for life. You may elect to receive another income option if your spouse consents to the election and waives his or her right to receive the QJSA. If your spouse consents to the alternative form of payment, your spouse may not receive any benefits from the plan upon your death. Federal law also requires that the plan pay a Death Benefit to your spouse if you are married and die before you begin receiving your benefit. This benefit must be available in the form of an Annuity for your spouse's lifetime and is called a "qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity" (QPSA). If the plan pays Death Benefits to other Beneficiaries, you may elect to have a Beneficiary other than your spouse receive the Death Benefit, but only if your spouse consents to the election and waives his or her right to receive the QPSA. If your spouse consents to the alternate Beneficiary, your spouse will receive no benefits from the plan upon your death. Any QPSA waiver prior to your attaining age 35 will become null and void on the first day of the calendar year in which you attain age 35, if still employed.

*Defined Contribution Plans (including 401(k) Plans and ERISA 403(b) Annuities).* Spousal consent to a distribution is generally not required. Upon your death, your spouse will receive the entire Death Benefit, even if you designated someone else as your Beneficiary, unless your spouse consents in writing to waive this right. Also, if you are married and elect an Annuity as a periodic income option, federal law requires that you receive a QJSA (as described above), unless you and your spouse consent to waive this right.

*IRAs, non-ERISA 403(b) Annuities, and 457 Plans.* Spousal consent to a distribution usually is not required unless specifically required under the terms of the plan. Upon your death, any Death Benefit will be paid to your designated Beneficiary.

**ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS**

**Reporting and Withholding for Escheated Amounts**

Revenue Rulings 2018-17 and 2020-24 provide that an amount transferred from an IRA or 401(a) qualified retirement plan to a state's unclaimed property fund is subject to federal income tax withholding at the time of transfer. The amount transferred is also subject to federal tax reporting. Consistent with these Rulings, we will withhold federal and state income taxes and report to the applicable Owner or Beneficiary as required by law when amounts are transferred to a state's unclaimed property fund. Non-qualified annuity contracts generally are subject to the same or similar federal income tax reporting and withholding requirements as IRAs and qualified retirement plans. As a result, we may determine in the future that we have an obligation to follow similar guidelines with respect to any amounts escheated from your Non-qualified Annuity.

**Gifts and Generation-skipping Transfers**

If you transfer your Annuity to another person for less than adequate consideration, there may be gift tax consequences in addition to income tax consequences. Also, if you transfer your Annuity to a person two or more generations younger than you (such as a grandchild or grandniece) or to a person that is more than 37½ years younger than you, there may be generation-skipping transfer tax consequences.

**Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships**

U.S. Treasury Department regulations provide that for federal tax purposes, the term "spouse" does not include individuals (whether of the opposite sex or the same sex) who have entered into a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or other similar formal relationship that is not denominated as a marriage under the laws of the state where the relationship was entered into, regardless of domicile. As a result, if a Beneficiary of a deceased Owner and the Owner were parties to such a relationship, the Beneficiary will be required by federal tax law to take distributions from the Contract in the manner applicable to non-spouse Beneficiaries and will not be able to continue the Contract. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor before electing the Spousal Benefit for a civil union partner or domestic partner.

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**LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**

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As of the date of this prospectus, neither the Company nor the Registered Separate Account is a party to any material legal proceedings outside of the ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. Although the Company and its affiliates are involved in pending and threatened legal proceedings in the normal course of its business, we do not anticipate that the outcome of any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Registered Separate Account, or the Company's ability to meet its obligations under the Annuity.

As of the date of this prospectus, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. is not a party to any material legal proceedings outside of the ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. Although Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. can be involved in pending and threatened legal proceedings in the normal course of its business, we do not anticipate that the outcome of any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its ability to meet its obligations related to the Annuity.

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**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

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The financial statements of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company and the Registered Separate Account are incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional Information.

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**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

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**HOW WILL I RECEIVE STATEMENTS AND REPORTS?**

We send any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at your last known address of record. You should therefore give us prompt notice of any address change. We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and subject to your prior consent, to provide any prospectus, prospectus supplements, confirmations, statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-HARVESTERVA-STAT</u> or any other electronic means. We send a confirmation statement to you each time a transaction is made affecting Account Value, such as making subsequent Purchase Payments, transfers, exchanges or withdrawals. We also send quarterly statements detailing the activity affecting your Annuity during the calendar quarter. We may confirm regularly scheduled transactions, such as systematic withdrawals (including 72(t) payments and required minimum distributions), and bank drafting, in quarterly statements instead of confirming them immediately. You should review the information in these statements carefully. You may request additional reports. We reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each such additional report.

Any errors or corrections on transactions for your Annuity must be reported to us at our Service Center as soon as possible to assure proper accounting to your Annuity. For transactions that are confirmed immediately, we assume all transactions are accurate unless you notify us otherwise within 30 days from the date you receive the confirmation. For transactions that are first confirmed on the quarterly statement, we assume all transactions are accurate unless you notify us within 30 days from the date you receive the quarterly statement. All transactions confirmed immediately or by quarterly statement are deemed conclusive after the applicable 30-day period. We may also send an annual report and a semi-annual report containing applicable financial statements for the Registered Separate Account and the Portfolios, as of December 31 and June 30, respectively, to Owners or, with your prior consent, make such documents available electronically through our website or other electronic means.

**HOW TO CONTACT US**

Please communicate with us using the telephone number and addresses below for the purposes described. Failure to send mail to the proper address may result in a delay in our receiving and processing your request.

**Annuities Service Center**

Call our Annuities Service Center at 1-800-879-7012 during normal business hours.

**Internet**

Access information about your Annuity through our website: www.prudential.com/annuities

**Correspondence Sent by Regular Mail**

Annuities Service Center<br>P.O. Box 7960<br>Philadelphia, PA 19176

**Correspondence Sent by Overnight\*, Certified or Registered Mail**

Annuities Service<br>1600 Malone Street<br>Millville, NJ 08332

\*Please note that overnight correspondence sent through the United States Postal Service may be delivered to the P.O. Box listed above, which could delay receipt of your correspondence at our Annuities Service Center. Overnight mail sent through other methods (e.g. Federal Express, United Parcel Service) will be delivered to the address listed below.

Correspondence sent by regular mail to our Annuities Service Center should be sent to the address shown above. Your correspondence will be picked up at this address and then delivered to our Annuities Service Center. Your correspondence is not considered received by us until it is received at our Annuities Service Center. Where this prospectus refers to the day when we receive a Purchase Payment, request, election, notice, transfer or any other transaction request from you, we mean the day on which that item (or the last requirement needed for us to process that item) arrives in complete and proper form at our Annuities Service Center or via the appropriate telephone or fax number if the item is a type we accept by those means. There are two main exceptions: if the item arrives at our Annuities Service Center (1) on a day that is not a business day, or (2) after the close of a business day, then, in each case, we are deemed to have received that item on the next business day.

You can obtain account information by calling our automated response system, and at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>, our website. Our Customer Service representatives are also available during business hours to provide you with information about your account. You can request certain transactions through our telephone voice response system, our website or through a customer service representative. You can provide authorization for a third party, including your attorney-in-fact acting pursuant to a power of attorney or your financial professional, to access your account information and perform certain transactions on your account. You will need to complete a form provided by us which identifies those transactions that you wish to authorize via telephonic and electronic means and whether you wish to authorize a third party to perform any such transactions. Please note that unless you tell us otherwise, we deem that all transactions that are directed by your financial professional with respect to your Annuity have been authorized by you. We

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require that you or your representative provide proper identification before performing transactions over the telephone or through our website. This may include a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will be provided to you upon issue of your Annuity or you may establish or change your PIN by calling our automated response system, and at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>, our website. Any third party that you authorize to perform financial transactions on your account will be assigned a PIN for your account.

Transactions requested via telephone are recorded. To the extent permitted by law, we will not be responsible for any claims, loss, liability or expense in connection with a transaction requested by telephone or other electronic means if we acted on such transaction instructions after following reasonable procedures to identify those persons authorized to perform transactions on your Annuity using verification methods which may include a request for your Social Security number, PIN or other form of electronic identification. We may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if we did not follow such procedures.

We do not guarantee access to telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic information or that we will be able to accept transaction instructions via such means at all times. Regular and/or express mail will be the only means by which we will accept transaction instructions when telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic means are unavailable or delayed. We reserve the right to limit, restrict or terminate telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic transaction privileges at any time.

**This prospectus is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives or** **financial situation of any Annuity Owner. The information is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation about managing** **or investing your retirement savings. Annuity Owners seeking information regarding their particular investment needs should contact a** **financial professional.**

PRUDENTIAL, THE PRUDENTIAL LOGO AND THE ROCK DESIGN ARE TRADEMARKS OF PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES, REGISTERED IN MANY JURISDICTIONS WORLDWIDE. USED UNDER LICENSE.

FORTITUDE RE AND THE FORTITUDE RE LOGO ARE SERVICE MARKS OF FORTITUDE GROUP HOLDINGS, LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES. OTHER PROPRIETARY FORTITUDE RE MARKS MAY BE DESIGNATED AS SUCH THROUGH THE USE OF THE <sup>SM</sup> OR <sup>®</sup> SYMBOLS.

HARVESTER VARIABLE ANNUITY, AST, GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO) AND GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GRO PLUS) ARE SERVICE MARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA AND ARE USED UNDER LICENSE BY FORTITUDE RE.

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**APPENDIX A –** **INVESTMENT OPTIONS** **AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**

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**Certain Investment Options may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the** [**<u>Cover Page</u>**](#chapter_1-sect1_1_934) **for additional information**

**Variable Options**

The following is a list of Portfolios available under the Contract. More information about the Portfolios is available in the prospectuses for the Portfolios, which may be amended from time to time and can be found online at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-HARVESTERVA-STAT</u>. You can also request this information at no cost by calling 1-800-346-3778 or by sending an email request to service@prudential.com. Depending on the optional benefits you choose, you may not be able to invest in certain Portfolio Companies, as noted below.

The current expenses and performance information below reflects fees and expenses of the Portfolios, but do not reflect the other fees and expenses that your Contract may charge. Expenses would be higher, and performance would be lower if these other charges were included. Each Portfolio's past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Discovery All Cap Growth Fund - Class 1<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.75% | 15.53% | 6.31% | 13.84% |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Opportunity Fund - Class 1<sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.75% | 7.00% | 9.22% | 12.13% |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Small Cap Growth Fund - Class 1<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.91% | 9.55% | -0.70% | 10.22% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.86% | 16.17% | 8.81% | 9.59% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.87% | 14.35% | 6.96% | 8.05% |
|  Fixed Income<br> AST Core Fixed Income Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Limited*<br>*Wellington Management Company LLP* | 0.68% | 7.15% | -1.10% | 2.30% |
|  Fixed Income<br> AST Government Money Market Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*PGIM Fixed Income* | 0.58% | 3.78% | 2.86% | 1.78% |
|  Equity<br> AST International Equity Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*Massachusetts Financial Services Company*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 1.02% | 32.84% | 5.76% | 10.00% |
|  Allocation<br> AST J.P. Morgan Conservative Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.* | 0.92% | 10.37% | 3.31% | 5.19% |
|  Allocation<br> AST J.P. Morgan Moderate Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.* | 0.97% | 12.53% | 5.61% | 7.30% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity | AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Clearbridge Investments, LLC*<br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.87% | 17.06% | 11.35% | 16.27% |
|  Allocation | AST Multi-Asset Diversified Plus Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 1.13% | 13.55% | 5.58% | 5.73% |
|  Allocation | AST Multi-Asset Diversified Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.90% | 15.55% | 6.86% | 8.28% |
|  Allocation | AST PGIM Aggressive Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate* | 0.90% | 16.00% | 8.22% | 8.26% |
|  Allocation | AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.89% | 11.33% | 3.76% | 5.45% |
|  Equity | Davis Equity Portfolio<sup>‡</sup><br>*Investment Adviser. Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.*<br>*Sub-Adviser. Davis Selected Advisers–NY, Inc.* | 0.71% | 27.24% | 13.39% | 12.52% |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Discovery Mid Cap Growth Fund - Series I shares<sup>1,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.86% | 4.79% | 3.90% | 11.38% |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Technology Fund - Series I shares<sup>‡</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.96% | 20.47% | 10.30% | 15.78% |

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**The additional information below may be applicable to the Portfolios listed in the above table.**

PGIM Fixed Income is a business unit of PGIM, Inc.

PGIM Investments LLC manages each of the Portfolios of The Prudential Series Fund (PSF).

PGIM Investments LLC manages each of the Portfolios of the Advanced Series Trust (AST). AST Investment Services, Inc. serves as co-manager, along with PGIM Investments LLC, to many of the Portfolios of AST.

PGIM Real Estate is a business unit of PGIM, Inc.

1. **These Portfolios are also offered in other variable annuity contracts that utilize a predetermined mathematical formula to manage the guarantees offered in connection with** **optional benefits.** 

Those other variable annuity contracts offer certain optional living benefits that utilize a predetermined mathematical formula (the "formula") to manage the guarantees offered in connection with those optional benefits. The formula monitors each contract Owner's Account Value daily and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts among investment options. The formula transfers funds between the Variable Options for those variable annuity contracts and an AST Bond Portfolio Variable Option or a fixed account (those AST Bond Portfolios or a fixed account may not be available in connection with the annuity contracts offered through this prospectus). **You should be aware that the operation of the formula in those other variable annuity** **contracts may result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the underlying Portfolios that are available with your contract. These asset flows could adversely impact the** 

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**underlying Portfolios, including their risk profile, expenses and performance**. Because transfers between the Variable Options and the AST Bond Variable Option or a fixed account can be frequent and the amount transferred can vary from day to day, any of the underlying Portfolios could experience the following effects, among others:

(a) a
 Portfolio's investment performance could be adversely affected by requiring a subadvisor to purchase and sell securities at inopportune
 times or by otherwise limiting the subadvisor's
 ability to fully implement the Portfolio's investment strategy;

(b) the
 subadvisor may be required to hold a larger portion of assets in highly liquid securities than it otherwise would hold, which could adversely
 affect performance if the highly
 liquid securities underperform other securities (e.g., equities) that otherwise would have been held; and

(c) a Portfolio may experience higher turnover and greater negative asset flows than it would have experienced without the formula,
 which could result in higher operating expense
 ratios and higher transaction costs for the Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

The efficient operation of the asset flows among Portfolios triggered by the formula depends on active and liquid markets. If market liquidity is strained, the asset flows may not operate as intended. For example, it is possible that illiquid markets or other market stress could cause delays in the transfer of cash from one Portfolio to another Portfolio, which in turn could adversely impact performance.

Before you allocate to the Variable Option with the AST Portfolios listed above, you should consider the potential effects on the Portfolios that are the result of the operation of the formula in the variable annuity contracts that are unrelated to your Variable Annuity. Please work with your financial professional to determine which Portfolios are appropriate for your needs.

♦ **This information includes annual expenses that reflect temporary or other fee reductions or waivers. Please see the Portfolio prospectus for additional information.** 

‡ The
 Portfolio has certain restrictions regarding availability for investment by Contract Owners as listed below.

**<u>Davis Equity Portfolio</u>**<br>Effective April 29, 2013 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

**<u>Invesco V.I. Discovery Mid Cap Growth Fund - Series I shares</u>**<br>Effective May 1, 2020 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

**<u>Invesco V.I. Technology Fund - Series I shares</u>**<br>Effective May 1, 2022 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

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**Fixed Options**

The following is a list of Fixed Options currently available under the Contract. We may change the features of the Fixed Options listed below, offer new Fixed Options, and terminate existing Fixed Options. We will provide you with written notice before doing so. For more information about the Fixed Options, see ["Description of Insurance Company, Registered Separate Account, and Investment Options" in this prospectus.](#chapter_7_934)

**Note: If amounts are withdrawn from MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of its term, we will apply a Contract Adjustment. This may result in a** **significant reduction in your Contract value. For more information about Market Value Adjustments, please refer to the ["Charges and Adjustments"](#chapter_8_934)** **section of this prospectus.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Term** |
| Guaranteed Period GRO<sup>1</sup> | 7 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 1 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 2 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 3 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 5 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 7 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 10 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |

---

\*The rate shown is the last Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate issued before the product closed to new customers. Your Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate is the amount shown on your Contract and can vary by state. Please consult with your representative for availability and current rates.

<sup>1</sup> Not available for allocations. <br><sup>2</sup> The Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate is linked to an index and never less than zero, as shown on your Contract and subject to state minimums.

**Investment Restrictions**

Please note that the following Portfolios are not available if you have elected any of the following optional benefits:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Optional Benefit Name:** | **All Investment Options Permitted, EXCEPT These:** |
| Guaranteed Return Option | Invesco V.I. Technology Fund - Series I shares |
| Guaranteed Return Option Plus |  |

---

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**APPENDIX B – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION BENEFIT**

------

We set out below the current formula under which we may transfer amounts between the Variable Options and the Fixed Allocations. We will not alter this predetermined mathematical formula.

**TERMS AND DEFINITIONS REFERENCED IN THE CALCULATION FORMULA:**

• AV
 is the current Account Value of the Annuity (including any Market Value Adjustment on Fixed Allocations)

• V
 is the current Account Value of the elected Variable Options of the Annuity

• F
 is the current Account Value of the Fixed Allocations

• G
 is the Principal Value of the guarantee

• t
 is the number of whole and partial years between the current Valuation Day and the maturity date.

• t <sub>i</sub> is the number of whole and partial years between the next Valuation Day (i.e., the Valuation Day immediately following the current Valuation
 Day) and the maturity date.

• r
 is the fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t (t <sub>1</sub> is rounded to the next highest whole number to determine this rate) as of the
 current Valuation Day.

• r <sub>i</sub> is the fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t <sub>1</sub> (t <sub>1</sub> is rounded to the next highest whole number to determine this rate) as of
 the next Valuation Day.

• M
 is the total maturity value of all Fixed Allocations, i.e., the total value that the Fixed Allocations will have on the maturity date
 of the guarantee
 if no subsequent transactions occur.

The formula determines, on each Valuation Day, when a transfer is required.

The formula begins by determining a "cushion", D:

D = 1 – [(G – M) / (1 + r)<sup>ti</sup>] / V

Next, the formula determines whether or not a transfer to or from the Fixed Allocations is needed:

A transfer into the Fixed Allocations will occur if D < 0.20, V > 0, and V > 0.02 × AV.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(V, (V × (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – G + M) / (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – (1 + r)<sup>t</sup>)))

A transfer from the Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options will occur if D > 0.30 and F > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(F, (V × (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – G + M) / ((1 + r)<sup>t</sup> – 0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup>)))

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**APPENDIX C – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS BENEFIT**

------

We set out below the current formula under which we may transfer amounts between the Variable Options and the Fixed Allocations. We will not alter the formula.

**TERMS AND DEFINITIONS REFERENCED IN THE CALCULATION FORMULA:**

• AV
 is the current Account Value of the Annuity (including any Market Value Adjustment on Fixed Allocations)

• V
 is the current Account Value of the elected Variable Options of the Annuity

• F
 is the current Account Value of the Fixed Allocations

For each guarantee provided under the program,

• G <sub>i</sub> is the Principal Value of the guarantee

• t <sub>i</sub> is the number of whole and partial years until the maturity date of the guarantee.

• r <sub>i</sub> is the current fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t <sub>i</sub> (t <sub>i</sub> is rounded to the next highest integer to determine this rate).

The formula determines, on each Valuation Day, when a transfer is required.

The formula begins by determining for each guarantee the value (L<sub>i</sub>) that, if appreciated at the current fixed rate, would equal the Principal Value on the applicable maturity date. We call the greatest of these values the "current liability (L)."

L = MAX (L<sub>i</sub>), where L<sub>i</sub> = G<sub>i</sub> / (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup>

Next, the formula determines whether or not a transfer to or from the Fixed Allocations is needed:

A transfer into the Fixed Allocations will occur if L > (AV – 0.2 × V), and V > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(V, (V – (1 / 0.23) × (AV – L)))

A transfer from the Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options will occur if L < (AV – 0.26 × V), and F > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(F, ((1 / 0.23) × (AV – L) – V))

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**Mailing**

------

This prospectus describes the important features of the Annuity and provides information about Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("we," "our," "us," "FLIAC," or "the Company") and Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B ("the Registered Separate Account").

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Statement of Additional Information (SAI), dated May 1, 2026 that includes additional information about the Annuity and the Registered Separate Account, and the Company. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The SAI is available from us, without charge, upon request. To request a copy of the SAI, to ask about your Annuity, or to make other investor inquiries, please call 1-800-879-7012.

Reports and other information about the Contract, Registered Separate Account, and the Company are available on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>, and copies of reports and other information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

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![](pr934img001.jpg)<br>Ten Exchange Place<br>Suite 2210<br>Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

Edgar Contract Identifier: C000010699; C000267646 EVAPROS

------

**FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY**<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B<br>A Fortitude Re Company<br>Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210, Jersey City, NJ 07302

**ADVANCED SERIES ADVISOR PLAN II PREMIER ("ASAP II PREMIER")**<br>

**Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity**<br>**Prospectus Dated:** **May 1, 2026**

This Prospectus describes Advanced Series Advisor Plan II Premier, a flexible premium deferred annuity (the "Contract" or "Annuity"), offered by Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company, formerly named Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation ("we," "our," "us" or "the Company"). The Annuity provides for the potential accumulation of retirement savings through investment in the Contract's investment options during the Savings Stage and retirement income through annuitization during the Payout Period. The Contract is intended for retirement or other long-term investment purposes. This prospectus describes all material rights and obligations of Annuity Owners under the Annuity contracts. The Annuity is a complex investment that involves risks, including potential loss of principal. The Annuity is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. Withdrawals may reduce the level of various optional benefit guarantees and could result in taxes and tax penalties. In addition, premature withdrawals from a MVA Fixed Allocation will result in a Market Value Adjustment. **In extreme circumstances, the maximum potential loss** **resulting from a negative Market Value Adjustment is 100% of the amount invested in a MVA Fixed Allocation.**

This prospectus describes all the investment options, features, and benefits that we make available under the Annuity. **The availability of investment** **options, features and benefits described in this prospectus may vary depending on the broker-dealer through which the Contract is sold** **("financial intermediary variations").** We have identified all such financial intermediary variations that are known or reasonably available to us. Financial intermediary variations may be imposed by some broker-dealers without our knowledge. For example, your Financial Professional may not recommend a particular investment option or benefit to you because of a decision by the Financial Professional's broker-dealer not to offer that investment option or benefit to its customers. Taking into consideration the breadth of our distribution network, we are unable to obtain information about all financial intermediary variations without unreasonable effort or expense. **You should discuss with your Financial Professional any limitations,** **restrictions, or other variations related to the investment options, benefits or other features available to you through your Financial** **Professional.**

The types of investment options currently offered under the Annuity include variable investment options with underlying mutual funds ("Variable Options") and MVA Fixed Allocation Options that offer a fixed rate of interest for a set period of time called a "Guarantee Period." **See** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18_928) **for additional** **information about each investment option.**

If you are receiving this prospectus, it is because you currently own the Annuity. The Annuity is no longer offered for new sales.

The Company's obligations under the Annuity are subject to its financial strength and claims-paying ability.

In compliance with U.S. law, we deliver this prospectus to Annuity Owners that currently reside outside of the United States. In addition, we may not market or offer benefits, features, or enhancements to prospective or current Annuity Owners while outside of the United States.

These Annuities are NOT deposits or obligations of, or issued, guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank, are NOT insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.

------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

------

Additional information about certain investment products, including variable annuities and market value adjusted annuities, has been prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission's staff and is available at www.investor.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 1-800-879-7012 OR VISIT: <u>WWW.PRUDENTIAL.COM/ANNUITIES</u>

FUSIASAPIIPROS

------

**Table of Contents**

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [**GLOSSARY OF TERMS**.......................................................................................](#chapter_2_928) | [**1**](#chapter_2_928) |
| [**OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRACT**................................................................................](#chapter_3_928) | [**3**](#chapter_3_928) |
| [**KEY INFORMATION**.........................................................................................](#chapter_4_928) | [**4**](#chapter_4_928) |
| [**FEE TABLE**................................................................................................](#chapter_5_928) | [**8**](#chapter_5_928) |
| [**PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT**..............................................................](#chapter_6_928) | [**11**](#chapter_6_928) |
| [**DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE COMPANY, REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT, AND INVESTMENT OPTIONS**..................](#chapter_7_928) | [**13**](#chapter_7_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHO IS FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY?....................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_2_928) | [13](#chapter_7-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT ARE THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS?.....................................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_3_928) | [13](#chapter_7-sect1_3_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [INVESTMENT OPTIONS...................................................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_4_928) | [14](#chapter_7-sect1_4_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT IS THE LEGAL STRUCTURE OF THE PORTFOLIOS?.......................................................](#chapter_7-sect1_5_928) | [14](#chapter_7-sect1_5_928) |
| [**CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**................................................................................](#chapter_8_928) | [**17**](#chapter_8_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [FIXED RATE OPTIONS CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS..........................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_2_928) | [19](#chapter_8-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION CHARGES......................................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_3_928) | [19](#chapter_8-sect1_3_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [EXCEPTIONS/REDUCTIONS TO FEES AND CHARGES...........................................................](#chapter_8-sect1_4_928) | [19](#chapter_8-sect1_4_928) |
| [**GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACTS**.......................................................................](#chapter_9_928) | [**20**](#chapter_9_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CHANGE OF OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS.............................................](#chapter_9-sect1_2_928) | [20](#chapter_9-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW DO THE FIXED RATE OPTIONS WORK?..................................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_3_928) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_3_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW DO YOU DETERMINE RATES FOR FIXED ALLOCATIONS?...................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_4_928) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_4_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY GUARANTEE PERIOD MATURES?....................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_5_928) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_5_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TRANSFER AND REBALANCING PROGRAMS..................................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_6_928) | [21](#chapter_9-sect1_6_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAMS...........................................................................](#chapter_9-sect1_7_928) | [22](#chapter_9-sect1_7_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE A "RETURN OF PREMIUM" AT A FUTURE DATE?.................](#chapter_9-sect1_8_928) | [22](#chapter_9-sect1_8_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS BETWEEN INVESTMENT OPTIONS...............................................](#chapter_9-sect1_9_928) | [23](#chapter_9-sect1_9_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL PERMISSION TO FORWARD TRANSACTION INSTRUCTIONS...............................](#chapter_9-sect1_10_928) | [24](#chapter_9-sect1_10_928) |
| [**ANNUITY PERIOD**...........................................................................................](#chapter_10_928) | [**26**](#chapter_10_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW AND WHEN DO I CHOOSE THE ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION?................................................](#chapter_10-sect1_2_928) | [26](#chapter_10-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW ARE ANNUITY PAYMENTS CALCULATED?...............................................................](#chapter_10-sect1_3_928) | [27](#chapter_10-sect1_3_928) |
| [**BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**...................................................................](#chapter_11_928) | [**28**](#chapter_11_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO)......................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_2_928) | [29](#chapter_11-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GROPlus)..............................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_3_928) | [32](#chapter_11-sect1_3_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE..............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_4_928) | [37](#chapter_11-sect1_4_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TRIGGERS FOR PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT............................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_5_928) | [38](#chapter_11-sect1_5_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [BASIC DEATH BENEFIT...................................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_6_928) | [38](#chapter_11-sect1_6_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFITS..............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_7_928) | [39](#chapter_11-sect1_7_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFITS............................................................................](#chapter_11-sect1_8_928) | [43](#chapter_11-sect1_8_928) |
| [**PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE**...........................................................................](#chapter_12_928) | [**46**](#chapter_12_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING THE ANNUITY.............................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_2_928) | [46](#chapter_12-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW AND WHEN ARE PURCHASE PAYMENTS INVESTED?.......................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_3_928) | [46](#chapter_12-sect1_3_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENTS........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_4_928) | [46](#chapter_12-sect1_4_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SCHEDULED PAYMENTS DIRECTLY FROM A BANK ACCOUNT....................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_5_928) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_5_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SALARY REDUCTION PROGRAMS..........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_6_928) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_6_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW IS MY ACCOUNT VALUE DETERMINED?.................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_7_928) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_7_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SURRENDER VALUE.....................................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_8_928) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_8_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [VALUING THE VARIABLE OPTIONS..........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_9_928) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_9_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [VALUING THE FIXED ALLOCATIONS.........................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_10_928) | [47](#chapter_12-sect1_10_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [PROCESSING AND VALUING TRANSACTIONS.................................................................](#chapter_12-sect1_11_928) | [48](#chapter_12-sect1_11_928) |
| [**SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS**............................................................................](#chapter_13_928) | [**50**](#chapter_13_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TYPES OF DISTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU...............................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_2_928) | [50](#chapter_13-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES........................................](#chapter_13-sect1_3_928) | [50](#chapter_13-sect1_3_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN I WITHDRAW A PORTION OF MY ANNUITY?...............................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_4_928) | [50](#chapter_13-sect1_4_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNTS............................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_5_928) | [51](#chapter_13-sect1_5_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [IS THERE A CHARGE FOR A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL?...........................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_6_928) | [52](#chapter_13-sect1_6_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [CAN YOU CLOSE MY ACCOUNT AND INVOLUNTARILY REDEEM MY INVESTMENT?...................................](#chapter_13-sect1_7_928) | [52](#chapter_13-sect1_7_928) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS..............................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_8_928) | [52](#chapter_13-sect1_8_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS UNDER SECTION 72(t) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE..............................](#chapter_13-sect1_9_928) | [52](#chapter_13-sect1_9_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS.......................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_10_928) | [53](#chapter_13-sect1_10_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SURRENDER VALUE.....................................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_11_928) | [53](#chapter_13-sect1_11_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [MEDICALLY-RELATED SURRENDERS.......................................................................](#chapter_13-sect1_12_928) | [53](#chapter_13-sect1_12_928) |
| [**TAXES**...................................................................................................](#chapter_14_928) | [**54**](#chapter_14_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES...............................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_2_928) | [54](#chapter_14-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [QUALIFIED ANNUITIES...................................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_3_928) | [58](#chapter_14-sect1_3_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................](#chapter_14-sect1_4_928) | [64](#chapter_14-sect1_4_928) |
| [**LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**......................................................................................](#chapter_15_928) | [**65**](#chapter_15_928) |
| [**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**....................................................................................](#chapter_16_928) | [**66**](#chapter_16_928) |
| [**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**...................................................................................](#chapter_17_928) | [**67**](#chapter_17_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW WILL I RECEIVE STATEMENTS AND REPORTS?...........................................................](#chapter_17-sect1_2_928) | [67](#chapter_17-sect1_2_928) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [HOW TO CONTACT US...................................................................................](#chapter_17-sect1_3_928) | [67](#chapter_17-sect1_3_928) |
| [**APPENDIX A – INVESTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**............................................](#chapter_18_928) | [**A-1**](#chapter_18_928) |
| [**APPENDIX B – SALE OF THE CONTRACTS TO RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK**.................................](#chapter_19_928) | [**B-1**](#chapter_19_928) |
| [**APPENDIX C – PLUS40 OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE RIDER**.........................................................](#chapter_20_928) | [**C-1**](#chapter_20_928) |
| [**APPENDIX D – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION BENEFIT**........................................](#chapter_21_928) | [**D-1**](#chapter_21_928) |
| [**APPENDIX E – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS BENEFIT**...................................](#chapter_22_928) | [**E-1**](#chapter_22_928) |
| [**APPENDIX F – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM**.........................................](#chapter_23_928) | [**F-1**](#chapter_23_928) |

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**GLOSSARY OF TERMS**

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Many terms used within this Prospectus are described within the text where they appear. The description of those terms are not repeated in this Glossary of Terms.

**Account Value:** The value of each allocation to a Variable Option or a Fixed Allocation prior to the Annuity Date, plus any earnings, and/or less any losses, distributions and charges. The Account Value is calculated before we assess any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") and/or any Annual Maintenance Fee. The Account Value includes any additional amounts we applied to your Purchase Payments that we are entitled to recapture under certain circumstances. The Account Value is determined separately for each Variable Option and for each Fixed Allocation, and then totaled to determine the Account Value for your entire Annuity. The Account Value of each Fixed Allocation on other than its Maturity Date may be calculated using a Market Value Adjustment.

**Accumulation Period:** The period of time from the Issue Date through the last Valuation Day immediately preceding the Annuity Date.

**Annuities Service Center or Service Center:** The place to which all requests and payments regarding the Annuity are to be sent. We may change the address of the Annuities Service Center at any time and will notify you in advance of any such change of address. Please see "[<u>How to Contact Us</u>](#chapter_17-sect1_3_928)" for the Annuities Service Center address.

**Annuitization:** The application of Account Value to one of the available annuity options for the Annuitant to begin receiving periodic payments for life, for a guaranteed minimum number of payments or for life with a guaranteed minimum number of payments.

**Annuity Date:** The date you choose for annuity payments to commence. A maximum Annuity Date may apply.

**Annuity Year:** A 12-month period commencing on the Issue Date of the Annuity and each successive 12-month period thereafter.

**Free Withdrawal:** The Free Withdrawal amount is the amount that can be withdrawn from your Annuity each Annuity Year without the application of any CDSC.

**Code:** The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

**Co-Annuitant:** The person shown on the contract data pages who becomes the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant before the Annuity Date. No Co-Annuitant may be designated if the Owner is a non-natural person.

**Contingent Annuitant:** The natural person named to become the Annuitant upon the death of Annuitant prior to the Annuity Date. A Contingent Annuitant may be named only in limited circumstances involving an Annuity issued to a Custodial Account or to a tax-qualified retirement plan.

**Custodial Account:** A trust or Custodial Account that qualifies as an individual retirement account as defined in Section 408(a) of the Code, including a Roth IRA that satisfies the definitions in Sections 408(a) and 408A of the Code.

**Fixed Allocation:** An allocation of Account Value that is to be credited a fixed rate of interest for a specified Guarantee Period during the Accumulation Period.

**Guarantee Period:** A period of time during the Accumulation Period where we credit a fixed rate of interest on a Fixed Allocation.

**Interim Value:** The value of a Fixed Allocation on any date other than the Maturity Date. The Interim Value is equal to the initial value allocated to the Fixed Allocation plus all interest credited to the Fixed Allocation as of the date calculated, less any transfers or withdrawals from the Fixed Allocation.

**Issue Date:** The effective date of your Annuity.

**Market Value Adjustment:** A Market Value Adjustment used in the determination of Account Value of each Fixed Allocation on any day other than the Maturity Date of such Fixed Allocation.

**MVA Fixed Allocation:** An investment option that offers a fixed rate of interest for a specified Guarantee Period during the accumulation period that is subject to a market value adjustment if you withdraw Account Value prior to the maturity of the Fixed Allocation. Your Annuity may include Fixed Allocations that are not subject to a market value adjustment, such as a benefit fixed rate account.

**Maturity Date:** The last day of the Guarantee Period.

**Owner:** With an Annuity issued as an individual annuity contract, the Owner is either an eligible entity or person named as having ownership rights in relation to the Annuity. With an Annuity issued as a certificate under a group annuity contract, the "Owner" refers to the person or entity who has the rights and benefits designated as to the "Participant" in the certificate.

**Payout Period:** The period starting on the Annuity Date and during which annuity payments are made.

**Portfolio:** Any underlying mutual fund which may be selected as an investment option by the Owner. The terms "Fund" and "Portfolio" are used interchangeably. Some of the Portfolios use the term "Fund" and others use the term "Portfolio" in their respective prospectuses.

**Purchase Payment:** A cash consideration in currency of the United States of America given to us in exchange for the rights, privileges, and benefits of the Annuity.

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**Registered Separate Account:** Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Co Variable Account B, which holds the assets supporting the Variable Options. Assets held in the Registered Separate Account are kept separate from all of our other assets and may not be charged with liabilities arising out of any other business we may conduct. The Registered Separate Account may be referred to as the "Separate Account" in this prospectus and the Contract.

**Surrender Value:** The value of your Annuity available upon surrender prior to the Annuity Date. It equals the Account Value as of the date we price the surrender minus any applicable CDSC, Annual Maintenance Fee, Tax Charge, the charge for any optional benefits and any additional amounts we applied to your Purchase Payments that we are entitled to recapture upon surrender of your Annuity.

**Unit:** A measure used to calculate your Account Value in a Variable Option during the Accumulation Period.

**Valuation Day:** Every day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading or any other day the Securities and Exchange Commission requires mutual funds or unit investment trusts to be valued.

**Variable Option:** A division of the Registered Separate Account. The Variable Option also may be referred to in this prospectus and the Annuity as a Variable Sub-account or Sub-account.

**"We", "our", "us", "FLIAC", or "the Company":** Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company.

**"You" or "your":** the Owner(s) shown in the Annuity.

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**OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRACT**

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**The Annuity referenced in this prospectus and its applicable riders are no longer available for new sales.**

**Purpose of the Contract**

The Annuity is a long-term investment designed for long-term retirement purposes because it allows you to accumulate retirement savings and also offers annuity payment options when you are ready to begin receiving income. This Annuity is a "flexible premium deferred annuity." It is called "flexible premium" because you have considerable flexibility in the timing and amount of premium payments. Generally, investors "defer" receiving annuity payments until after an Accumulation Period. This Annuity may be appropriate for investors accumulating retirement savings on a tax deferred basis and would seek guaranteed income through an annuity payment option.

**Phases of the Contract**

The Annuity features two distinct phases – the Accumulation Period and the Payout Period. During the Accumulation Period your Account Value is allocated to one or more investment options. See "Investment Options" below. During the Payout Period (after Annuitization), you can elect to receive annuity payments (1) for life; (2) for life with a guaranteed minimum number of payments; (3) based on joint lives; or (4) for a guaranteed number of payments. We currently make annuity payments available on a fixed basis. After Annuitization, the Death Benefits and optional benefits described in this prospectus will no longer apply. We reserve the right to make available other annuity options. See the [<u>"Annuity Period"</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_928) section of this prospectus.

**Investment Options**

*Variable Options:* The Variable Options we make available each invest in an underlying Portfolio whose share price generally fluctuates each day. The Variable Options do not provide any level of protection against negative returns. You are at risk of losing principal and any earnings if you allocate funds to a Portfolio.

*Fixed Rate Options:* The Annuity offers one fixed interest rate option ("Fixed Rate Options"). The Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation provides a guaranteed annual interest rate for a term of 1-10 years (in most states) called the "Guarantee Period".

An investment in the Fixed Rate Options may be appropriate for investors who seek a fixed rate of return on either all or a portion of their Account Value and do not need access to their money before the end of the Guarantee Period. If you withdraw or transfer assets from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation more than 30 days prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. **You could lose a significant amount of money due to a negative Market Value Adjustment.** The following transactions, when they occur more than 30 days prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled DCA transfers), and (v) the deduction of fees, and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.

**Additional information about the Investment Options is provided in** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18_928) **to the prospectus.**

**Contract Features**

*Death Benefits:* The Annuity also offers a basic Death Benefit that could protect your retirement savings if you die during a period of declining markets, depending on when you die. It also offers optional Death Benefits that provide enhanced levels of protection for your beneficiary(ies) for an additional charge.

*Living Benefits:* We offer optional benefits for an additional fee that guarantee your Account Value to a certain level after a period of years. As part of these benefits, you are required to invest only in certain permitted investment options. **For more information, see** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18_928)**.**

*Withdrawals:* You can withdraw a limited amount of money from your Annuity on an annual basis without any charges.

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**KEY INFORMATION**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** |
| **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** |
|  Are there Charges or Adjustments for Early Withdrawals? | **Yes.**<br>*Surrender Charges.* If you withdraw money from the Contract within 7 years following your last premium payment, you may be assessed a surrender charge. The maximum surrender charge is 7.5% of the premium payment, and a surrender charge may be assessed up to 7 years after the last premium payment under the Contract. If you make an early withdrawal, you could pay a surrender charge of up to $7,500 on a $100,000 withdrawal.<br>*Market Value Adjustments.* If you withdraw or transfer assets from a MVA Fixed Allocation Option prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. **You could lose up to 100% of your investment in a MVA Fixed Allocation Option as a result of a negative Market** **Value Adjustment.** For example, if you allocate $100,000 to a MVA Fixed Allocation Option with a 1 year Guarantee Period and later withdraw the entire amount before the 1 year has ended, you could lose up to $100,000 of your investment. This loss will be greater if you also have to pay taxes and tax penalties. The following transactions, when they occur prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals, Required Minimum Distributions, and withdrawals under elected optional benefits), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled DCA transfers), (v) the deduction of fees, and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.<br>For more information on early withdrawal charges and Market Value Adjustments, please refer to the [<u>"Charges and</u> <u>Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) section of this prospectus. |
|  Are there Transaction Charges? | **Yes.**<br>In addition to surrender charges and Market Value Adjustments, charges may be applied to transfers (if more than 20 in a Contract Year), requesting additional or duplicate reports, or if state or local premium taxes are assessed. For more information on transaction charges, please refer to the [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) of this prospectus. |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** | **Important Information You Should Consider About the Contract** |
| **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** | **Fees, Expenses, and Adjustments** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) for more information. | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) for more information. | **Yes.**<br>The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the Investment Options and optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected. Please refer to [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) for more information. |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Annual Fee** | **Minimum** | **Maximum** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Base Contract Fees** | 1.449%\* | 1.449%\* |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Portfolio Company fees and** **expenses** | 0.58%\* | 1.94%\* |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Optional benefits available for an** **additional charge**<br>(for a single optional benefit, if elected) | 0.25%<sup>1</sup> | 10.50%<sup>2</sup> |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | \*Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) **section and** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_928) **for more information.**<br><sup>1</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the net assets allocated to the Variable Options or the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) GRO Plus and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit,, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br><sup>2</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br>Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **negative Market Value Adjustments and surrender charges that substantially increase costs.** | \*Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) **section and** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_928) **for more information.**<br><sup>1</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the net assets allocated to the Variable Options or the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) GRO Plus and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit,, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br><sup>2</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br>Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **negative Market Value Adjustments and surrender charges that substantially increase costs.** | \*Charge based on average daily net assets allocated to the Variable Options. **Please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and</u>** **<u>Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) **section and** [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_928) **for more information.**<br><sup>1</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the net assets allocated to the Variable Options or the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) GRO Plus and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit,, the least expensive optional benefits with an additional charge.<br><sup>2</sup>Charge based on a percentage of the Account Value. This charge is the current charge for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider, the most expensive optional benefit with an additional charge.<br>Because your Contract is customizable, the choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could pay each year, based on current charges. **This estimate assumes that you do not take withdrawals from the Contract, which could add** **negative Market Value Adjustments and surrender charges that substantially increase costs.** |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | **Lowest Annual Cost**<br>**$2,054** | **Highest Annual Cost**<br>**$6,293** |  |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assumes:<br> Investment of $100,000<br> 5% annual appreciation<br> Least expensive Portfolio fees and<br>expenses<br> No optional benefits<br> No sales charges<br> No additional Purchase Payments,<br>transfers or withdrawals | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assumes:<br> Investment of $100,000<br> 5% annual appreciation<br> Most expensive combination of<br>optional benefits and Portfolio fees<br>and expenses<br> No sales charges<br> No additional Purchase Payments,<br>transfers or withdrawals |  |
|  Are there Ongoing Fees and Expenses? | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the [<u>"Fee Table"</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_928) and [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928)section of this prospectus. | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the [<u>"Fee Table"</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_928) and [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928)section of this prospectus. | For more information on ongoing fees and expenses, please refer to the [<u>"Fee Table"</u>](#chapter_5-sect1_1_928) and [<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928)section of this prospectus. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Risks** | **Risks** |
|  Is there Risk of Loss from Poor Performance? | **Yes.**<br>You can lose money by investing in the Contract.<br>For more information on the risk of loss from poor performance, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus. |
|  Is this a Short-Term Investment? | **No.**<br>The Contract is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. The Contract is designed to provide benefits on a long-term basis. Because of the long-term nature of the Contract, you should consider whether investing Purchase Payments in the Contract is consistent with your financial situation and objectives.<br>Withdrawals may generally reduce the level of various optional benefit guarantees provided and may be subject to federal and state income taxes, as well as a 10% additional tax. If you withdraw or transfer assets from the MVA Fixed Allocation Options prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested.<br>For more information on the short-term investment risks, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus. |
|  What are the Risks Associated with the Investment Options? | An investment in the Contract is subject to the risk of poor investment performance and can vary depending on the performance of the investment options you select. Each of the investment options available under the Contract, including the Variable Options and Fixed Allocations, has its own unique risks. You should review the investment options before making an investment decision. The Fixed Allocations may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be negative, causing you to lose money.<br>For more information on the risks associated with investment options, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the</u> <u>Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus. |
|  What are the Risks Related to the Insurance Company? | An investment in the Contract is subject to the risks related to the Company. Any obligations (including under any Fixed Allocation), guarantees, or benefits are subject to the claims-paying ability of the Company. More information about the Company, including its financial strength ratings, is available upon request. Such requests can be made toll-free at 1-800-879-7012.<br>For more information on insurance company risks, please refer to the "[<u>Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract</u>](#chapter_6-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Restrictions** | **Restrictions** |
|  Are there Restrictions on Investment Options? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Yes.**<br>There are restrictions that may limit the investment options that you may choose, and there are limitations on the transfer of Account Value among investment options.<br> You may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Contract Year. After the twentieth transfer in each Contract Year, we will charge $10 for each additional transfer<br> If you select an optional benefit, your selection of investment options may be limited.<br> We reserve the right to:<br> Remove or substitute Portfolios as investment options. Or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or Annuities purchased on or after specified dates;<br> Impose limitations on an investment professional's or investment Advisor's ability to request financial transactions on your behalf.<br> Limit the number of transfers you may make or to impose a minimum transfer amount; and<br> Limit, suspend or reject any additional Purchase Payment at any time on a non-discriminatory basis. If we do so, you may no longer be able to increase the values associated with an optional living benefit or increase the amount of the death benefit under an optional death benefit through subsequent Purchase Payments. This would also impact your ability to make annual contributions to certain qualified Annuities.<br> Certain Investment Options may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the [<u>Cover Page</u>](#chapter_1-sect1_1_928) for additional information.<br>**For more information on investment and transfer restrictions, please refer to the** [**<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) **section,** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_928)**,** [**<u>"Principal Risks of Investing in the Contract"</u>**](#chapter_6-sect1_1_928)**, the** [**<u>"General Description of Contracts"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_1_928) **section, the** [**<u>"Restrictions</u>** **<u>on Transfers Between Investment Options"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_9_928) **section and the** [**<u>"Financial Professional Permission to Forward Transaction</u>** **<u>Instructions"</u>**](#chapter_9-sect1_10_928) **section of this prospectus.** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Restrictions** | **Restrictions** |
|  Are there any Restrictions on Contract Benefits? | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Yes.**<br>There are restrictions and limitations relating to benefits offered under the Contract. Except as otherwise provided, Contract benefits may not be modified or terminated by the Company.<br> You may be able to obtain optional benefits, which may require additional charges. If you elect to purchase one or more optional benefits, we will deduct an additional charge on a daily or annual basis from your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. The charge for each optional benefit is deducted in addition to the insurance charge due to the increased insurance risk associated with the optional benefits.<br> Any withdrawals that exceed limits specified by the terms of an optional benefit may affect the availability of the benefit by reducing the benefit by an amount greater than the value withdrawn, and/or could terminate the benefit.<br> Certain Contract Benefits may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the [<u>Cover Page</u>](#chapter_1-sect1_1_928) for additional information<br>For more information on optional benefits under the Contract, please refer to the "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Taxes** | **Taxes** |
|  What are the Contract's Tax Implications? | You should consult with a tax professional to determine the tax implications of an investment in and payments received under the Contract. There is no additional tax benefit if you purchase the Contract through a tax-qualified plan or individual retirement account (IRA). Withdrawals will be subject to ordinary income tax, and may be subject to the 10% additional tax for distributions taken prior to age 59 1/2.<br>For more information on tax implications, please refer to "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus. |
| **Conflicts of Interest** | **Conflicts of Interest** |
|  How are Investment Professionals Compensated? | Investment professionals may receive compensation for selling the Contract to investors and may have a financial incentive to offer or recommend the Contract over another investment. This compensation is paid in the form of commissions, based on your investment in the Contract.<br>For more information on investment professional compensation, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information. |
|  Should I Exchange My Contract? | Some investment professionals may have a financial incentive to offer you a new Contract in place of the one you already own. You should only exchange your contract if you determine after comparing the features, fees, and risks of both contracts, and any fees or penalties to terminate the existing contract, that it is preferable to purchase the new contract, rather than continue to own your existing contract. This Annuity is no longer sold.<br>For more information on exchanges, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information. |

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**FEE TABLE**

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**The following tables describe the fees, expenses, and adjustments that you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering or making** **withdrawals from an Investment Option or from the Annuity.**

**The first table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you buy the Annuity, surrender or make withdrawals from the** **Annuity, transfer Account Value between investment options, or request duplicate reports. State premium taxes may also be deducted. These** **fees and charges are described in more detail within this prospectus in the** [**<u>"Charges and Adjustments"</u>**](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928) **section.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Transaction Expenses** | **Maximum** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of each Purchase Payment)<sup>1</sup> | 7.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Transfer Fee<sup>2</sup> | $10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Additional Copies of Reports<sup>3</sup> | $50 |

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1. The
 charge is a percentage of each applicable Purchase Payment deducted upon surrender or withdrawal. The period is measured from the date
 of each Purchase Payment.

2. You
 may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Annuity Year. We will charge $10 for each transfer after the twentieth
 in each Annuity Year.
 We guarantee that the number of free transfers per Annuity Year will never be less than 8.

3. We
 do not currently assess this fee. However, we reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each additional report (i.e. confirmation statement
 or quarterly statement)
 you request.

**The next table describes the adjustments, in addition to any transaction expenses, that apply if all or a portion of the Account Value is** **removed from an MVA Fixed Allocation before the expiration of a specified period.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Adjustments** | **Adjustments** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Market Value Adjustment Maximum Potential Loss (as a percentage of Unadjusted Account Value in the MVA Fixed Allocation)<sup>1</sup> | 100% |

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1. The
 following transactions, when they occur prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, are subject to a Market Value Adjustment: (i) partial
 withdrawals (including systematic
 withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions), (ii) surrenders, (iii) exercise of the right to cancel, (iv) transfers (other than scheduled
 DCA transfers), (v)
 the deduction of fees, and (vi) the payment of the basic death benefit.

**The following Contingent Deferred Sales Charge percentages apply based on the year of the surrender or withdrawal:**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Yr. 1 | Yr. 2 | Yr. 3 | Yr. 4 | Yr. 5 | Yr. 6 | Yr. 7 | Yr. 8+ |
|  7.5% | 7.0% | 6.0% | 5.0% | 4.0% | 3.0% | 2.0% |  |

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**The next table describes the maximum fees and expenses that you will pay each year during the time that you own the Annuity (not including** **Portfolio fees and expenses). Your current fees and expenses may be less than the maximum.**

**If you choose to purchase an optional benefit, you will pay additional charges, as shown below.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Annual Annuity Expenses** | **Maximum** |
|  Administrative Expenses<sup>1</sup>(assessed annually on the Annuity's anniversary date or upon surrender) | Lesser of $30 or 2% of Account Value |
|  Base Contract Expenses<sup>2</sup>(based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Option) | 1.40% |
|  **Optional Benefit Fees and Charges** | **Optional Benefit Fees and Charges** |
|  Guaranteed Return Option (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 0.50% |
|  Guaranteed Return Option Plus (based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | 0.50% |
|  Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit (based on the Account Value) | 0.75% |
|  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (based on current Death Benefit amount) | 0.55% |
|  Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider (based on your age and your Account Value as of the Issue Date of your Annuity). Please refer to [**<u>Appendix C</u>**](#chapter_20-sect1_1_928) for a complete description of charges. | Charges range from.80% for Owners age 40 - 75 to 10.50% for Owners age 95. |

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1. The
 Administrative Expense is referred to as "Annual Maintenance Fee" elsewhere in this Prospectus.

2. The
 Base Contract Expense is referred to as the "insurance charge" elsewhere in this Prospectus.

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**The next item shows the minimum and maximum total operating expenses charged by the Portfolios that you may pay periodically during the** **time that you own the Annuity. Expenses shown may change over time and be higher or lower in the future. A complete list of Portfolios** **available under the Annuity, including their annual expenses, may be found at** [**<u>"</u>**](#chapter_3_928)[**<u>Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18_928) **of this prospectus.**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Annual Portfolio Expenses** | **Annual Portfolio Expenses** | **Annual Portfolio Expenses** |
|  (expenses that are deducted from Portfolio assets, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses) | *<u>Minimum</u>* | *<u>Maximum</u>* |
|  (expenses that are deducted from Portfolio assets, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses) | 0.58% | 1.94% |

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**Example**

**This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Variable Options with the cost of investing in other annuity** **contracts that offer variable options. These costs include Transaction Expenses, Annual Annuity Expenses, and Annual Portfolio Expenses.**

**The Example assumes all Account Value is allocated to the Variable Options. The Example does not reflect Market Value Adjustment. Your** **costs could differ from those shown below if you invest in the MVA Fixed Allocation.**

**The Example assumes that you invest $100,000 in the Variable Options for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your** **investment has a 5% return each year and assumes the most expensive combination of Annual Portfolio Expenses and optional benefits** **available for an additional charge. The first example assumes a contract with GRO Plus, Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit and** **Plus40. The second example assumes a contract with GRO Plus and Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit. Although your actual** **costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:** 

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS, ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT AND PLUS40(TM)** |
|  | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit |
|  | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs |
|  If you surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $13793 | $24918 | $35594 | $71646 | $12456 | $21106 | $29580 | $62341 |
|  If you annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $6293 | $18918 | $31594 | $71646 | $4956 | $15106 | $25580 | $62341 |
|  If you do not surrender or annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $6293 | $18918 | $31594 | $71646 | $4956 | $15106 | $25580 | $62341 |

---

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** | **ASAP II PREMIER WITH GRO PLUS AND ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION DEATH BENEFIT** |
|  | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming maximum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit | Assuming minimum fees and expenses of any of the portfolios available with the benefit |
|  | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 10 Yrs |
|  If you surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $12189 | $20096 | $27542 | $47325 | $10830 | $16149 | $21186 | $35777 |
|  If you annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $4689 | $14096 | $23542 | $47325 | $3330 | $10149 | $17186 | $35777 |
|  If you do not surrender or annuitize your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: | $4689 | $14096 | $23542 | $47325 | $3330 | $10149 | $17186 | $35777 |

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**PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT**

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The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the Annuity. The Annuity may be subject to additional risks other than those identified and described in this prospectus.

**Risk of Loss:** You could lose money by investing in the Annuity, including your principal investment. An investment in the Annuity is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Risks Associated with Variable Options:** You take all the investment risk for amounts allocated to one or more of the Variable Options, which invest in Portfolios. If the Variable Options you select increase in value, then your Account Value goes up; if they decrease in value, your Account Value goes down. How much your Account Value goes up or down depends on the performance of the Portfolios in which your Variable Options invest. We do not guarantee the investment results of any Portfolio. An investment in the Annuity is subject to the risk of poor investment performance, and the value of your investment can vary depending on the performance of the selected Portfolio(s), each of which has its own unique risks. You should review the Portfolios before making an investment decision. We reserve the right to add, eliminate, substitute or combine Variable Options as Investment Options available under the Annuity or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or for Annuities purchased on or after specified dates.

**Risks Associated with the MVA Fixed Allocation:** We determine the interest rates credited to the MVA Fixed Allocation in our sole discretion, subject to guaranteed minimums, and we may change the rates for new Guarantee Periods at any time. Any change in interest rates do not affect Guarantee Periods that began before the date of the change. There is a risk that the interest rates for new Guarantee Periods will be lower than the rates that were previously in effect. In addition, if you withdraw or transfer assets from a MVA Fixed Allocation prior to the end of the Guarantee Period, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease your initial amount invested. You could lose up to 100% of your investment in a MVA Fixed Allocation as a result of a negative Market Value Adjustment. Generally, if yields are higher at the time of Market Value Adjustment application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee Period, the Market Value Adjustment will be negative.<br>**Early Withdrawal Risk:** The Annuity is not a short-term investment vehicle and is not an appropriate investment for an investor who needs ready<br>access to cash. The Annuity is designed to provide benefits on a long-term basis. Because of the long-term nature of the Annuity, you should consider whether the Annuity is consistent with your financial situation and objectives. Withdrawals under the Annuity, including partial withdrawals and a full surrender, may be subject to negative Market Value Adjustments and negative tax consequences. If you have elected certain Optional Benefits, a withdrawal may reduce the amount of your Benefit on more than a dollar-for-dollar basis. While the Annuity provides a Death Benefit, the amount of that benefit is subject to investment gains and losses and is reduced for any withdrawals you take.

**Insurance Company Risk:** No company other than us has any legal responsibility to pay amounts that we owe under the Annuity, including amounts allocated to the Fixed Allocations, which are supported by our general account and are subject to our claims-paying ability. Assets in the general account are not segregated for the exclusive benefit of any particular contract or obligation. General account assets are also available to our general creditors and for conducting routine business activities, such as the payment of salaries, rent and other ordinary business expenses. You should look to our financial strength for our claims-paying ability. We are also subject to risks related to disasters and other events, such as storms, earthquakes, fires, outbreaks of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19), utility failures, terrorist acts, political and social developments, and military and governmental actions. These risks are often collectively referred to as "business continuity" risks. These events could adversely affect us and our ability to conduct business and process transactions. Although we have business continuity plans, it is possible that the plans may not operate as intended or required and that we may not be able to provide required services, process transactions, deliver documents or calculate values. It is also possible that service levels may decline as a result of such events.

**Possible Adverse Tax Consequences:** The tax considerations associated with the Annuity vary and can be complicated. The tax considerations discussed in this prospectus are general in nature and describe only federal income tax law (not state, local, foreign or other federal tax laws). Before making a Purchase Payment or taking other action related to your Annuity, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor for complete information and advice. For example, distributions from your Annuity are generally subject to ordinary income taxation on the amount of any investment gain unless the distribution qualifies as a non-taxable exchange or transfer. In addition, if you take a distribution prior to the taxpayer's age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% additional tax in addition to ordinary income taxes on any gain.

**Possible Fees on Access to Account Value:** We may apply fees if you access your Account Value during the Accumulation Period or surrender your Annuity. For example, in addition to possible tax consequences discussed above, you may incur fees for accessing your Account Value such as a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Annual Maintenance Fee, Tax Charge, and/or a charge for any optional benefits. In addition, we may assess a Market Value Adjustment for withdrawals from a Fixed Allocation.

**Annuity Changes Risk:** We reserve the right to limit the number of transfers you may make or to impose a minimum transfer amount. We also reserve the right to add, eliminate, substitute or combine Variable Options as Investment Options available under the Annuity or to close Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or for Annuities purchased on or after specified dates. We may limit, suspend or reject any additional Purchase Payment at any time on a non-discriminatory basis. If we do so, you may no longer be able to increase the values associated with an optional living benefit or increase the amount of the death benefit under an optional death benefit through subsequent Purchase Payments. This would also impact your ability to make annual contributions to certain qualified Annuities. In addition, we may impose limitations on an investment professional's or investment advisor's ability to request financial transactions on your behalf.

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**Cyber Security and Business Continuity Risks:** With the increasing use of technology and computer systems in general and, in particular, the Internet to conduct necessary business functions, the Company is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. These risks, which are often collectively referred to as "cyber security" risks, may include deliberate or malicious attacks, as well as unintentional events and occurrences. These risks are heightened by our offering of increasingly complex products, such as those that feature automatic asset transfer or reallocation strategies, and by our employment of complex investment, trading and hedging programs. Cyber security is generally defined as the technology, operations and related protocol surrounding and protecting a user's computer hardware, network, systems and applications and the data transmitted and stored therewith. These measures ensure the reliability of a user's systems, as well as the security, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data assets.

Deliberate cyber attacks can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access (including physical break-ins) to computer systems in order to misappropriate and/or disclose sensitive or confidential information; deleting, corrupting or modifying data; and causing operational disruptions. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (in order to prevent access to computer networks). In addition to deliberate breaches engineered by external actors, cyber security risks can also result from the conduct of malicious, exploited or careless insiders, whose actions may result in the destruction, release or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information stored on an organization's systems.

The Company is also subject to risks related to disasters and other events, such as storms, earthquakes, fires, outbreaks of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19), utility failures, terrorist acts, political and social developments, and military and governmental actions. These risks are often collectively referred to as "business continuity" risks. These events could adversely affect the Company and our ability to conduct business and process transactions. Although the Company has business continuity plans, it is possible that the plans may not operate as intended or required and that the Company may not be able to provide required services, process transactions, deliver documents or calculate values. It is also possible that service levels may decline as a result of such events.

Cyber security events, disasters and similar events, whether deliberate or unintentional, that could impact the Company and Contract owners could arise not only in connection with our own administration of the Annuity, but also with entities operating the Annuity's Portfolios and with third-party service providers. Cyber security and other events affecting any of the entities involved with the offering and administration of the Annuity may cause significant disruptions in the business operations related to the Annuity. Potential impacts may include, but are not limited to, potential financial losses under the Annuity, your inability to conduct transactions under the Annuity and/or with respect to a Portfolio, an inability to calculate unit values with respect to the Annuity and/or the net asset value ("NAV") with respect to a Portfolio, and disclosures of your personal or confidential account information.

In addition to direct impacts to you, cyber security and other events described above may result in adverse impacts to the Company, including regulatory inquiries, regulatory proceedings, regulatory and/or legal and litigation costs, and reputational damage. Costs incurred by the Company may include reimbursement and other expenses, including the costs of litigation and litigation settlements and additional compliance costs. Considerable expenses also may be incurred by the Company in enhancing and upgrading computer systems and systems security following a cyber security failure or responding to a disaster or similar event. The rapid proliferation of technologies, as well as the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and others continue to pose new and significant cyber security threats. In addition, the global spread of COVID-19 has caused the Company and its service providers to implement business continuity plans, including widespread use of work-from-home arrangements. Although the Company, our service providers, and the Portfolios offered under the Annuity may have established business continuity plans and risk management systems to mitigate risks, there can be no guarantee or assurance that such plans or systems will be effective, or that all risks that exist, or may develop in the future, have been completely anticipated and identified or can be protected against. Furthermore, the Company cannot control or assure the efficacy of the cyber security and business continuity plans and systems implemented by third-party service providers, the Portfolios, and the issuers in which the Portfolios invest.

The military invasion of Ukraine initiated by Russia in February 2022 and the resulting response by the United States and other countries have led to economic disruptions, as well as increased volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. It is not possible to predict the ultimate duration and scope of the conflict, or the future impact on U.S. and global economies and financial markets.

**Artificial Intelligence Risk:** In addition to the cyber security risks described above, the development, adoption and use of AI, including generative artificial intelligence ("Generative AI"), by us and by third parties on whom we rely may increase existing operational risks or create new operational risks that we are not currently anticipating. AI technologies offer potential benefits in areas such as customer service personalization and process automation, and we expect to use AI and Generative AI to help deliver products and services and support critical functions. We also expect third parties on whom we rely to do the same. There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI, and there can be no assurance that its use will enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability. The risk that AI and Generative AI may be misused is increased by the relative newness of the technology, the speed at which it is being adopted, and the lack of laws, regulations or standards governing its use. Such misuse could expose the Company to legal or regulatory risk, damage customer relationships or cause reputational harm. Further, our ability to continue to develop and efficiently deploy AI technologies depends on access to specific third-party equipment and other physical infrastructure, such as processing hardware and network capacity, the availability and pricing of which is difficult to control, especially in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors may also adopt AI or Generative AI more quickly or more effectively than we do, which could cause competitive harm. Because the Generative AI technology is so new, some of the potential risks of Generative AI are currently unknowable.

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**DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE COMPANY, REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT, AND INVESTMENT** **OPTIONS**

------

**WHO IS FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY?**

Annuities and Life Insurance are issued by Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), located at Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210, Jersey City, NJ 07302. FLIAC is obligated to pay all amounts promised to investors under the Annuity, subject to its financial strength and claims-paying ability. Fortitude Re has retained The Prudential Insurance Company of America ("PICA") as an unaffiliated Third-Party Administrator. Variable Annuities are distributed by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. ("PAD"), Shelton, CT (main office). PICA and PAD are Prudential Financial Inc. companies. Each company (FLIAC, PICA, PAD) is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

Fortitude Re is the marketing name for FGH Parent, L.P. and its subsidiaries, including FLIAC. Each subsidiary is responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

Pursuant to the delivery obligations under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 159 thereunder, we deliver this prospectus to current contract owners that reside outside of the United States. In addition, we may not market or offer benefits, features or enhancements to prospective or current contract owners while outside of the United States.

**<u>Rule 12h-7</u>**

With respect to the offering of Market Value Adjusted options, the Company relies on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from the requirement to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of that Act.

**<u>Claims of Creditors</u>**

To the extent permitted by law, no payment or value under this Annuity is subject to the claims of your creditors or those of any other Owner, any Annuitant, or any Beneficiary.

**<u>Deferral of Transactions</u>**

We may defer any annuity payment for a period not to exceed the lesser of 6 months or the period permitted by law. If we defer a distribution or transfer from any annuity payout for more than thirty days, we will pay interest as required by state law. We may defer any distribution from any Allocation Option or any transfer from Allocation Options for a period not to exceed seven calendar days from the date the transaction is affected.

**WHAT ARE THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS?**

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Separate Account B**

During the Accumulation Period, the assets supporting obligations based on allocations to the Variable Options are held in Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B (the "Registered Separate Account"). Income, gains and losses credited to, or charged against, the Registered Separate Account reflect the Registered Separate Account's own investment experience and not the investment experience of our other assets. The assets of the Registered Separate Account may not be used to pay any liabilities of ours other than those arising from the Annuity and other annuity contracts issued in connection with the Registered Separate Account.

The Registered Separate Account consists of multiple Variable Options. Each Variable Option invests only in a single Portfolio. The name of each Variable Option generally corresponds to the name of the Portfolio. Each Variable Option may have several different Unit Prices to reflect charges that are offered under annuities issued by us through the Registered Separate Account. The Registered Separate Account is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") as a unit investment trust, which is a type of investment company. The SEC does not supervise investment policies, management or practices of the Registered Separate Account. We may offer new Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, or combine Variable Options at our sole discretion. We may also close Variable Options to additional Purchase Payments on existing annuities or close Variable Options for annuities purchased on or after specified dates.

In addition to rights that we specifically reserve elsewhere in this prospectus, we reserve the right to perform any or all of the following:

• offer
 new Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, substitute Variable Options or combine Variable Options;

• close
 Variable Options to subsequent Purchase Payments on existing Annuities or close Variable Options for Annuities purchased on or after
 specified dates;

• combine
 the Registered Separate Account with separate accounts;

• deregister
 the Registered Separate Account under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

• manage
 the Registered Separate Account as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or in any other
 form permitted by law;

• make
 changes required by any change in the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
 the Investment Company Act of 1940, or any other changes to the Securities and Exchange Commission's interpretation
 thereof;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• establish
 a provision in the Annuity for federal income taxes if we determine, in our sole discretion, that we will incur a tax as the result of the operation of
 the Registered Separate Account;

• make
 any changes required by federal or state laws with respect to annuity contracts; and

• to
 the extent dictated by any underlying Portfolio, impose a redemption fee or restrict transfers within any Variable Option.

We will first notify you and receive any necessary SEC and/or state approval before making such a change. If an underlying Portfolio is liquidated, we will ask you to reallocate any amount in the liquidated fund. If you do not reallocate these amounts, we will reallocate such amounts only in accordance with SEC pronouncements and only after obtaining an order from the SEC, if required. If investment in the Portfolios or a particular Portfolio is no longer possible, or in our discretion becomes inappropriate for purposes of the Annuity, or for any other rationale in our sole judgment, we may substitute another Portfolio or investment Portfolios without your consent. The substituted Portfolio may have different fees and expenses. Substitution may be made with respect to existing investments or the investment of future Purchase Payments, or both. However, we will not make such substitution without any required approval of the SEC and any applicable state insurance departments. In addition, we may close Portfolios to allocation of Purchase Payments or Account Value, or both, at any time in our sole discretion. We do not control the Portfolios, so we cannot guarantee that any of those Portfolios will always be available.

**INVESTMENT OPTIONS**

**MARKET VALUE ADJUSTED FIXED ALLOCATION INVESTMENT**

We offer fixed investment options of different durations during the Accumulation Period. These "Fixed Allocations" earn a guaranteed fixed rate of interest for a specified period of time, called the "Guarantee Period." In most states, we offer Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods from 1 to 10 years. We may also offer special purpose Fixed Allocations for use with certain optional investment programs. We guarantee the fixed rate for the entire Guarantee Period. However, if you withdraw or transfer Account Value before the end of the Guarantee Period, we will adjust the value of your withdrawal or transfer based on a formula, called a "Market Value Adjustment". The Market Value Adjustment can either be positive or negative, depending on the rates that are currently being credited on Fixed Allocations. You may allocate Account Value to more than one Fixed Allocation at a time.

Fixed Allocations may not be available in all states. Availability of Fixed Allocations is subject to change and may differ by state and by the annuity <br>product you purchase. Please call us at 1-800-879-7012 to determine availability of Fixed Allocations in your state and for your annuity product.

Market Value Adjusted Fixed Allocation Investments are supported by our general account and are subject to our claims paying ability. Assets in the general account are not segregated for the exclusive benefit of any particular contract or obligation. General account assets are also available to our general creditors and for conducting routine business activities.

The interest rate declared for a MVA Fixed Allocation will be no less than the minimum guaranteed interest rate. The minimum guaranteed interest rate that applies to you may vary depending on the state in which your Annuity was issued, but it will be shown on your Annuity specifications page and will never be less than 0% or the minimum rate required under state law or regulation; whichever is greater. We may, from time to time, declare new interest rates for new Purchase Payments that are higher than the minimum guaranteed interest rate. Any change in interest rates does not affect MVA Fixed Allocation that were in effect before the date of the change. At the time that we confirm the allocation of your Purchase Payment to an MVA Fixed Allocation, we will advise you of the interest rate in effect. To inquire as to the current rates, please contact our Annuity Service Center at 1-800-879-7012.

**VARIABLE OPTIONS**

Each Variable Option is a sub-account that invests exclusively in a single Portfolio. Account Value allocated to the Variable Option will vary based on the investment experience of the Portfolio in which the Variable Option invests. There is a risk of loss of the entire amount invested. **Please refer to** [**<u>"</u>**](#chapter_3_928)[**<u>Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18_928) **for certain information regarding each Portfolio, including (i) its name, (ii) its type (** **e.g** **., money market fund, bond fund,** **balanced fund, etc.), (iii) its investment advisor and any Sub-advisor, (iv) current expenses, and (v) performance.** There is no guarantee that any underlying Portfolio will meet its investment objective. Each Portfolio has issued a prospectus that contains more detailed information about the Portfolio. The prospectuses for the Portfolios can be found online at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2PREMIER-STAT</u>. You can also request this information at no cost by calling 1- 800-879-7012.

Each underlying Portfolio is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act. Shares of the underlying Portfolios are sold to separate accounts of life insurance companies offering variable annuity and variable life insurance products. The shares may also be sold directly to qualified pension and retirement plans.

**Voting Rights**

We are the legal Owner of the shares of the underlying Portfolios in which the Variable Options invest. However, under current SEC rules, you have voting rights in relation to Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. If an underlying Portfolio requests a vote of shareholders, we will vote our shares based on instructions received from Owners with Account Value allocated to that Variable Option. Owners have the right to vote an amount equal to the number of shares attributable to their Annuity. If we do not receive voting instructions in relation to certain shares, we will vote those shares in the same manner and proportion as the shares for which we have received instructions. This voting procedure is sometimes referred to as "mirror voting"

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because, as indicated in the immediately preceding sentence, we mirror the votes that are actually cast, rather than decide on our own how to vote. We will also "mirror vote" shares that are owned directly by us or an affiliate (excluding shares held in the separate account of an affiliated insurer). In addition, because all the shares of a given Portfolio held within the Registered Separate Account are legally owned by us, we intend to vote all of such shares when that underlying Portfolio seeks a vote of its shareholders. As such, all such shares will be counted towards whether there is a quorum at the underlying Portfolio's shareholder meeting and toward the ultimate outcome of the vote. Thus, under "mirror voting," it is possible that the votes of a small percentage of Owners who actually vote will determine the ultimate outcome.

We may, if required by state insurance regulations, disregard voting instructions if they would require shares to be voted so as to cause a change in the sub-classification or investment objectives of one or more of the available Variable Options or to approve or disapprove an investment advisory contract for a Portfolio. In addition, we may disregard voting instructions that would require changes in the investment policy or investment advisor of one or more of the Portfolios associated with the available Variable Options, provided that we reasonably disapprove such changes in accordance with applicable federal or state regulations. If we disregard Owner voting instructions, we will advise Owners of our action and the reasons for such action in the next available annual or semi-annual report.

We will furnish those Owners who have Account Value allocated to a Variable Option whose underlying Portfolio has requested a "proxy" vote with proxy materials and the necessary forms to provide us with their voting instructions. Generally, you will be asked to provide instructions for us to vote on matters such as changes in a fundamental investment strategy, adoption of a new investment advisory agreement, or matters relating to the structure of the underlying Portfolio that require a vote of shareholders. We reserve the right to change the voting procedures described above if applicable SEC rules change.

**Similar Funds**

The Portfolios are not publicly traded mutual funds. They are only available as investment options in variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by insurance companies, or in some cases, to participants in certain qualified retirement plans. However, some of the Portfolios available as Variable Options under the Annuity are managed by the same advisor or Sub-advisor as a retail mutual fund of the same or similar name that the Portfolio may have been modeled after at its inception. Certain retail mutual funds may also have been modeled after a Portfolio. While the investment objective and policies of the retail mutual funds and the Portfolios may be substantially similar, the actual investments will differ to varying degrees. Differences in the performance of the funds can be expected, and in some cases could be substantial. You should not compare the performance of a publicly traded mutual fund with the performance of any similarly named Portfolio offered as a Variable Option.

**Material Conflicts**

In the future, it may become disadvantageous for separate accounts of variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts to invest in the same underlying Portfolios. Neither the companies that invest in the Portfolios nor the Portfolios currently foresee any such disadvantage. The Board of Directors for each Portfolio intends to monitor events in order to identify any material conflict between variable life insurance policy Owners and variable annuity contract Owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken. Material conflicts could result from such things as:

1. changes
 in state insurance law;

2. changes
 in federal income tax law;

3. changes
 in the investment management of any Variable Options; or

4. differences
 between voting instructions given by variable life insurance policy owners and variable annuity contract Owners.

**Fees and Payments Received by Us**

As detailed below, we receive substantial payments from the underlying Portfolios and/or related entities, such as the Portfolios' advisors and subadvisors. Because these fees and payments are made to us, allocations you make to the underlying Portfolios benefit us financially. In selecting Portfolios available under the Annuity, we consider the payments that will be made to us. Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. receives Rule 12b-1 fees which compensate it for distribution and administrative services (including recordkeeping services and the mailing of prospectuses and reports to Owners invested in the Portfolios). These fees are paid by the underlying Portfolio out of each Portfolio's assets and are therefore borne by Owners.

We also receive administrative services payments from the Portfolios or the advisors of the underlying Portfolios or their affiliates, which are referred to as "revenue sharing" payments. The maximum combined 12b-1 fees and administrative services payments we receive with respect to a Portfolio are generally equal to an annual rate of 0.55% of the average assets allocated to the Portfolio under the Annuity (in certain cases, however, this amount may be equal to an annual rate of 0.60% of the average assets allocated to the Portfolio). We expect to make a profit on these fees and payments and consider them when selecting the Portfolios available under the Annuity.

In addition, an advisor or subadvisor of a Portfolio or a distributor of the Annuity (not the Portfolios) may also compensate us by providing reimbursement, defraying the costs of, or paying directly for, among other things, marketing and/or administrative services and/or other services they provide in connection with the Annuity. These services may include but are not limited to: sponsoring or co-sponsoring various promotional, educational or marketing meetings and seminars attended by distributors, wholesalers, and/or broker dealer firms' registered representatives, and creating marketing material discussing the Annuity, available options, and underlying Portfolios. The amounts paid depend on the nature of the meetings, the number of meetings attended by the advisor, subadvisor, or distributor, the number of participants and attendees at the meetings, the costs expected to be incurred, and the level of the advisor's, subadvisor's or distributor's participation. These payments or reimbursements may not be offered by all advisors,

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subadvisors, or distributors and the amounts of such payments may vary between and among each advisor, subadvisor, and distributor depending on their respective participation. We may also consider these payments and reimbursements when selecting the Portfolios available under the Annuity. For the annual period ended December 31, 2025, under the kind of agreements described in this paragraph, there were no payments received.

In addition to the payments that we receive from underlying Portfolios and/or their affiliates, those same Portfolios and/or their affiliates may make payments to us and/or other insurers affiliated with us related to the offering of investment options within variable annuity contracts or life insurance policies offered by our different business units.

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**CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**

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**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC):** We do not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments you make to your Annuity. However, we may deduct a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge or CDSC if you surrender your Annuity or when you make a partial withdrawal. The CDSC reimburses us for expenses related to sales and distribution of the Annuity, including commissions, marketing materials and other promotional expenses. The CDSC is calculated as a percentage of your Purchase Payment being surrendered or withdrawn during the applicable Annuity Year. For purposes of calculating the CDSC, we consider the year following the date we receive a Purchase Payment as Year 1. The amount of the CDSC applicable to each Purchase Payment decreases over time, measured from the date the Purchase Payment is applied. The CDSC percentages are shown below.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  YEARS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8+ |
|  CHARGE (%) | 7.5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |

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**Each Purchase Payment has its own CDSC period.** When you make a withdrawal, we assume that the oldest Purchase Payment is being withdrawn first so that the lowest CDSC is deducted from the amount withdrawn. After seven (7) complete years from the date you make a Purchase Payment, no CDSC will be assessed if you withdraw or surrender that Purchase Payment. Under certain circumstances you can withdraw a limited amount of Account Value without paying a CDSC. This is referred to as a "Free Withdrawal." Free Withdrawals are not treated as a withdrawal of Purchase Payments for purposes of calculating the CDSC on a subsequent withdrawal or surrender. Withdrawals of amounts greater than the maximum Free Withdrawal amount are treated as a withdrawal of Purchase Payments and will be assessed a CDSC. For purposes of calculating the CDSC on a surrender or a partial withdrawal, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance.

We may waive the CDSC under certain medically-related circumstances or when taking a Minimum Distribution from an Annuity purchased as a "qualified" investment. Free Withdrawals, Medically-Related Surrenders and Minimum Distributions are each explained more fully in the section entitled '[<u>Surrenders and Withdrawals</u>](#chapter_13-sect1_1_928)".

**Exceptions to the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge**

We do not apply the CDSC provision on Annuities owned by a member of the designated class, including: (a) any parent company, affiliate or subsidiary of ours; (b) an officer, director, employee, retiree, sales representative, or in the case of an affiliated broker-dealer, registered representative of such company; (c) a director, officer or trustee of any underlying mutual fund; (d) a director, officer or employee of any investment manager, sub-advisor, transfer agent, custodian, auditing, legal or administrative services provider that is providing investment management, advisory, transfer agency, custodianship, auditing, legal and/or administrative services to an underlying mutual fund or any affiliate of such firm; (e) a director, officer, employee or registered representative of a broker-dealer or insurance agency that has a then current selling agreement with us and/or with Prudential Annuities Distributors, Incorporated; (f) a director, officer, employee or authorized representative of any firm providing us or our affiliates with regular legal, actuarial, auditing, underwriting, claims, administrative, computer support, marketing, office or other services; (g) the then current spouse of any such person noted in (b) through (f), above; (h) the parents of any such person noted in (b) through (g), above; (i) the child(ren) or other legal dependent under the age of 21 of any such person noted in (b) through (h) above; and (j) the siblings of any such persons noted in (b) through (h) above.

You must notify us at the time you apply for an Annuity if you are a member of the designated class. We are not responsible for monitoring whether you qualify as a member of the designated class. **If you fail to inform us that you qualify as a member of the designated class, your Annuity will not** **be eligible for this exception to the CDSC.**

**Transfer Fee:** Currently, you may make twenty (20) free transfers between investment options each Annuity Year. We will charge $10.00 for each transfer after the twentieth in each Annuity Year. We do not consider transfers made as part of a dollar cost averaging program when we count the twenty free transfers. Transfers made as part of a rebalancing, market timing or third party investment advisory service will be subject to the twenty-transfer limit. However, all transfers made on the same day will be treated as one (1) transfer. Renewals or transfers of Account Value from a Fixed Allocation at the end of its Guarantee Period are not subject to the transfer fee and are not counted toward the twenty free transfers. We may reduce the number of free transfers allowable each Annuity Year (subject to a minimum of eight) without charging a Transfer Fee unless you make use of electronic means to transmit your transfer requests. We may eliminate the transfer fee for transfer requests transmitted electronically or through other means that reduce our processing costs.

**Annual Maintenance Fee:** During the Accumulation Period we deduct an Annual Maintenance Fee. The Annual Maintenance Fee is $30.00 or 2% of your Account Value invested in the Variable Options, whichever is less. This fee will be deducted annually on the anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity or, if you surrender your Annuity during the Annuity Year, the fee is deducted at the time of surrender.

**Tax Charges:** Some states, municipalities and other jurisdictions charge premium taxes or similar taxes on annuities that we are required to pay. The amount of tax will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and is subject to change. We currently deduct the Tax Charge from the Account Value upon Annuitization.

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The Tax Charge is designed to approximate the taxes that we are required to pay and is assessed as a percentage of the Account Value. The Tax Charge currently ranges up to 3.5%. We reserve the right to deduct the Tax Charge from Purchase Payments when received or from Surrender Value upon surrender. "Surrender Value" refers to the Account Value (which includes the effect of any Market Value Adjustment) less any applicable CDSC, any applicable Tax Charge, any charges assessable as a deduction from the Account Value for any optional living or death benefits provided by rider or endorsement, and any Annual Maintenance Fee. We may also assess a charge equal to any Company Taxes or other taxes which may be imposed against the Separate Accounts.

In calculating our corporate income tax liability, we may derive certain corporate income tax benefits associated with the investment of company assets, including Separate Account assets, which are treated as company assets under applicable income tax law. These benefits reduce our overall corporate income tax liability. Under current law, such benefits include foreign tax credits and corporate dividends received deductions. We do not pass these tax benefits through to holders of the Separate Account annuity contracts because (i) the contract Owners are not the Owners of the assets generating these benefits under applicable income tax law and (ii) we do not currently include company income taxes in the Tax Charges you pay under the Annuity. We reserve the right to change these tax practices.

**Insurance Charge:** We deduct an insurance charge daily against the average daily assets allocated to the Variable Options. The insurance charge is the combination of the Mortality & Expense Risk Charge (1.25%) and the Administration Charge (0.15%). The total charge is equal to 1.40% on an annual basis. The insurance charge is intended to compensate us for providing the insurance benefits under the Annuity, including the Annuity's basic death benefit that provides guaranteed benefits to your beneficiaries even if the Variable Option declines and the risk that persons we guarantee annuity payments to will live longer than our assumptions. The charge also covers administrative costs associated with providing the Annuity benefits, including preparation of the contract, confirmation statements, annual account statements and annual reports, legal and accounting fees as well as various related expenses. Finally, the charge covers the risk that our assumptions about the mortality risks and expenses under this Annuity are incorrect and that we have agreed not to increase these charges over time despite our actual costs.

We may make a profit on the insurance charge if, over time, the actual cost of providing the guaranteed insurance obligations under the Annuity are less than the amount we deduct for the insurance charge. To the extent we make a profit on the insurance charge, such profit may be used for any other corporate purpose, including payment of other expenses that we incur in promoting, distributing, issuing and administering the Annuity. The insurance charge is deducted against your Annuity's Account Value and any increases or decreases in your Account Value based on fluctuations of the Variable Options. Any profit that we may make on the insurance charge may include profits based on market appreciation of the Variable Option values.

The insurance charge is not deducted against assets allocated to a Fixed Allocation. However, the amount we credit to Fixed Allocations may also reflect similar assumptions about the insurance guarantees provided under the Annuity.

**Benefits Available Under the Contract:** For information about the benefits available under the Contract and their corresponding charges, please refer to the section titled "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_928)" in this prospectus.

**Fees and Expenses Incurred by the Portfolios:** We do not assess any charges directly against the Portfolios. However, each Portfolio pays charges, fees and expenses, which are deducted daily by each Portfolio before it provides us with the net asset value as of the close of business each day. **More** **detailed information about fees and charges can be found in** [**<u>"Appendix A"</u>**](#chapter_18-sect1_1_928) **to this prospectus and the prospectuses for the Portfolios located** **at** **<u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2PREMIER-STAT</u>** **.**

**Charge for Additional Reports:** We send any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at your last known address of record. You may request additional reports. We reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each such additional report.

**Market Value Adjustment:** If you transfer or withdraw Account Value from an MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of its Guarantee Period, we will adjust the value of your investment based on a formula, called a "Market Value Adjustment" or "MVA". The Market Value Adjustment may be positive or negative, meaning it may increase or decrease your initial investment into the account, if you transfer or withdraw an MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of the Guarantee Period.

Generally, if yields are lower at the time of MVA application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee period, the MVA will be positive. Generally, if yields are higher at the time of MVA application than they were at the beginning of the Guarantee period, the MVA will be negative.

You may request a quote of the impact an early distribution would have on your Account Value by contacting our Service Center at 1-800-879-7012. Values fluctuate daily and the actual Market Value Adjustment applied at the time a transaction is processed may be more or less than the values quoted at the time of your call. **Additional information about the calculation of the Market Value Adjustment, including the Market Value Adjustment** **formula and examples, can be found in the Statement of Additional Information.**

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**FIXED RATE OPTION CHARGES AND ADJUSTMENTS**

**Fixed Rate Option Charges and Adjustments:** No specific fee or expenses are deducted when determining the rate we credit to a Fixed Allocation. However, for some of the same reasons that we deduct the insurance charge against Account Value allocated to the Variable Options, we also consider mortality, expense, administration, profit and other factors in determining the interest rates we credit to Fixed Allocations. Any CDSC or Tax Charge applies to amounts that are taken from the Variable Options or the Fixed Allocations. A Market Value Adjustment may also apply to transfers, certain withdrawals, surrender or Annuitization from a Fixed Allocation.

**ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION CHARGES**

In certain states a tax is due if and when you exercise your right to receive periodic annuity payments. The amount payable will depend on the applicable jurisdiction and on the annuity payment option you select. If you select a fixed payment option, the amount of each fixed payment will depend on the Account Value of your Annuity when you elected to annuitize. There is no specific charge deducted from these payments; however, the amount of each annuity payment reflects assumptions about our insurance expenses.

**EXCEPTIONS/REDUCTIONS TO FEES AND CHARGES**

We may reduce or eliminate certain fees and charges or alter the manner in which the particular fee or charge is deducted. For example, we may reduce the amount of the CDSC or the length of time it applies, reduce or eliminate the amount of the Annual Maintenance Fee or reduce the portion of the total insurance charge that is deducted as an Administration Charge. Generally, these types of changes will be based on a reduction to our sales, maintenance or administrative expenses due to the nature of the individual or group purchasing the Annuity. Some of the factors we might consider in making such a decision are: (a) the size and type of group; (b) the number of Annuities purchased by an Owner; (c) the amount of Purchase Payments or likelihood of additional Purchase Payments; and/or (d) other transactions where sales, maintenance or administrative expenses are likely to be reduced. We will not discriminate unfairly between Annuity purchasers if and when we reduce the portion of the insurance charge attributed to the charge covering administrative costs.

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**GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACTS**

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**CHANGE OF OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS**

You may change the Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary designations. Where allowed by law, such changes will be subject to our acceptance. Some of the changes we will not accept include, but are not limited to:

• a
 new Owner subsequent to the death of the Owner or the first of any joint Owners to die, except where a spouse-Beneficiary has become
 the Owner as a result of an Owner's death;

• a
 new Annuitant subsequent to the Annuity Date;

• for
 "Non-qualified" investments, a new Annuitant prior to the Annuity Date if the Annuity is owned by an entity;

• a
 change in Beneficiary if the Owner had previously made the designation irrevocable;

• a
 new Owner or Annuitant that is a certain ownership type, including but not limited to corporations, partnerships, endowments, and grantor
 trusts with multiple grantors (if allowed by state law); and

• a
 new Annuitant for a contract issued to a grantor trust where the new Annuitant is not the grantor of the trust.

Unless prohibited by applicable State Law, we reserve the right to refuse a proposed change of Owner and/or Beneficiary, and a proposed assignment of the Annuity.

We will reject a proposed change where the proposed Owner, Annuitant, Beneficiary or assignee is any of the following:

• a
 company(ies) that issues or manages viatical or structured settlements;

• an
 institutional investment company;

• an
 Owner with no insurable relationship to the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant (a "Stranger-Owned Annuity" or "STOA");
 or

• a
 change in designation(s) that does not comply with or that we cannot administer in compliance with Federal and/or state law.

We assume no responsibility for the validity or tax consequences of any change of ownership.

**Spousal Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries**

If an Annuity is co-owned by spouses, we will assume that the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving spouse. Upon the death of either spousal Owner, the surviving spouse may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Death Benefit payment. The Death Benefit that would have been payable will be the new Account Value of the Annuity as of the date of due proof of death and any required proof of a spousal relationship. As of the date the assumption is effective, the surviving spouse will have all the rights and benefits that would be available under the Annuity to a new purchaser of the same attained age. For purposes of determining any future Death Benefit for the beneficiary of the surviving spouse, the new Account Value will be considered as the initial Purchase Payment. No CDSC will apply to the new Account Value. However, any additional Purchase Payments applied after the date the assumption is effective will be subject to all provisions of the Annuity, including the CDSC when applicable.

Spousal assumption is also permitted, subject to our rules and regulatory approval, if the Annuity is held by a Custodial Account established to hold retirement assets for the benefit of the natural person Annuitant pursuant to the provisions of Section 408(a) of the Code ("Code") (or any successor Code section thereto) ("Custodial Account") and, on the date of the Annuitant's death, the spouse of the Annuitant is (1) the Contingent Annuitant under the Annuity and (2) the beneficiary of the Custodial Account. The ability to continue the Annuity in this manner will result in the Annuity no longer qualifying for tax deferral under the Code. However, such tax deferral should result from the ownership of the Annuity by the Custodial Account. Please consult your tax or legal advisor.

Note that any division of your Annuity due to divorce will be treated as a withdrawal and the non-Owner spouse may then decide whether he or she would like to use the withdrawn funds to purchase a new Annuity that is then available to new contract Owners. Note that any division of your Annuity due to divorce will be treated as a withdrawal and CDSC may apply. If CDSC is applicable, it cannot be divided between the Owner and the non-Owner ex-spouses. The non-Owner ex-spouse may decide whether he or she would like to use the withdrawn funds to purchase a new Annuity that is then available to new contract Owners. Depending upon the method used for the division of the Annuity, the CDSC may be applied to the existing or new Annuity. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding your personal situation if you will be transferring or dividing your Annuity pursuant to a divorce.

The federal and state tax law provisions applicable to an opposite sex spouse will also apply to a same sex spouse. Please note that a civil union or registered domestic partnership is generally not recognized as a marriage.

**Contingent Annuitant**

Generally, if an Annuity is owned by an entity and the entity has named a Contingent Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant, and no Death Benefit is payable. Unless we agree otherwise, the Annuity is only eligible to have a Contingent Annuitant designation if the entity which owns the Annuity is (1) a plan described in Code Section 72(s)(5)(A)(i) (or any successor Code section thereto); (2) an entity described in Code Section 72(u)(1) (or any successor Code section thereto); or (3) a Custodial Account, as described in the above section.

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Where the Annuity is held by a Custodial Account, the Contingent Annuitant will not automatically become the Annuitant upon the death of the Annuitant. Upon the death of the Annuitant, the Custodial Account will have the choice, subject to our rules, to either elect to receive the Death Benefit or elect to continue the Annuity. If the Custodial Account elects to continue the Annuity, the Death Benefit payable will equal the Death Benefit described in the Spousal Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries section of the "[<u>Payment of Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_8_928)" section of this prospectus. See the section entitled "[<u>Spousal</u> <u>Owners/Spousal Beneficiaries</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_2_9999)" for more information about how the Annuity can be continued by a Custodial Account.

**HOW DO THE FIXED RATE OPTIONS WORK?**

The interest rate credited to a Fixed Allocation is the rate in effect when the Guarantee Period begins and does not change during the Guarantee Period. The rates are an effective annual rate of interest. We determine the interest rates for the various Guarantee Periods. At the time that we confirm your Fixed Allocation, we will advise you of the interest rate in effect and the date your Fixed Allocation matures. We may change the rates we credit new Fixed Allocations at any time. Any change in interest rate does not affect Fixed Allocations that were in effect before the date of the change. To inquire as to the current rates for Fixed Allocations, please call 1-800-879-7012.

A Guarantee Period for a Fixed Allocation begins:

• when
 all or part of a net Purchase Payment is allocated to that particular Guarantee Period;

• upon
 transfer of any of your Account Value to a Fixed Allocation for that particular Guarantee Period; or

• when
 you "renew" a Fixed Allocation by electing a new Guarantee Period.

To the extent permitted by law, we may establish different interest rates for Fixed Allocations offered to a class of Owners who choose to participate in various optional investment programs we make available. This may include, but is not limited to, Owners who elect to use Fixed Allocations under a dollar cost averaging program (see "[<u>Transfer and Rebalancing Programs - Dollar Cost Averaging Programs</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_6_928)") or a balanced investment program (see [<u>"Do</u> <u>You Offer Programs Designed to Guarantee a "Return of Premium" at a Future Date?"</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_7_928)). The interest rate credited to Fixed Allocations offered to this class of purchasers may be different than those offered to other purchasers who choose the same Guarantee Period but who do not participate in an optional investment program. Any such program is at our sole discretion.

**HOW DO YOU DETERMINE RATES FOR FIXED ALLOCATIONS?**

We do not have a specific formula for determining the fixed interest rates for Fixed Allocations. Generally, the interest rates we offer for Fixed Allocations will reflect the investment returns available on the types of investments we make to support our fixed rate guarantees. These investment types may include cash, debt securities guaranteed by the United States government and its agencies and instrumentalities, money market instruments, corporate debt obligations of different durations, private placements, asset-backed obligations and municipal bonds. In determining rates we also consider factors such as the length of the Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation, regulatory and tax requirements, liquidity of the markets for the type of investments we make, commissions, administrative and investment expenses, our insurance risks in relation to the Fixed Allocations, general economic trends and competition. Some of these considerations are similar to those we consider in determining the insurance charge that we deduct from Account Value allocated to the Variable Options.

We will credit interest on a new Fixed Allocation in an existing Annuity at a rate not less than the rate we are then crediting to Fixed Allocations for the same Guarantee Period selected by new Annuity purchasers in the same class.

**WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY GUARANTEE PERIOD MATURES?**

The "Maturity Date" for a Fixed Allocation is the last day of the Guarantee Period. Before the Maturity Date, you may choose to renew the Fixed Allocation for a new Guarantee Period of the same or different length or you may transfer all or part of that Fixed Allocation's Account Value to another Fixed Allocation or to one or more Variable Options. We will notify you before the end of the Guarantee Period about the fixed interest rates that we are currently crediting to all Fixed Allocations that are being offered. The rates being credited to Fixed Allocations may change before the Maturity Date. We will not charge a Market Value Adjustment if you choose to renew a Fixed Allocation on its Maturity Date or transfer the Account Value to one or more Variable Options.

If you do not specify how you want a Fixed Allocation to be allocated on its Maturity Date, it will be renewed for a Fixed Allocation of the same duration if then available.

**TRANSFER AND REBALANCING PROGRAMS**

**Dollar Cost Averaging Programs**

We offer Dollar Cost Averaging during the Accumulation Period. Dollar Cost Averaging allows you to systematically transfer an amount each month from one investment option to one or more other investment options. You can choose to transfer earnings only, principal plus earnings or a flat dollar amount. Dollar Cost Averaging allows you to invest regularly each month, regardless of the current Unit value (or price) of the Variable Option(s) you invest in. This enables you to purchase more Units when the Variable Option price is low and fewer Units when the Variable Option price is high. This may result in a lower average cost of Units over time. However, there is no guarantee that Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or protect against a loss in a declining Variable Option. We do not deduct a charge for participating in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

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You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $10,000 to enroll in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

You can Dollar Cost Average from Variable Options or Fixed Allocations. Dollar Cost Averaging from Fixed Allocations is subject to a number of rules that include, but are not limited to the following:

• You
 may only use Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods of 1, 2 or 3 years.

• You
 may only Dollar Cost Average earnings or principal plus earnings. If transferring principal plus earnings, the program must be designed
 to last the entire Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation.

• Dollar
 Cost Averaging transfers from Fixed Allocations are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

**NOTE:** When a Dollar Cost Averaging program is established from a Fixed Allocation, the fixed rate of interest we credit to your Account Value is applied to a declining balance due to the transfers of Account Value to the Variable Options during the Guarantee Period. This will reduce the effective rate of return on the Fixed Allocation over the Guarantee Period.

**We originally offered Fixed Allocations with Guarantee Periods of 6 months or 12 months exclusively for use with a Dollar Cost Averaging** **program ("DCA Fixed Allocations"). DCA Fixed Allocations are designed to automatically transfer Account Value in either 6 or 12 payments** **under a Dollar Cost Averaging program. DCA Fixed Allocations may only be established with your initial Purchase Payment or additional** **Purchase Payments. You may not transfer existing Account Value to a DCA Fixed Allocation. We discontinued offering these 6 and 12 month** **Fixed Allocations beginning on May 1, 2009.**

Account Value allocated to the DCA Fixed Allocation will be transferred to the Variable Options you choose under the Dollar Cost Averaging program. Dollar Cost Averaging transfers will begin on the day following the date the DCA Fixed Allocation is established and each month following until the entire principal amount plus earnings is transferred. If you terminate the Dollar Cost Averaging program before the entire principal amount plus earnings has been transferred to the Variable Option(s), you must transfer all remaining Account Value to any other investment option. Unless you provide alternate instructions at the time you terminate the Dollar Cost Averaging program, Account Value will be transferred to the AST Money Market Variable Option. Transfers from Fixed Allocations as part of a Dollar Cost Averaging program are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment. However, a Market Value Adjustment will apply if you terminate the Dollar Cost Averaging program before the entire principal amount plus earnings has been transferred to the Variable Option(s).

**Automatic Rebalancing Programs**

During the Accumulation Period, we offer automatic rebalancing among the Variable Options you choose. You can choose to have your Account Value rebalanced monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. On the appropriate date, your Variable Options are rebalanced to the allocation percentages you request. For example, over time the performance of the Variable Options will differ, causing your percentage allocations to shift. With automatic rebalancing, we transfer the appropriate amount from the "overweighted" Variable Options to the "underweighted" Variable Options to return your allocations to the percentages you request. If you request a transfer from or into any Variable Option participating in the automatic rebalancing program, we will assume that you wish to change your rebalancing percentages as well, and will automatically adjust the rebalancing percentages in accordance with the transfer unless we receive alternate instructions from you.

You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $10,000 to enroll in automatic rebalancing. All rebalancing transfers made on the same day as part of an automatic rebalancing program are considered as one transfer when counting the number of transfers each year toward the maximum number of free transfers. We do not deduct a charge for participating in an automatic rebalancing program.

**ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAMS**

We currently do not offer any asset allocation programs for use with your Annuity. Prior to December 5, 2005, we made certain asset allocation programs available. If you enrolled in one of the asset allocation programs prior to December 5, 2005, **see the** [**<u>Appendix F</u>**](#chapter_23-sect1_1_928) **entitled, "Additional Information on** **the Asset Allocation Programs" for more information on how the programs are administered.**

**DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE A "RETURN OF PREMIUM" AT A FUTURE DATE?**

We offer two different programs for investors who wish to invest in the Variable Options but also wish to protect their principal, at least as of a specific date in the future. You may not want to use either of these programs if you expect to begin taking annuity payments before the program would be completed.

**Balanced Investment Program**

We offer a balanced investment program where a portion of your Account Value is allocated to a Fixed Allocation and the remaining Account Value is allocated to the Variable Options that you select. When you enroll in the Balanced Investment Program, you choose the duration that you wish the program to last. This determines the duration of the Guarantee Period for the Fixed Allocation. Based on the fixed rate for the Guarantee Period chosen, we calculate the portion of your Account Value that must be allocated to the Fixed Allocation to grow to a specific "principal amount" (such as your initial Purchase Payment). We determine the amount based on the rates then in effect for the Guarantee Period you choose. If you continue the program until the end of the Guarantee Period and make no withdrawals or transfers, at the end of the Guarantee Period, the Fixed Allocation will have grown to equal the "principal amount". Withdrawals or transfers from the Fixed Allocation before the end of the Guarantee Period will terminate the program and may be

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subject to a Market Value Adjustment. You can transfer the Account Value that is not allocated to the Fixed Allocation between any of the Variable Options available under the Annuity. Account Value you allocate to the Variable Options is subject to Variable Option fluctuations and may increase or decrease in value. We do not deduct a charge for participating in the Balanced Investment Program.

**Example**

Assume you invest $100,000. You choose a 10-year program and allocate a portion of your Account Value to a Fixed Allocation with a 10-year Guarantee Period. The rate for the 10-year Guarantee Period is 2.50%\*. Based on the fixed interest rate for the Guarantee Period chosen, the factor is 0.781198 for determining how much of your Account Value will be allocated to the Fixed Allocation. That means that $78,120 will be allocated to the Fixed Allocation and the remaining Account Value ($21880) will be allocated to the Variable Options. Assuming that you do not make any withdrawals or transfers from the Fixed Allocation, it will grow to $100,000 at the end of the Guarantee Period. Of course, we cannot predict the value of the remaining Account Value that was allocated to the Variable Options.

\* The rate in this example is hypothetical and may not reflect the current rate for Guarantee Periods of this duration.

**Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) Guaranteed Return Option Plus (GRO Plus)**

We also offer a seven-year program where we monitor your Account Value daily and systematically transfer amounts between Fixed Allocations and the Variable Options you choose. For more information about this option, please refer to the "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus.

**RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS BETWEEN INVESTMENT OPTIONS**

During the Accumulation Period you may transfer Account Value between investment options. Transfers are not subject to taxation on any gain. We currently limit the number of Variable Options you can invest in at any one time to twenty (20). However, you can invest in an unlimited number of Fixed Allocations. We may require a minimum of $500 in each Variable Option you allocate Account Value to at the time of any allocation or transfer. If you request a transfer and, as a result of the transfer, there would be less than $500 in the Variable Option, we may transfer the remaining Account Value in the Variable Option on a proportional basis to the other investment options to which you transferred.

We may impose specific restrictions on financial transactions for certain Portfolios based on the Portfolio's investment restrictions. Currently, any purchase, redemption or transfer involving the Rydex or ProFunds VP Variable Options must be received by us no later than one hour prior to any announced closing of the applicable securities exchange (generally, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to be processed on the current Valuation Day. The "cut-off" time for such financial transactions involving a Rydex or ProFunds VP Variable Option will be extended to ½ hour prior to any announced closing (generally, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) for transactions submitted electronically through our website (<u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>).

Currently, we charge $10 for each transfer after the twentieth (20<sup>th</sup>) in each Annuity Year, including transfers made as part of any rebalancing, market timing, asset allocation or similar program which you have authorized. Transfers made as part of a dollar cost averaging program do not count toward the twenty free transfer limit. Renewals or transfers of Account Value from a Fixed Allocation at the end of its Guarantee Period are not subject to the transfer charge. We may reduce the number of free transfers allowable each Annuity Year (subject to a minimum of eight) without charging a Transfer Fee unless you make use of electronic means to transmit your transfer requests. We may eliminate the Transfer Fee for transfer requests transmitted electronically or through other means that reduce our processing costs.

**Frequent Transfers**

Frequent transfers among investment options in response to short-term fluctuations in markets, sometimes called "market timing," can make it very difficult for a Portfolio manager to manage a Portfolio's investments. Frequent transfers may cause the Portfolio to hold more cash than otherwise necessary, disrupt management strategies, increase transaction costs, or affect performance. Considering the risks posed to Owners and other investors by frequent transfers, we reserve the right to limit the number of transfers in any Annuity Year for all Owners and to take the other actions discussed below. We also reserve the right to limit the number of transfers in any Annuity Year or to refuse any transfer request for an Owner or certain Owners if: (a) we believe that excessive transfer activity (as we define it) or a specific transfer request or group of transfer requests may have a detrimental effect on Unit Values or the share prices of the Portfolios; or (b) we are informed by a Portfolio (e.g., by a Portfolio's Portfolio manager) that the purchase or redemption of shares in the Portfolio must be restricted because the Portfolio believes the transfer activity to which such purchase and redemption relates would have a detrimental effect on the share prices of the affected Portfolio. Without limiting the above, the most likely scenario where either of the above could occur would be if the aggregate amount of a trade or trades represented a relatively large proportion of the total assets of a particular Portfolio. In furtherance of our general authority to restrict transfers as described above, and without limiting other actions we may take in the future, we have adopted the following specific restrictions. With respect to each Annuity, we track amounts exceeding a certain dollar threshold that were transferred into a Variable Option. If you transfer such amount into a particular Variable Option, and within 30 calendar days thereafter transfer (the "Transfer Out") all or a portion of that amount into another Variable Option, then upon the Transfer Out, the former Variable Option becomes restricted (the "Restricted Variable Option"). Specifically, we will not permit subsequent transfers into the Restricted Variable Option for 90 calendar days after the Transfer Out if the Restricted Variable Option invests in a non-international Portfolio, or 180 calendar days after the Transfer Out if the Restricted Variable Option invests in an international Portfolio. For purposes of this rule, we (i) do not count transfers made in connection with one of our systematic programs; (ii) do not count

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any transfer that solely involves a holding account; and (iii) do not categorize as a transfer the first transfer that you make after the Issue Date, if you make that transfer within 30 calendar days after the Issue Date. Even if an amount becomes restricted under the foregoing rules, you are still free to redeem the amount from your Annuity at any time.

We reserve the right to effect transfers on a delayed basis for all annuities in accordance with our rules regarding frequent transfers. That is, we may price a transfer involving the Variable Options on the Valuation Day subsequent to the Valuation Day on which the transfer request was received. Before implementing such a practice, we would issue a separate written notice to Owners that explains the practice in detail.

If we deny one or more transfer requests under the foregoing rules, we will inform you or your financial professional promptly of the circumstances concerning the denial.

There are Owners of different variable annuity contracts that are funded through the same Separate Account that may not be subject to the above-referenced transfer restrictions and, therefore, might make more numerous and frequent transfers than Owners who are subject to such limitations. Finally, there are Owners of other variable annuity contracts or variable life contracts that are issued by us as well as other insurance companies that have the same Portfolios available to them. Since some Owners are not subject to the same transfer restrictions, unfavorable consequences associated with such frequent trading within the Portfolios (e.g., greater Portfolio turnover, higher transaction costs, or performance or tax issues) may affect all Owners. Similarly, while contracts managed by a financial professional are subject to the restrictions on transfers between Variable Options that are discussed above, if the financial professional manages a number of contracts in the same fashion unfavorable consequences may be associated with management activity since it may involve the movement of a substantial portion of an Portfolio's assets which may affect all Owners invested in the affected Portfolios. Apart from jurisdiction-specific and contract differences in transfer restrictions, we will apply these rules uniformly (including contracts managed by a financial professional) and will not waive a transfer restriction for any Owner.

Although our transfer restrictions are designed to prevent excessive transfers, they are not capable of preventing every potential occurrence of excessive transfer activity. The Portfolios have adopted their own policies and procedures with respect to excessive trading of their respective shares, and we reserve the right to enforce any such current or future policies and procedures. The prospectuses for the Portfolios describe any such policies and procedures, which may be more or less restrictive than the policies and procedures we have adopted. Under SEC rules, we are required to: (1) enter into a written agreement with each Portfolio or its principal underwriter or its transfer agent that obligates us to provide to the Portfolio promptly upon request certain information about the trading activity of individual Owners (including an Owner's TIN number), and (2) execute instructions from the Portfolio to restrict or prohibit further purchases or transfers by specific Owners who violate the excessive trading policies established by the Portfolio. In addition, you should be aware that some Portfolios may receive "omnibus" purchase and redemption orders from other insurance companies or intermediaries such as retirement plans. The omnibus orders reflect the aggregation and netting of multiple orders from individual Owners of variable insurance contracts and/or individual retirement plan participants. The omnibus nature of these orders may limit the Portfolios in their ability to apply their excessive trading policies and procedures. In addition, the other insurance companies and/or retirement plans may have different policies and procedures or may not have any such policies and procedures because of contractual limitations. For these reasons, we cannot guarantee that the Portfolios (and thus you) will not be harmed by transfer activity relating to other insurance companies and/or retirement plans that may invest in the Portfolios.

A Portfolio also may assess a short-term trading fee (also referred to as "redemption fee") in connection with a transfer out of the Variable Option investing in that Portfolio that occurs within a certain number of days following the date of allocation to the Variable Option. Each Portfolio determines the amount of the short-term trading fee and when the fee is imposed. The fee is retained by or paid to the Portfolio and is not retained by us. The fee will be deducted from your Account Value, to the extent allowed by law. At present, no Portfolio has adopted a short-term trading fee.

**FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL PERMISSION TO FORWARD TRANSACTION INSTRUCTIONS**

If you have provided the necessary authorization on the application for your Annuity, the individual who signed the application for your Annuity may forward instructions regarding the allocation of your Account Value, and request financial transactions involving Investment Options. We refer to this person as your "financial professional." You may have another person providing investment advisory services to you with respect to this Annuity and who you have separately authorized on the form we require to forward instructions to us regarding the allocation of your Account Value or certain financial transactions. Please be aware that if you authorize more than one person to provide investment instructions to us, we will follow all instructions received from authorized persons in the order in which we receive them. **If your financial professional or investment advisor has this authority, we deem** **that all such transactions that are directed by your financial professional or investment advisor, as applicable, with respect to your Annuity** **have been authorized by you.** You will receive a confirmation of any financial transaction involving the purchase or sale of Units of your Annuity. You must contact us immediately if and when you revoke such authority. We will not be responsible for acting on instructions from your financial professional or authorized investment advisor until we receive notification of the revocation of such person's authority. We may also suspend, cancel or limit these authorizations at any time. In addition, we may restrict the Investment Options available for transfers or allocation of Purchase Payments by such financial professional or investment advisor. We will notify you and your financial professional if we implement any such restrictions or prohibitions.

**Please Note:** Annuity contracts managed by your financial professional or investment advisor also are subject to the restrictions on transfers between Investment Options that are discussed in the section titled "[<u>Restrictions on Transfers Between Investment Options</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_9_928)." We may also require that your financial professional or investment advisor transmit all financial transactions using the electronic trading functionality available through our website (<u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>). Limitations that we may impose on your financial professional or investment advisor under the agreement (e.g., a custodial agreement) do not apply to financial transactions requested by an Owner on his or her own behalf, except as otherwise described in this prospectus.

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**It is your responsibility to arrange for the payment of the advisory fee charged by your investment advisor. Similarly, it is your responsibility** **to understand the advisory services provided by your investment advisor and the advisory fees charged for the services.**

***<u>For certain Broker Dealers:</u>*** If instructed by your Broker Dealer, we may allow your financial professional to effectuate withdrawals on your behalf. In the event you do not wish that your financial professional has this authority, please contact us immediately.

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**ANNUITY PERIOD**

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We currently make annuity options available that provide fixed annuity payments. Your Annuity provides certain fixed annuity payment options. We do not guarantee to continue to make available any other option other than the fixed annuity payment options set forth in your Annuity. Fixed options provide the same amount with each payment. You must annuitize your entire Account Value; partial Annuitizations are not allowed.

When you purchase an Annuity, or at a later date, you may choose an Annuity Date, an annuity option and the frequency of annuity payments. You may change your choices before the Annuity Date under the terms of the contract. A maximum Annuity Date may be required by law. The Annuity Date may depend on the annuity option you choose. Certain annuity options may not be available depending on the age of the Annuitant. For qualified annuities, the period certain option may be limited to 10 years or less depending on the circumstances.

Certain of these annuity options may be available to Beneficiaries who choose to receive the Death Benefit proceeds as a series of payments instead of a lump sum payment.

**<u>Option 1</u>**

**Payments for Life:** Under this option, income is payable periodically until the death of the "key life". The "key life" (as used in this section) is the person or persons upon whose life annuity payments are based. No additional annuity payments are made after the death of the key life. Since no minimum number of payments is guaranteed, this option offers the largest amount of periodic payments of the life contingent annuity options. *It is possible that only one payment will be payable if the death of the key life occurs before the date the second payment was due, and no other payments nor death benefits would be payable. Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.*

**<u>Option 2</u>**

**Payments Based on Joint Lives:** Under this option, income is payable periodically during the joint lifetime of two key lives, and thereafter during the remaining lifetime of the survivor, ceasing with the last payment prior to the survivor's death. No minimum number of payments is guaranteed under this option. *It is possible that only one payment will be payable if the death of all the key lives occurs before the date the second payment was due, and no other payments or death benefits would be payable.* Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.

**<u>Option 3</u>**

**Payments for Life with a Certain Period:** Under this option, income is payable until the death of the key life. However, if the key life dies before the end of the period selected (5, 10 or 15 years), the remaining payments are paid to the Beneficiary until the end of such period.

**<u>Option 4</u>**

**Fixed Payments for a Certain Period:** Under this option, income is payable periodically for a specified number of years. If the payee dies before the end of the specified number of years, the remaining payments are paid to the Beneficiary until the end of such period. *Note that under this option, payments are not based on any assumptions of life expectancy. Therefore, that portion of the insurance charge assessed to cover the risk that key lives outlive our expectations provides no benefit to an Owner selecting this option.* Under this option, you cannot make a partial or full surrender of the annuity.

We may make different annuity and settlement options available in the future. We do not guarantee to continue to make available or any other option other than the fixed annuity payment options set forth in your contract.

**HOW AND WHEN DO I CHOOSE THE ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION?**

Unless prohibited by law, we require that you elect either a life annuity or an annuity with a certain period of at least 5 years if any CDSC would apply were you to surrender your Annuity on the Annuity Date. Therefore, making a Purchase Payment within seven years of the Annuity Date limits your annuity payment options. Certain annuity payment options may not be available if your Annuity Date occurs during the period that a CDSC would apply.

If you have not provided us with your Annuity Date or annuity payment option in writing, then:

• the
 Annuity Date will be the first day of the calendar month following the later of the Annuitant's 85 <sup>th</sup> birthday or the fifth anniversary of our receipt
 of your request to purchase an Annuity; and

• the
 annuity payments, where allowed by law, will be calculated on a fixed basis under Option 3, Payments for Life with 10 years certain.

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**HOW ARE ANNUITY PAYMENTS CALCULATED?**

**Fixed Annuity Payments**

If you choose to receive fixed annuity payments, you will receive equal fixed-dollar payments throughout the period you select. The amount of the fixed payment will vary depending on the annuity payment option and payment frequency you select. Generally, the first annuity payment is determined by multiplying the Account Value, minus any state premium taxes that may apply, by the factor determined from our table of annuity rates. The table of annuity rates differs based on the type of annuity chosen and the frequency of payment selected. Our rates will not be less than our guaranteed minimum rates. These guaranteed minimum rates are derived from the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality Table with an assumed interest rate of 3% per annum. Where required by law or regulation, such annuity table will have rates that do not differ according to the gender of the key life. Otherwise, the rates will differ according to the gender of the key life.

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**BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**

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**The following table summarizes information about the benefits available under the Annuity. Certain Contract Benefits may not be available** **through certain financial intermediaries. See the** [**<u>Cover Page</u>**](#chapter_1-sect1_1_928) **for additional information.**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Benefit** | **Purpose** | **Standard** **or**<br>**Optional** | **Maximum Fee** | **Restrictions/Limitations** |
|  Guaranteed Return Option(GRO)<sup>1</sup>/Guaranteed Return Option Plus (GRO Plus)<sup>2</sup> | Guarantees a "return of premium" at a future date, while allowing you to allocate all or a portion of your Account Value to the Variable Options of your choice. | Optional | 0.50%<br>(based on the average daily net assets of the Variable Options) | Account Value subject to systematic transfers to and from Fixed Allocations. We may restrict the selection of certain Portfolios. Please refer to [**<u>Appendix A</u>**](#chapter_18_928) for Variable Option availability. |
|  Basic Death Benefit  | Provides protection for your beneficiary(ies) by ensuring that they do not receive less than your Account Value. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Death Benefit<sup>3</sup> | Provides an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiary(ies) by providing amounts in addition to the basic Death Benefit that can be used to offset federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. | Optional | 0.75%<br>(based on the Account Value) | None. |
|  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit<sup>3</sup> | Provides an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiary(ies) by providing amounts in addition to the basic Death Benefit. | Optional | 0.55%<br>(based on the current Death Benefit amount) | None. |
|  Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider <sup>3</sup> | Provides an income tax-free life insurance benefit for your Beneficiary(ies) that may be useful in offsetting federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. Please refer to [**<u>Appendix C</u>**](#chapter_20-sect1_1_928) for a complete description of the charges. | Optional | 10.50%<br>(based on your age and your Account Value as of the Issue Date of your Annuity) | None. |
|  Annuity Rewards<sup>4</sup> | Provides an enhancement to the Death Benefit that captures any Variable Option gains since the Issue Date of your Annuity so that your beneficiary(ies) would not receive less than an Annuity's value as of the effective date of the benefit. After the 10<sup>th</sup> Annuity Year, the Death Benefit would equal the Account Value. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Performance Advantage | Provides an increase to the Account Value if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded a "target value" on its 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary. | Standard | None. | None. |
|  Dollar Cost Averaging | Allows you to systematically transfer a percentage amount out of an investment option and into any other Variable Option(s). | Standard | None. | Minimum allocation requirements. |
|  Automatic Rebalancing | You can direct us to automatically rebalance your assets to return to your original allocation percentage or to a subsequent allocation percentage you select. | Standard | None. | None. |

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1. The
 Guaranteed Return Option benefit is no longer available for election. If you currently participate in this benefit, you may re-start the
 benefit on each anniversary of the Issue Date.

2. The
 Guaranteed Return Plus Option benefit is no longer available for election.

3. These
 benefits are no longer offered and must have been elected at the time that you purchased your Annuity.

4. This
 benefit may be referred to as "Prudential Annuities' Annuity Rewards" in certain documents.

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**GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO)**

**GRO is no longer available for new elections.**

GRO is an optional benefit that, after a seven-year period following commencement of the benefit (we refer to the end of that period as the "Maturity Date") guarantees your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your benefit (called the "Protected Principal Value").

The benefit monitors your Account Value daily and, if necessary, systematically transfers amounts pursuant to a mathematical formula between the Variable Options you choose and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation used to support the Protected Principal Value. There is an additional charge if you elect the Guaranteed Return Option benefit.

The guarantee provided by the benefit exists only on the applicable Maturity Date. However, due to the ongoing monitoring of your Account Value and the transfer of Account Value between the Variable Options and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support our future guarantee, the benefit may provide some protection from significant Variable Option losses if you choose to surrender your Annuity or begin receiving annuity payments prior to a Maturity Date.

**Key Feature – Protected Principal Value**

Under the GRO benefit, we guarantee that on the Maturity Date, your Account Value will be no less than the Protected Principal Value. On the Maturity Date if your Account Value is below the Protected Principal Value, we will apply additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase your Account Value to be equal to the Protected Principal Value. A subsequent Purchase Payment increases the amount of the Protected Principal Value by the amount of the Purchase Payment, and withdrawals reduce the Protected Principal Value (as discussed below).

We will notify you of any amounts added to your Annuity under the benefit. If our assumptions are correct and the operations relating to the administration of the benefit work properly, we do not expect that we will need to add additional amounts to an Annuity. The Protected Principal Value is generally referred to as the "Guaranteed Amount" in the rider we issue for this benefit.

**Key Feature – Allocation of Account Value**

GRO uses a mathematical formula that we operate to help manage your guarantees through all market cycles. The formula weighs a number of factors, including the current Account Value, the value in the Variable Options, the value in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the Protected Principal Value, the expected value of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations used to support the guarantee, the time remaining until maturity, and the current crediting rates associated with the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. In essence, and as detailed in the formula, the formula will transfer Account Value into the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations if needed to support an anticipated guarantee. **The formula is set forth in** [**<u>Appendix</u>** **<u>D</u>**](#chapter_21-sect1_1_928)**.** This required formula thus helps us manage our financial exposure under the benefit, by moving assets to a more stable option (i.e., the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations).

Each Valuation Day, the formula determines if any portion of your Account Value needs to be transferred into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, through reference to a "reallocation trigger". At any given time, some, none, or all of your Account Value may be allocated to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If your entire Account Value is transferred to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the formula will not transfer amounts out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options and the entire Account Value would remain in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If you make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity, they will be allocated to the Variable Options according to your allocation instructions. Such additional Purchase Payments may or may not cause the formula to transfer money in or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Once the Purchase Payments are allocated to your Annuity, they will also be subject to the formula, which may result in immediate transfers to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, if dictated by the formula. The amount of any such transfers will vary, as dictated by the formula, and will depend on the factors listed below.

Each market cycle is unique, therefore the performance of your Variable Options, and its impact on your Account Value, will differ from market cycle to market cycle producing different transfer activity under the formula. The amount and timing of transfers to and from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations pursuant to the formula depend on various factors unique to your Annuity and are not necessarily directly correlated with the securities markets, bond markets, interest rates or any other market or index. Some of the factors that determine the amount and timing of transfers (as applicable to your Annuity), include:

• The
 difference between your Account Value (including any Market Value Adjustment) and your Protected Principal Value(s);

• The
 amount of time until the maturity of your Guarantee(s);

• The
 amount invested in, and the performance of, the Variable Options;

• The
 amount invested in, and interest earned within, the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• The
 current crediting rates associated with Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• Additional
 Purchase Payments, if any, that you make to the Annuity; and

• Withdrawals,
 if any, taken from the Annuity.

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Any amounts invested in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will affect your ability to participate in a subsequent recovery within the Variable Options. Conversely, the Account Value may be higher at the beginning of the recovery, e.g. more of the Account Value may have been protected from decline and volatility than it otherwise would have been had the benefit not been elected.

While you are not notified when your Account Value reaches a reallocation trigger, you will receive a confirmation statement indicating the transfer of a portion of your Account Value either to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation. You may not allocate Purchase Payments to or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

You should be aware of the following potential ramifications of the formula:

• A
 Market Value Adjustment will apply when we reallocate Account Value from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to the Variable Options. Transfers
 of your Account Value can be frequent, and under some scenarios may occur on a daily basis. As indicated, each such transfer
 may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be positive or negative. Thus, a Market Value Adjustment will directly increase
 or reduce your Account Value.

• As
 indicated, some or even all, of your Account Value may be maintained in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. The greater the
 Account Value held in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the larger (in dollar terms) the Market Value Adjustment upon any transfer
 of such Account Value to the Variable Options.

• If
 your Account Value is less than the reallocation trigger, a portion of your Account Value in the Variable Options will be transferred
 from the Variable
 Options on a proportional basis according to your allocations to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) to support the
 applicable guaranteed amount. The new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will have a Guarantee Period equal to the time remaining
 until the applicable Maturity Date(s). The Account Value allocated to the new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will be credited
 with the fixed interest rate(s) then being credited to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) maturing on the applicable Maturity
 Date(s) (rounded to the next highest yearly duration). The Account Value will remain invested in each applicable Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation until the applicable Maturity Date unless, at an earlier date, your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation
 trigger and, therefore, amounts can be transferred to the Variable Options while maintaining the guaranteed protection under the
 program (as described above).

• If
 your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger, and a portion of the Account Value must be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options, then those amounts will be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocations and re-allocated to the Variable Options according to any asset allocation programs (including an Automatic Rebalancing
 program) established on your Annuity or in the absence of such programs, on a proportional basis, based on the Account Values
 in such Variable Options at that time. A Market Value Adjustment will apply upon a transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations, which may result in an increase or decrease in your Account Value.

• Transfers
 under the formula do not impact your guarantees under GRO that have already been locked-in.

Withdrawals from your Annuity, while the benefit is in effect, will reduce the Protected Principal Value proportionally. The proportion will be equal to the proportionate reduction in the Account Value due to the withdrawal as of that date. Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Systematic Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations up to growth in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations and thereafter on a proportional basis solely from the Variable Options. The growth in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations at any point in time consists of the remaining earnings since the program of systematic withdrawal began. Withdrawals will be subject to all other provisions of your Annuity, including any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Market Value Adjustment that would apply.

**Election of the Benefit**

We no longer permit new elections of GRO. If you currently participate in GRO, your existing guarantees are unaffected by the fact that we no longer offer GRO. **Please note that if you terminate a living benefit such as GRO and elect a new living benefit, you lose the guarantees that you had** **accumulated under your existing benefit and we will base any guarantees under the new benefit on your Account Value as of the date the new** **benefit becomes active. We reserve the right to waive, change and/or further limit the election frequency in the future.**

**Restart of the Benefit**

Once each Annuity Year you may request to restart the Benefit. Such a request is an election by you to terminate the existing Benefit (and all guarantees under the benefit) and start a new one. Restarts only take effect on anniversaries of the Issue Date. To make such a request for a restart, you must notify us in advance in accordance with our administrative requirements. If we accept your request, we then terminate the existing Benefit as of that valuation period, if it is an anniversary of the Issue Date, or, if not, as of the next following anniversary of the Issue Date. The new Benefit starts at that time. The initial Protected Principal Value for the new Benefit is the Account Value as of the effective date of the new Benefit. Unless you tell us otherwise, the duration of the new Benefit will be the same as that for the existing Benefit. However, if we do not then make that duration available, you must elect from those we make available at that time. For those who elect to re-start the benefit, the charge will be assessed according to the current methodology prior to re-starting the benefit. – see "Charges under the Program" below.

As part of terminating the existing Benefit, we transfer any amounts in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, subject to a Market Value Adjustment, to the Variable Options on a proportional basis. If your entire Account Value was then in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, you must first provide us instructions as to how to allocate the transferred Account Value among the Variable Options.

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**Termination of the Benefit**

The Annuity Owner also can terminate the Guaranteed Return Option benefit. Upon termination, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will be transferred as follows: (a) if only a portion of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options on a proportional basis based on the Account Values in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive at our office other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program (b) if your entire Account Value is in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive at our Office prior instructions from you. A Market Value Adjustment will apply (except that if the benefit has terminated automatically due to payment of a death benefit, whether a Market Value Adjustment applies depends solely on the terms of the death benefit – see the "[<u>Optional Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_7_928)" section of this prospectus).

In general, you may cancel GRO and then elect another living benefit available post issue, effective on any Valuation Day after your cancellation of GRO. If you terminate GRO, you will lose all guarantees under that benefit. Your election of another living benefit is subject to State and firm availability and our eligibility rules.

The benefit will terminate automatically upon: (a) the death of the Owner or the Annuitant (in an entity owned contract); (b) as of the date Account Value is applied to begin annuity payments; or (c) upon full surrender of your Annuity. If you elect to terminate the benefit, the Guaranteed Return Option will no longer provide any guarantees.

The charge for the Guaranteed Return Option benefit will no longer be deducted from your Account Value after the benefit has been terminated, although for those Annuities for which the GRO charge is deducted annually rather than daily (see "Charges Under the Benefit"), we will deduct the final annual charge upon termination of the benefit.

**Special Considerations under the Guaranteed Return Option**

This benefit is subject to certain rules and restrictions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Upon
 inception of the benefit, 100% of your Account Value must have been allocated to the Variable Options. The Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation must not have been in effect as of the date that you elected to participate in the benefit. However, the formula may
 transfer Account Value to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation as of the effective date of the benefit under some circumstances.

• Annuity
 Owners cannot allocate any portion of Purchase Payments or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocation while participating in the benefit; however, all or a portion of any Purchase Payments may be allocated by us to the Market
 Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support the amount guaranteed. You cannot participate in any dollar cost averaging benefit that
 transfers Account Value from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to a Variable Option.

• Transfers
 from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation made as a result of the formula under the benefit will be subject to the Market
 Value Adjustment formula under an Annuity; however, the 0.10% liquidity factor in the formula will not apply. A Market Value Adjustment
 may be either positive or negative. Transfer amounts will be taken from the most recently established Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation.

• Transfers
 from the Variable Options to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to
 the Variable Options under the benefit will not count toward the maximum number of free transfers allowable under an Annuity.

• Any
 amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity Date will not be treated as "investment in the contract" for income
 tax purposes.

• Any
 amounts that we add to your Annuity to support our guarantee under the benefit will be applied to the Variable Options on a proportional
 basis, after first transferring any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations as follows: (a) if only a portion
 of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options
 on a proportional basis based on the Account Values in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive at our office
 other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative
 support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program
 and (b) if your entire Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable
 Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive at our Office prior instructions from you.

• Low
 interest rates may require allocation to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation even when the current Account Value exceeds the
 guarantee.

• As
 the time remaining until the applicable Maturity Date gradually decreases the benefit will become increasingly sensitive to moves to the Market Value Adjustment
 Fixed Allocation.

• We
 currently limit the Variable Options in which you may allocate Account Value if you participate in this benefit. Should we prohibit access to any investment
 option, any transfers required to move Account Value to eligible investment options will not be counted in determining the
 number of free transfers during an Annuity Year.

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**Charges under the Benefit**

The maximum charge for Guaranteed Return Option is 0.50% annually of the daily net assets of the Variable Options. The annual charge is deducted daily against your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options. Account Value allocated to Fixed Allocations under the program is not subject to the charge. The charge is deducted to compensate us for: (a) the risk that your Account Value on the Maturity Date of the program is less than the amount guaranteed; and (b) administration of the program.

Effective November 18, 2002, we changed the way in which the annual charge for the Guaranteed Return Option is deducted to the method described above. The annual charge for the Guaranteed Return Option for Owners who elected the benefit between May 1, 2001 and November 15, 2002 and subsequent to November 19, 2002 in those states where the daily deduction of the charge has not been approved, is deducted annually, in arrears, according to the prospectus in effect as of the date the program was elected. Owners who terminate and then re-elect the Guaranteed Return Option or elect to restart the Guaranteed Return Option at any time after November 18, 2002 will be subject to the charge method described above.

**Examples**

**Example 1. Benefit Maturity**

This example is purely hypothetical and does not reflect the charges for the benefit or any other fees and charges under the annuity. It is intended to illustrate the benefit maturity on a guarantee amount under this benefit.

A Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) program begins on July 1, 2015. Your Account Value (AV) at the start of the program is $100,000. As of program maturity on July 1, 2022, there have been no additional Purchase Payments and no prior withdrawals, so your Guaranteed Amount remains at $100,000. The Account Value is $93,000.

Since the Guaranteed Amount exceeds the Account Value, a total of $7,000, the amount by which the guaranteed exceeds the AV, is added to the variable Variable Options which you have elected (or the AST Money Market Variable Option if such elections have not been made).

**Example 2. Proportional reduction for withdrawal.** 

This example is purely hypothetical and does not reflect the charges for the benefit or any other fees and charges under the Annuity. It is intended to illustrate the proportional reduction of a withdrawal on each guarantee amount under this benefit.

A Guaranteed Return Option (GRO) program begins on July 1, 2015. Your Account Value (AV) at the start of the program is $100,000. As of July 1, 2020, there have been no additional Purchase Payments and no prior withdrawals, so your Guaranteed Amount remains at $100,000. The Account Value is $120,000. You then elect to take a $6,000 withdrawal. Assume that no CDSC, Market Value Adjustment or other charges apply.

The Guaranteed Amount is reduced as follows:

Guaranteed Amount prior to withdrawal × (1 - withdrawal / AV prior to withdrawal)<br>= $100,000 × (1 - $6,000 / $120,000)<br>= $95,000

**GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GRO PLUS)**

**GRO Plus is no longer available for new elections.**

GRO Plus is an optional benefit that, after a seven-year period following commencement of the benefit (we refer to the end of that period and any applicable subsequent period as the "Maturity Date") and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter while the benefit remains in effect, guarantees your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your benefit (called the "Protected Principal Value"). The benefit also offers you the opportunity to elect a second, enhanced guaranteed amount at a later date if your Account Value has increased, while preserving the guaranteed amount established on the effective date of your benefit. The enhanced guaranteed amount (called the "Enhanced Protected Principal Value") guarantees that, after a separate period following election of the enhanced guarantee and on each anniversary thereafter while this enhanced guarantee amount remains in effect, your Account Value will not be less than your Account Value on the effective date of your election of the enhanced guarantee. If the Maturity Date of any guarantee under GRO Plus is not a Valuation Day, and we are required to contribute an amount to your Account Value with respect to that maturing guarantee, we would contribute such an amount on the next Valuation Day.

The benefit monitors your Account Value daily and, if necessary, systematically transfers amounts between the Variable Options you choose and Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations used to support the Protected Principal Value(s). The benefit may be appropriate if you wish to protect a principal amount against poor Variable Option performance as of a specific date in the future. There is an additional charge if you elected the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit.

The guarantees provided by the benefit exist only on the applicable Maturity Date(s) and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date(s) thereafter.

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**Key Feature – Protected Principal Value/Enhanced Protected Principal Value**

The Guaranteed Return Option Plus offers a base guarantee as well as the option of electing an enhanced guarantee at a later date.

• **Base Guarantee:** Under
 the base guarantee, we guarantee that on the Maturity Date and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter
 that the benefit remains in effect, your Account Value will be no less than the Protected Principal Value. On the Maturity Date and
 on each anniversary after the Maturity Date that the benefit remains in effect, if your Account Value is below the Protected Principal Value, we will apply
 additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase your Account Value to be equal to the Protected
 Principal Value. A subsequent Purchase Payment increases the amount of the base guarantee by the amount of the Purchase Payment,
 and withdrawals reduce the base guarantee (as discussed below). Any amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity
 Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will first be applied to any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations then required to
 support guarantees due on subsequent Maturity Dates. We will allocate the remainder to the Variable Options on a proportional basis, based
 on the Account Value in the Variable Options at that time.

• **Enhanced Guarantee:** On
 any anniversary following commencement of the benefit, you can establish an enhanced guarantee amount based
 on your current Account Value. Under the enhanced guarantee, we guarantee that at the end of the specified period following the election
 of the enhanced guarantee (also referred to as its "Maturity Date"), and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter
 that the enhanced
 guaranteed amount remains in effect, your Account Value will be no less than the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. You can
 elect an enhanced guarantee more than once; however, a subsequent election supersedes the prior election of an enhanced guarantee.
 Election of an enhanced guarantee does not impact the base guarantee. In addition, you may elect an "auto step-up" feature that will automatically
 create an enhanced guarantee (or increase your enhanced guarantee, if previously elected) on each anniversary of the
 benefit (and create a new maturity period for the new enhanced guarantee) if the Account Value as of that anniversary exceeds the Protected
 Principal Value and Enhanced Protected Principal Value by 7% or more. You may also elect to terminate an enhanced guarantee.
 If you elect to terminate an enhanced guarantee, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations for the enhanced
 guarantee will be liquidated, on the Valuation Day the request is processed, (which may result in a Market Value Adjustment), and
 such amounts will be transferred according to the rules described in "Termination of the Benefit/ Enhanced Guarantee". Termination
 of an enhanced guarantee
 will not result in termination of the base guarantee. If you have elected the enhanced guarantee, on the guarantee's
 Maturity Date and on each anniversary of the Maturity Date thereafter that the enhanced guarantee amount remains in effect, if
 your Account Value is below the Enhanced Protected Principal Value, we will apply additional amounts to your Annuity from its general account to increase
 your Account Value to be equal to the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. Any amounts applied to your Account Value
 by us on the Maturity Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will first be applied to any Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations
 then required to support guarantees due on subsequent Maturity Dates. We will allocate the remainder to the Variable Options on
 a proportional basis, based on the Account Value in the Variable Options at that time.

If our assumptions are correct and the operations relating to the administration of the benefit work properly, we do not expect that we will need to add additional amounts to your Annuity. The Protected Principal Value is referred to as the "Base Guarantee" and the Enhanced Protected Principal Value is referred to as the "Step-Up Guarantee" in the rider we issue for this benefit.

**Withdrawals under your Annuity**

Withdrawals from your Annuity, while the benefit is in effect, will reduce the base guarantee under the benefit as well as any enhanced guarantee. Cumulative annual withdrawals up to 5% of the Protected Principal Value as of the effective date of the benefit (adjusted for any subsequent Purchase Payments) will reduce the applicable guaranteed amount by the actual amount of the withdrawal (referred to as the "dollar-for-dollar limit"). If the amount withdrawn is greater than the dollar-for-dollar limit, the portion of the withdrawal equal to the dollar-for-dollar limit will be treated as described above, and the portion of the withdrawal in excess of the dollar-for-dollar limit will reduce the base guarantee and the enhanced guarantee proportionally, according to the formula as described in the rider for this benefit (see the examples of this calculation below). Withdrawals other than Systematic Withdrawals will be taken on a proportional basis from the Variable Options and any Fixed Allocations. Withdrawals will be subject to all other provisions of your Annuity, including any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Market Value Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) that would apply.

Charges for other optional benefits under your Annuity that are deducted as an annual charge in arrears will not reduce the applicable guaranteed amount under the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit, however, any partial withdrawals in payment of charges for the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider (not currently offered for sale) and any third party investment advisory service will be treated as withdrawals and will reduce the applicable guaranteed amount.

The following examples of dollar-for-dollar and proportional reductions assume that: 1.) the Issue Date and the effective date of the GRO Plus benefit are October 13, 2004; 2.) an initial Purchase Payment of $250,000; 3.) a base guarantee amount of $250,000; and 4.) a dollar-for-dollar limit of $12,500 (5% of $250,000). The values set forth here are purely hypothetical and do not reflect the charge for GRO Plus or other fees and charges.

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**Example 1. Dollar-for-dollar reduction**

A $10,000 withdrawal is taken on November 29, 2004 (in the first Annuity Year). No prior withdrawals have been taken. As the amount withdrawn is less than the Dollar-for-dollar Limit:

• The
 base guarantee amount is reduced by the amount withdrawn (i.e., by $10,000, from $250,000 to $240,000).

• The
 remaining dollar-for-dollar limit ("Remaining Limit") for the balance of the first Annuity Year is also reduced by the amount
 withdrawn (from $12,500
 to $2,500).

**Example 2. Dollar-for-dollar and proportional reductions**

A second $10,000 withdrawal is taken on December 18, 2004 (still within the first Annuity Year). The Account Value immediately before the withdrawal is $180,000. As the amount withdrawn exceeds the Remaining Limit of $2,500 from Example 1:

• The
 base guarantee amount is first reduced by the Remaining Limit (from $240,000 to $237,500);

• The
 result is then further reduced by the ratio of A to B, where:

○ A
 is the amount withdrawn less the Remaining Limit ($10,000 – $2,500, or $7,500).

○ B
 is the Account Value less the Remaining Limit ($180,000 – $2,500, or $177,500).

The resulting base guarantee amount is: $237,500 × (1 – $7,500 / $177,500), or $227,464.79.

• The
 Remaining Limit is set to zero (0) for the balance of the first Annuity Year.

**Example 3. Reset of the Dollar-for-dollar limit**

A $10,000 withdrawal is made on December 19, 2005 (second Annuity Year). The Remaining Limit has been reset to the dollar-for-dollar limit of $12,500. As the amount withdrawn is less than the dollar-for-dollar limit:

• The
 base guarantee amount is reduced by the amount withdrawn (i.e., reduced by $10,000, from $227,464.79 to $217,464.79)

• The
 Remaining Limit for the balance of the second Annuity Year is also reduced by the amount withdrawn (from $12,500 to $2,500).

**Key Feature – Allocation of Account Value**

GRO Plus uses a mathematical formula that we operate to help manage your guarantees through all market cycles. Each Valuation Day, the formula determines if any portion of your Account Value needs to be transferred into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, through reference to a "reallocation trigger". The formula does this by (a) first identifying each guarantee that is outstanding under GRO Plus (b) then discounting the value of each such guarantee to a present value, based on crediting rates associated with the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, then (c) identifying the largest of such present values. Then, the formula compares the largest present value to both the Account Value and the value of assets allocated to the Variable Options to determine whether a transfer into or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations is required. As detailed in the formula, if that largest present value exceeds the Account Value less a percentage of the Variable Option value, a transfer into the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will occur. Conversely, if the largest present value is less than the Account Value less a percentage of the Variable Option value, a transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will occur. This required formula helps us manage our financial exposure under the benefit, by moving assets to a more stable option (i.e., the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations). **The formula is set forth in** [**<u>Appendix E</u>**](#chapter_22-sect1_1_928).

If your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger, then:

• your
 Account Value in the Variable Options will remain allocated according to your most recent instructions; and

• if
 a portion of your Account Value is allocated to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to support the applicable guaranteed amount, all or a portion
 of those amounts will be transferred from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation and re-allocated to the Variable Options
 according to any asset allocation programs (including an Automatic Rebalancing program) established on your Annuity or in the absence
 of such programs, on a proportional basis, based on the Account Values in such Variable Options at that time;

• if
 all of your Account Value is allocated to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation, then all or a portion of that amount may be transferred
 from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation and re-allocated to the Variable Options, according to the following hierarchy:
 (i) first according to any asset allocation program that you may have in effect (ii) if no such program is in effect, then in accordance
 with any automatic rebalancing program that you may have in effect and (iii) if neither such program is in effect, then to the AST
 Government Money Market Variable Option; and

• a
 Market Value Adjustment will apply when we reallocate Account Value from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to the Variable Options,
 which may result in a decrease or increase in your Account Value.

If your Account Value is less than the reallocation trigger, a portion of your Account Value in the Variable Options will be transferred from the Variable Options on a proportional basis according to your allocations to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) to support the applicable guaranteed amount. The new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will have a Guarantee Period equal to the time remaining until the applicable Maturity Date(s). The Account Value allocated to the new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) will be credited with the fixed interest rate(s) then being credited to a new Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation(s) maturing on the applicable Maturity Date(s) (rounded to the next highest yearly duration).

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The Account Value will remain invested in each applicable Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation until the applicable Maturity Date unless, at an earlier date, your Account Value is greater than or equal to the reallocation trigger and, therefore, amounts can be transferred to the Variable Options while maintaining the guaranteed protection under the program (as described above).

At any given time, some, none, or all of your Account Value may be allocated to the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. With respect to any amounts held within the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we can give no assurance how long the amounts will reside there or if such amounts will transfer out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. If you make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity, they will be allocated to the Variable Options according to your allocation instructions. Such additional Purchase Payments may or may not cause the formula to transfer money in or out of the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Once the Purchase Payments are allocated to your Annuity, they will also be subject to the formula, which may result in immediate transfers to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, if dictated by the formula. The amount of such transfers will vary, as dictated by the formula, and will depend on the factors listed below. Market Value Adjustment will always be applicable on withdrawals and/or surrenders when allocated to the Market Value Adjusted Fixed Allocation Investment Option.

Each market cycle is unique, therefore the performance of your Variable Options, and its impact on your Account Value, will differ from market cycle to market cycle producing different transfer activity under the formula. The amount and timing of transfers to and from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations pursuant to the formula depend on various factors unique to your Annuity and are not necessarily directly correlated with the securities markets, bond markets, interest rates or any other market or index. Some of the factors that determine the amount and timing of transfers (as applicable to your Annuity), include:

• The
 difference between your Account Value (including any Market Value Adjustment) and your Protected Principal Value(s);

• The
 amount of time until the maturity of your guarantee(s);

• The
 amount invested in, and the performance of, the Variable Options;

• The
 amount invested in, and interest earned within, the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• The
 current crediting rates associated with Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations;

• Additional
 Purchase Payments, if any, that you make to the Annuity; and

• Withdrawals,
 if any, taken from the Annuity.

Any amounts invested in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations will affect your ability to participate in a subsequent recovery within the Variable Options. Conversely, the Account Value may be higher at the beginning of the recovery, e.g. more of the Account Value may have been protected from decline and volatility than it otherwise would have been had the benefit not been elected.

While you are not notified when your Account Value reaches a reallocation trigger, you will receive a confirmation statement indicating the transfer of a portion of your Account Value either to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

You may not allocate Purchase Payments to or transfer Account Value to or from the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. Separate Fixed Allocations may be established in support of the Protected Principal Value and the Enhanced Protected Principal Value (if elected). There may also be circumstances when a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation will be established only in support of the Protected Principal Value or the Enhanced Protected Principal Value. If you elect an enhanced guarantee, it is more likely that a portion of your Account Value may be allocated to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations and will remain allocated for a longer period of time to support the Enhanced Protected Principal Value, even during a period of positive Variable Option performance and/or under circumstances where Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations would not be necessary to support the Protected Principal Value. Further, there may be circumstances where Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations in support of the Protected Principal Value or Enhanced Protected Principal Value are transferred to the Variable Options under the formula differently than each other because of the different guarantees they support.

You should be aware of the following potential ramifications of the formula:

• Transfers
 of your Account Value can be frequent, and under some scenarios may occur on a daily basis. As indicated, each such transfer may
 be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which can be positive or negative. Thus, a Market Value Adjustment will directly increase or reduce your Account
 Value.

• As
 indicated, some or even all, of your Account Value may be maintained in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations. The greater the
 Account Value held in Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, the larger (in dollar terms) the Market Value Adjustment upon any transfer
 of such Account Value to the Variable Options.

• Transfers
 under the formula do not impact your guarantees under GRO Plus that have already been locked-in.

**Election of the Benefit**

We no longer permit new elections of GRO Plus. If you currently participate in GRO Plus, your existing guarantees are unaffected by the fact that we no longer offer GRO Plus. **Please note that if you terminate a living benefit such as GRO Plus and elect a new living benefit, you lose the** **guarantees that you had accumulated under your existing benefit and we will base any guarantees under the new benefit on your Account** **Value as of the date the new benefit becomes active. We reserve the right to waive, change and/or further limit the election frequency in the** **future.**

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**Termination of the Benefit/Enhanced Guarantee**

You can elect to terminate the enhanced guarantee but maintain the protection provided by the base guarantee. You also can terminate the Guaranteed Return Option Plus benefit entirely, in which case you will lose any existing guarantees.

Upon termination of the benefit or of the enhanced guarantee, any amounts held in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations related to the guarantee(s) being terminated will be transferred as follows: (a) if only a portion of your Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer such Account Value (i) to the Variable Options on a proportional basis, based on your Account Value in such Variable Options on the day of the transfer, unless we receive other prior instructions from you or (ii) if you are then participating in an asset allocation program for which we are providing administrative support, we allocate the transferred amount in accordance with the then current percentages for that asset allocation program (b) if your entire Account Value is in the Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations, we will transfer your Account Value to the Variable Option corresponding to the AST Government Money Market Portfolio, unless we receive prior instructions from you. A Market Value Adjustment will apply (except that if the benefit has terminated automatically due to payment of a death benefit, whether a Market Value Adjustment applies depends solely on the terms of the death benefit – see the "[<u>Optional Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_7_928)" section of this prospectus).

In general, you may cancel GRO Plus and then elect another living benefit that is available post issue, effective on any Valuation Day after your cancellation of GRO Plus. If you terminate GRO Plus, you will lose all guarantees under that benefit. Your election of another living benefit is subject to State and firm availability and our eligibility rules.

The benefit will terminate automatically upon: (a) the death of the Owner or the Annuitant (in an entity owned contract); (b) as of the date Account Value is applied to begin annuity payments; or (c) upon full surrender of the Annuity. If you elect to terminate the benefit, the Guaranteed Return Option Plus will no longer provide any guarantees.

**Special Considerations under the Guaranteed Return Option Plus**

This benefit is subject to certain rules and restrictions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Upon
 inception of the benefit, 100% of your Account Value must have been allocated to the Variable Options. No Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations may be in effect as of the date that you elect to participate in the benefit. However, the formula may transfer Account Value
 to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations as of the effective date of the benefit under some circumstances.

• You
 cannot allocate any portion of Purchase Payments or transfer Account Value to or from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation while
 participating in the benefit; however, all or a portion of any Purchase Payments may be allocated by us to a Market Value Adjustment Fixed
 Allocations to support the amount guaranteed. You cannot participate in any dollar cost averaging benefit that transfers Account Value
 from a Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to a Variable Option.

• Transfers
 from Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations made as a result of the formula under the benefit will be subject to the Market Value
 Adjustment formula under an Annuity; however, the 0.10% liquidity factor in the formula will not apply. A Market Value Adjustment may
 be either positive or negative. Transfer amounts will be taken from the most recently established Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation.

• Transfers
 from the Variable Options to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations or from Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations to the
 Variable Options under the benefit will not count toward the maximum number of free transfers allowable under an Annuity.

• Any
 amounts applied to your Account Value by us on the Maturity Date or any anniversary of the Maturity Date will not be treated as "investment
 in the contract" for income tax purposes.

• Low
 interest rates may require allocation to Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations even when the current Account Value exceeds the guarantee.

• As
 the time remaining until the applicable Maturity Date gradually decreases the benefit will become increasingly sensitive to moves to Market
 Value Adjustment Fixed Allocations.

• We
 currently limit the Variable Options in which you may allocate Account Value if you participate in this benefit. Should we prohibit access to any investment
 option, any transfers required to move Account Value to eligible investment options will not be counted in determining the
 number of free transfers during an Annuity Year.

**Charges under the Benefit**

The maximum charge for Guaranteed Return Option Plus is 0.50% annually of the daily net assets of the Variable Options. The annual charge is deducted daily. The charge is deducted to compensate us for: (a) the risk that your Account Value on the Maturity Date is less than the amount guaranteed; and (b) administration of the benefit. You will begin paying this charge as of the effective date of the benefit. We will not refund the charges you have paid even if we never have to make any payments under the benefit.

If you elect the Enhanced Guarantee under the benefit, and on the date you elect to step-up, the charges under the benefit have changed for new purchases, your benefit may be subject to the new charge level. These charges will not exceed the maximum charges shown in the section of this prospectus entitled "[<u>Benefits Available Under the Contract</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_1_928)."

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**PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE**

**Performance Advantage was offered, in those states where approved, between May 15, 1999 and October 22, 2000. The description below of** **the Performance Advantage benefit applies to those Contract Owners who purchased an Annuity during that time period when the** **Performance Advantage feature was offered.**

When determining the <u>Account Value</u> and <u>Surrender Value</u> of the Annuity, both amounts will not include any Target Value Credits (described below) that we are entitled to recapture upon Surrender of your Annuity.

**Do you provide any guarantees on my investment?**

The Annuity provides Variable Options and fixed investment options. Only the fixed investment options provide a guaranteed return on your investment, subject to certain terms and conditions. However, your Annuity includes a feature at no additional cost that provides certain benefits if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded a "target value" on its 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary. If, on the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, your Account Value has not reached the target value (as defined below) you can choose either of the following benefits:

• You
 may continue your Annuity without electing to receive Annuity payments and receive an annual Credit to your Account Value payable until
 you begin receiving Annuity payments. The Credit is equal to 0.25% of the average of your Annuity's Account Value for the preceding four complete calendar
 quarters. This Credit is applied to your investment options on a proportional basis based on the allocation of your then
 current Account Value.

**OR**

• You
 may begin receiving Annuity payments within one year and accept a one-time Credit to your Annuity equal to 10% of the net of the Account
 Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of its Issue Date minus the sum of all Purchase Payments allocated in the prior five years. The annuity
 option you select must initially guarantee payments for not less than seven years.

Following the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, we will inform you if your Account Value did not meet or exceed the Target Value. We will assume that you have elected to receive the annual Credit to your Account Value unless, not less than 30 days prior to the next anniversary of the Annuity, we receive at our home office your election to begin receiving Annuity payments.

Certain provisions of this benefit and of the Target Value Credits described below may differ if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, from any other Annuity we issue.

**What is the "Target Value" and how is it calculated?**

The Target Value is a tool used to determine whether you are eligible to elect either of the benefits described above. The Target Value does not impact the Account Value available if you surrender your Annuity or make a partial withdrawal and does not impact the Death Benefit available to your Beneficiary(ies). The Target Value assumes a rate of return over ten (10) Annuity Years that will allow your initial investment to double in value, adjusted for any withdrawals and/or additional Purchase Payments you make during the 10-year period. We calculate the "Target Value" as follows:

1. Accumulate
 the initial Purchase Payment at an annual interest rate of 7.2% until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date; <u>plus</u> 

2. Accumulate
 any additional Purchase Payments at an annual interest rate of 7.2% from the date applied until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's
 Issue Date; <u>minus</u> 

3. Each
 "proportional reduction" resulting from any withdrawal, accumulating at an annual interest rate of 7.2% from the date the
 withdrawal is processed
 until the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date. We determine each "proportional reduction" by determining the percentage
 of your Account Value then withdrawn and reducing the Target Value by that same percentage. We include any withdrawals under
 your Annuity in this calculation, as well as the charge we deduct for any optional benefits you elect under the Annuity, but not the charge
 we deduct for the Annual Maintenance Fee or the Transfer Fee.

**Examples**

1. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no further Purchase Payments. The Target Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your
 Annuity's Issue Date would be $20,042, assuming no withdrawals are made. This is equal to $10,000 accumulating at an
 annual rate of 7.2% for the 10-year period. In this example if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded the Target Value of $20,042
 on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, you may choose to elect either of the benefits described above.

2. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no further Purchase Payments. Assume at the end of Year 6, your Account
 Value has increased to $15,000 and you make a withdrawal of 10% or $1,500. The Target Value on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary would be $18,722.
 This is equal to $10,000 accumulating at an annual rate of 7.2% for the 10-year period, minus the proportional reduction accumulating
 at an annual interest rate of 7.2%. In this example if your Account Value has not reached or exceeded the Target Value of $18,722
 on the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of your Annuity's Issue Date, you may choose to elect either of the benefits described above.

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**Can I restart the 10-year Target Value calculation?**

You can elect to lock in the growth in your Annuity by "restarting" the 10-year period on any anniversary of the Issue Date. If you elect to restart the calculation period, we will treat your Account Value on the restart date as if it was your Purchase Payment when determining if your Annuity's Account Value meets or exceeds the Target Value on the appropriate tenth (10<sup>th</sup>) anniversary. You may elect to restart the calculation more than once, in which case, the 10-year calculation period will begin on the date of the last restart date. We must receive your election to restart the calculation at our home office not later than 30 days after each anniversary of the Issue Date.

**What are Target Value Credits?**

Target Value Credits are additional amounts that we apply to your Account Value to increase the likelihood that your Account Value will meet or exceed the Target Value. We add Target Value Credits to your Account Value at the time a Purchase Payment is applied to your Annuity. Only those Purchase Payments made before the first anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity are eligible to receive Target Value Credits. Target Value Credits are separate and distinct from other Credits we apply to all Purchase Payments.

The amount of the Target Value Credit is equal to 1.0% of each qualifying Purchase Payment. Target Value Credits are only payable on qualifying Purchase Payments if the Owner(s) of the Annuity is(are) less than age 81 on its Issue Date. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the age restriction applies to the age of the Annuitant on the Issue Date. The Target Value Credit is payable from our general account and is allocated to the investment options in the same ratio that the qualifying Purchase Payment is allocated. Payment of the Target Value Credit is subject to our claims-paying ability and financial strength.

Target Value Credits will not be available if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, of an Annuity we issued that has the same or a similar benefit.

The amount of any Target Value Credits is not immediately vested and can be recaptured by us under the circumstances and for the time periods shown below. If we exercise our right to recapture the amount of any Target Value Credit, any investment gain on the Target Value Credit will not be recaptured.

1. If
 you surrender your Annuity before the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Issue Date of the Annuity.

2. If
 you elect to begin receiving Annuity payments before the first anniversary of the Issue Date.

3. If
 a person on whose life we pay the Death Benefit dies, or if a "contingency event" occurs which triggers a medically-related
 surrender:

○ within
 12 months after the date a Target Value Credit was allocated to your Account Value; or

○ within
 10 years after the date a Target Value Credit was allocated to your Account Value if any Owner was over age 70 on the Issue Date,
 or, if the Annuity was then owned by an entity, the Annuitant was over age 70 on the Issue Date.

Following completion of the above time periods, the amount of any Target Value Credits is vested in the Owner.

Performance Advantage may be referred to as "Prudential Annuities' Performance Advantage" in certain instances.

**TRIGGERS FOR PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT**

The Annuity provides a Death Benefit during its Accumulation Period. **If the Annuity is owned by one or more natural persons, the Death Benefit is** **payable upon the first death of an Owner. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Death Benefit is payable upon the Annuitant's death, if there** **is no Contingent Annuitant.** If a Contingent Annuitant was designated before the Annuitant's death and the Annuitant dies, then the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant and a Death Benefit will not be paid at that time. The person upon whose death the Death Benefit is paid is referred to below as the "decedent."

**BASIC DEATH BENEFIT**

The Annuity provides a basic Death Benefit at no additional charge. The insurance charge we deduct daily from your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options is used, in part, to pay us for the risk we assume in providing the basic Death Benefit guarantee under the Annuity.

**Considerations for Contingent Annuitants:** We may allow the naming of a Contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity contract is held by a pension plan or a tax favored retirement plan or held by a Custodial Account (as defined in this prospectus). In such a situation, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the Annuity contract continues after the death of the Annuitant. In some of our Annuities held by these same types of entities we allow for the naming of a Co-Annuitant, which also is used to mean the successor annuitant (and not another life used for measuring the duration of an annuity payment option). Like in the case of a Contingent Annuitant, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the contract continues after the death of the Annuitant. However, tax deferral should be provided instead by the pension plan, tax favored retirement plan, or Custodial Account. We may also allow the naming of a Contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity contract is held by an entity which is not eligible for tax deferral benefits under Section 72(u) of the Code. This does not supersede any benefit language which may restrict the use of the Contingent Annuitant.

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The basic Death Benefit depends on the decedent's age on the date of death:

*If death occurs before the decedent's age 90: The Death Benefit is the greater of:*

○ The
 sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all withdrawals; and

○ The
 sum of your Account Value in the Variable Options and your Interim Value in the Fixed Allocations. Please note that your Account Value
 includes any applicable Market Value Adjustment.

*If death occurs when the decedent is age 90 or older: The Death Benefit is your Account Value.*

**<u>Here is an example of how the basic death benefit is calculated if death occurs before the decedent reaches age 90:</u>**

The contract was issued with Purchase Payments totaling $100,000 but, due to negative Variable Option performance, the Account Value had decreased to $80,000. If the Owner died, the death benefit would still be $100,000. This amount, however, is reduced when you make a withdrawal from the contract. If the contract Owner had withdrawn $10,000 of the remaining $80,000, the death benefit would also be reduced by $10,000. Since the death benefit had been $100,000, it would now be $90,000.

**<u>Here is an example of how the basic death benefit is calculated if death occurs after the decedent reaches age 90:</u>**

The contract was issued with Purchase Payments totaling $100,000 but, due to negative Variable Option performance, the Account Value had decreased to $80,000. If the Owner died, the death benefit would be $80,000.

**OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFITS**

Optional Death Benefits are offered for purchase with your Annuity to provide an enhanced level of protection for your beneficiaries.

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**These benefits are no longer offered and must have been elected at the time that you purchased your Annuity. Certain terms and conditions** **may differ if you purchase your Annuity as part of an exchange, replacement or transfer, in whole or in part, from any other Annuity we issue.**

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***ENHANCED BENEFICIARY PROTECTION OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT***

The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit can provide additional amounts to your Beneficiary that may be used to offset federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. Whether this benefit is appropriate for you may depend on your particular circumstances, including other financial resources that may be available to your Beneficiary to pay taxes on your Annuity should you die during the Accumulation Period. No benefit is payable if death occurs on or after the Annuity Date.

**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit provides a benefit that is payable in addition to the basic Death Benefit.** If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 75 or less at the time the benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 75 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 75 or less.

***Calculation of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit***

If you purchase the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit, the Death Benefit is calculated as follows:

**1.** the **basic Death Benefit** described above;

**PLUS**

2. 50%
 of the **"Death Benefit Amount"** less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

**<u>"Proportional withdrawals"</u>** are determined by calculating the percentage of your Account Value that each prior withdrawal represented when withdrawn.

**<u>"Death Benefit Amount"</u>** includes your Account Value and any amounts added to your Account Value under the basic Death Benefit when the Death Benefit is calculated. Under the basic Death Benefit, amounts are added to your Account Value when the Account Value is less than Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals.

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**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is subject to a maximum of 50% of all Purchase Payments applied to the Annuity** **at least 12 months prior to the death of the decedent that triggers the payment of the Death Benefit.**

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**The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit was offered in those jurisdictions where we have received regulatory approval.** **Please refer to the section entitled "**[**<u>Taxes</u>**](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)**" for a discussion of special tax considerations for purchasers of this benefit.**

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**Examples of Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes that a $50,000 initial Purchase Payment is made and that no withdrawals are made prior to the Owner's death. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 50 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options.

**<u>Example with Variable Option increase</u>**

Assume that the Owner has made no withdrawals and that the Owner's Account Value has been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $75,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, which ever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $75,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($75,000) PLUS 50% of the "Death Benefit Amount" less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Purchase Payments | = | $50000 |
|  Account Value | = | $75000 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | = | $75000 |
|  Death Benefit Amount | = | $75,000 - $50,000 = $25,000 |
|  Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit |
|  | = | $75,000 + $12,500 = $87,500 |

---

**<u>Examples with Variable Option decline</u>**

Assume that the Owner has made no withdrawals and that the Account Value has been decreasing due to declines in Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $45,000. The basic Death Benefit is calculated as Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals, or Account Value, which ever is greater. Therefore, the basic Death Benefit is equal to $50,000. The Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit is equal to the amount payable under the basic Death Benefit ($50,000) PLUS 50% of the "Death Benefit Amount" less Purchase Payments reduced by proportional withdrawals.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Purchase Payments | = | $50000 |
|  Account Value | = | $40000 |
|  Basic Death Benefit | = | $50000 |
|  Death Benefit Amount | = | $50,000 - $50,000 = $0 |
|  Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit | Amount Payable Under Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit |
|  | = | $50,000 + $0 = $50,000 |

---

**In this example you would receive no additional benefit from purchasing the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit.**

If the Annuity has one Owner, the Owner must be age 80 or less at the time the optional Death Benefit is purchased. If the Annuity has joint Owners, the oldest Owner must be age 80 or less. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Annuitant must be age 80 or less.

**Key Terms Used with the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit**

• The <u>Death Benefit Target Date</u> is the contract anniversary on or after the 80 <sup>th</sup> birthday of the current Owner, the oldest of either joint Owner
 or the Annuitant, if entity owned.

• The <u>Highest Anniversary Value</u> equals the highest of all previous "Anniversary Values" on or before the earlier of the Owner's date of death
 and the "Death Benefit Target Date".

• The <u>Anniversary Value</u> is the
 Account Value as of each anniversary of the Issue Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments on or after such
 anniversary less the sum of all "Proportional Reductions" since such anniversary.

• A <u>Proportional Reduction</u> is
 a reduction to the value being measured caused by a withdrawal, equaling the percentage of the withdrawal as
 compared to the Account Value as of the date of the withdrawal. For example, if your Account Value is $10,000 and you withdraw $2,000
 (a 20% reduction), we will reduce both your Anniversary Value and the amount determined by Purchase Payments increasing at the
 appropriate interest rate by 20%.

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**Calculation of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit**

The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit depends on whether death occurs before or after the Death Benefit Target Date.

*If the Owner dies before the Death Benefit Target Date, the Death Benefit equals the greatest of:*

A. the
 Account Value in the Variable Options plus the Interim Value of any Fixed Allocations (no Market Value Adjustment) as of the date we
 receive in writing "due proof of death"; and

B. the
 sum of all Purchase Payments minus the sum of all Proportional Reductions, each increasing daily until the Owner's date of death
 at a rate of 5.0%, subject to a limit of 200% of the difference between the sum of all Purchase Payments and the sum of all withdrawals
 as of the Owner's date of death; and

C. the
 "Highest Anniversary Value" on or immediately preceding the Owner's date of death.

The amount determined by this calculation is increased by any Purchase Payments received after the Owner's date of death and decreased by any Proportional Reductions since such date.

*If the Owner dies on or after the Death Benefit Target Date, the Death Benefit equals the greater of:*

A. the
 Account Value as of the date we receive in writing "due proof of death" (a Market Value Adjustment may be applicable to amounts in any Fixed Allocations);
 and

B. the
 greater of Item 2 & 3 above on the Death Benefit Target Date plus the sum of all Purchase Payments less the sum of all Proportional
 Reductions since the Death Benefit Target Date.

**Examples of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Calculation**

The following are examples of how the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is calculated. Each example assumes that a $50,000 initial Purchase Payment is made and that no withdrawals are made prior to the Owner's death. Each example assumes that there is one Owner who is age 50 on the Issue Date and that all Account Value is maintained in the Variable Options.

**<u>Example of Variable Option increase</u>**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value has generally been increasing due to positive Variable Option performance. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $90,000. The Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period is $72,000. The Death Benefit would be the Account Value ($90,000) because it is greater than the Highest Anniversary Value ($72,000) or the sum of prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77).

**<u>Example of Variable Option decrease</u>**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value generally increased until the fifth anniversary but generally has been decreasing since the fifth contract anniversary. On the date we receive due proof of death, the Account Value is $48,000. The Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period is $54,000. The Death Benefit would be the sum of prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77) because it is greater than the Highest Anniversary Value ($54,000) or the Account Value ($48,000).

**<u>Example of Variable Option increase followed by decrease</u>**

Assume that the Owner's Account Value increased significantly during the first six years following the Issue Date. On the sixth anniversary date the Account Value is $90,000. During the seventh Annuity Year, the Account Value increases to as high as $100,000 but then subsequently falls to $80,000 on the date we receive due proof of death. The Death Benefit would be the Highest Anniversary Value at the end of any previous period ($90,000), which occurred on the sixth anniversary, although the Account Value was higher during the subsequent period. The Account Value on the date we receive due proof of death ($80,000) is lower, as is the sum of all prior Purchase Payments increased by 5.0% annually ($73,872.77).

**Annuities with joint Owners**

For Annuities with Joint Owners, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the oldest of the Joint Owners is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. NOTE: If you and your spouse own the Annuity jointly, we will pay the Death Benefit to the Beneficiary. If the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving spouse, then the surviving spouse can elect to assume ownership of the Annuity and continue the contract instead of receiving the Death Benefit.

**Annuities owned by entities**

For Annuities owned by an entity, the Death Benefit is calculated as shown above except that the age of the Annuitant is used to determine the Death Benefit Target Date. Payment of the Death Benefit is based on the death of the Annuitant (or Contingent Annuitant, if applicable).

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**Can I terminate the optional Death Benefits? Do the optional Death Benefits terminate under other circumstances?**

You can terminate the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit and the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit at any time. Upon termination, you will be required to pay, on a proportional basis, a portion of the annual charge for the benefit. Both optional Death Benefits will terminate automatically on the Annuity Date. We may also terminate any optional Death Benefit if necessary to comply with our interpretation of the Code and applicable regulations.

**What are the charges for the optional Death Benefits?**

The maximum charge for Enhanced Beneficiary Protection and Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit respectively is 0.75% and 0.55%. The charges for these death benefits are deducted in arrears each Annuity Year. No charge applies after the Annuity Date. We deduct the charge:

1. on
 each anniversary of the Issue Date;

2. when
 Account Value is transferred to our general account prior to the Annuity Date;

3. if
 you surrender your Annuity; and

4. if
 you choose to terminate the benefit (Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit only)

If you surrender the Annuity, elect to begin receiving annuity payments or terminate the benefit on a date other than an anniversary of the Issue Date, the charge will be prorated. During the first year after the Issue Date, the charge will be prorated from the Issue Date. In all subsequent years, it would be prorated from the last anniversary of the Issue Date.

We first deduct the amount of the charge on a proportional basis from the Account Value in the Variable Options. We only deduct the charge on a proportional basis from the Fixed Allocations to the extent there is insufficient Account Value in the Variable Options to pay the charge. If your Annuity's Account Value is insufficient to pay the charge, we may deduct your remaining Account Value and terminate your Annuity. We will notify you if your Account Value is insufficient to pay the charge and allow you to submit an additional Purchase Payment to continue your Annuity.

Please refer to the section entitled "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)" for additional considerations in relation to the optional Death Benefit.

**Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider**<br>**No longer available for election**

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The life insurance coverage provided under the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider ("Plus40 rider" or the "Rider") is supported by our general account and is not subject to, or registered as a security under, either the Securities Act of 1933 or the Investment Company Act of 1940. Information about the Plus40 rider is included in this Prospectus to help you understand the Rider and the relationship between the Rider and the value of your Annuity. It is also included because you can elect to pay for the Rider with taxable withdrawals from your Annuity. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed this information. However, the information may be subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws regarding accuracy and completeness.

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The Plus40 rider provides an income tax-free life insurance benefit to your Beneficiary(ies) equal to 40% of the Account Value of your Annuity as of the date we receive due proof of death, subject to certain adjustments, restrictions and limitations. The Rider may be especially useful in offsetting federal and state taxes payable on any taxable gains in your Annuity at the time of your death. The Rider is available in addition to the death benefit payable under the Annuity. Whether the Rider is appropriate for you may depend on your particular circumstances, including other financial resources that may be available to your Beneficiary(ies) to pay taxes on the gain in your Annuity should you die during the accumulation period. No amounts are payable under the Rider if you die on or after the date your Account Value is applied to begin receiving annuity payments or after you surrender the Annuity. The Rider has no cash value.

**Please refer to** [**<u>Appendix C</u>**](#chapter_20_928) **for a more complete description of the Plus40 rider.**

**ANNUITY REWARDS**

**What is the Annuity Rewards benefit?**

The Annuity Rewards benefit offers Owners the ability to capture any Variable Option gains since the Issue Date of their Annuity as an enhancement to their current Death Benefit so their Beneficiaries will not receive less than the Annuity's value as of the date the Owner elects the benefit. Under the Annuity Rewards benefit, we guarantee that the Death Benefit will not be less than:

• your
 Account Value in the Variable Options plus the Interim Value in any Fixed Allocations as of the effective date of the Owner's election

• <u>MINUS</u> any proportional withdrawals\* following the date of election

• <u>PLUS</u> any additional Purchase Payments applied to the Annuity following the date of election.

\* "Proportional withdrawals" are determined by calculating the percentage of the Account Value that each withdrawal represented when withdrawn. For example, a withdrawal of 50% of your Account Value would be treated as a 50% reduction in the amount payable under the Death Benefit.

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The Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement does not affect the calculation of the basic Death Benefit or any Optional Death Benefits available under the Annuity to the extent such benefit provides for a change in the method of calculation based on the age of the decedent as of the date of death. For example, if prior to age 90, the basic Death Benefit is equal to the greater of Purchase Payments minus proportional withdrawals or the Account Value and, at age 90 and older is equal to the Account Value, the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement will only apply until age 90. If the Death Benefit amount payable under your Annuity's basic Death Benefit or any Optional Death Benefits you purchase is greater than the enhanced Death Benefit under the Annuity Rewards benefit on the date the Death Benefit is calculated, your Beneficiary will receive the higher amount. If your Annuity includes the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit, the enhanced Death Benefit under the Annuity Rewards program will be considered when calculating the amount due under the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit.

**Who is eligible for the Annuity Rewards benefit?**

Owners can elect the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement following the seventh (7<sup>th</sup>) anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date. However, the election is subject to the requirement that their Account Value on the election date is greater than the amount that would be payable to their Beneficiary under the Death Benefit provided under the Annuity as of the election date (including any Optional Death Benefits other than the Enhanced Beneficiary Protection Optional Death Benefit). If an Owner is ineligible when he or she applies for the optional benefit, the Owner can elect the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement on any subsequent date if they otherwise qualify. The election must occur before annuity payments begin. An Owner can only elect the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement once. There is no additional charge for electing the Annuity Rewards Death Benefit enhancement.

**PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFITS**

**Payment of Death Benefit to Beneficiary from a Non-qualified Annuity**

Except in the case of a Spousal Continuation, upon your death certain distributions must be made under the Non-qualified Annuity. The required distributions depend on whether you die before you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity or after you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity. If you die on or after the Annuity Date, the remaining portion of the interest in the Annuity must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of death. In the event of the Decedent's death before the Annuity Date, the Death Benefit must be distributed:

1. within
 five (5) years of the date of death (the "five-year deadline"); or

2. as
 a series of payments not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary or over the life of the Beneficiary. Payments under this
 option must begin within one year of the date of death. If the Beneficiary does not begin installments by such time, then no partial withdrawals
 will be permitted thereafter, and we require that the Beneficiary take the Death Benefit as a lump sum within the five-year deadline.
 If we do not receive instructions on where to send the payment within five-years of the date of death, the funds will be escheated.

3. If
 the Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the Owner, the spouse may elect to continue the Annuity.

Unless you have made an election prior to death benefit proceeds becoming due, a Beneficiary can elect to receive the Death Benefit proceeds as a series of fixed annuity payments. See the section entitled "[<u>Annuity Period</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_928)."

**Spousal Beneficiary - Assumption of Annuity**

You may name your spouse as your Beneficiary. If you and your spouse own the Annuity jointly, we assume that the sole primary Beneficiary will be the surviving spouse unless you elect an alternative Beneficiary designation. Unless you elect an alternative Beneficiary designation, the spouse Beneficiary may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Death Benefit payment. Any Death Benefit (including any optional Death Benefits) that would have been payable to the Beneficiary will become the new Account Value as of the date we receive due proof of death and any required proof of a spousal relationship. As of the date the assumption is effective, the surviving spouse will have all the rights and benefits that would be available under the Annuity to a new purchaser of the same attained age. For purposes of determining any future Death Benefit for the surviving spouse, the new Account Value will be considered as the initial Purchase Payment. No CDSC will apply to the new Account Value. However, any additional Purchase Payments applied after the date the assumption is effective will be subject to all provisions of the Annuity, including any CDSC that may apply to the additional Purchase Payments.

See the section entitled "[<u>Change of Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations - Contingent Annuitant</u>](#chapter_9-sect1_2_928)" for a discussion of the treatment of a spousal Contingent Annuitant in the case of the death of the Annuitant in an entity owned Annuity.

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**Alternative Death Benefit Payment Options – Annuities Held by Tax-Favored Plans**

Upon your death under an IRA or Roth IRA, any remaining interest must be distributed in accordance with federal income tax requirements. The post-death distribution requirements were amended, applicable generally with respect to deaths occurring after 2019, by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 (which includes the "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" Act (SECURE Act)), and further clarified by the associated final and proposed regulations. We reserve our rights to implement any additional regulations addressing these requirements in the future. The post-death distribution requirements under prior law continue to apply in certain circumstances. The following rules generally apply to deaths after 2019:

• 10-year
 rule: If you have a designated Beneficiary, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years after your death, unless the designated
 Beneficiary is an "eligible designated Beneficiary" ("EDB") or some other exception applies.

• Eligible
 designated beneficiaries: A designated Beneficiary is any individual designated as a Beneficiary by the IRA owner. An EDB is any designated
 Beneficiary who is (1) your surviving spouse, (2) your minor child, (3) disabled, (4) chronically ill, or (5) an individual not more than
 10 years younger than you. An individual's status as an EDB is generally determined on the date of your death.

• Other
 applicable rules: This 10-year post-death distribution period applies regardless of whether you die before your required beginning date,
 or you die on or after that date (including after distributions have commenced in the form of an annuity). However, if you die on or after
 the required beginning date, then annual distributions will be required from the Annuity during the 10-year period. If the Beneficiary
 is an EDB and the
 EDB dies before the entire interest is distributed under this 10-year rule, the remaining interest must be distributed within 10
 years after the EDB's death (i.e., a new 10-year distribution period begins).

Instead of taking distributions under the 10-year rule, an EDB can stretch distributions over life, or over a period not extending beyond life expectancy, provided that such distributions commence within one year of your death, subject to certain special rules. In addition, if your minor child is an EDB, the child will cease to be an EDB on the date the child reaches the age of 21, and any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years after that date (regardless of whether the remaining distribution period under the stretch rule was more or less than 10 years).

It is important to note that under prior law, annuity payments that commenced under a method that satisfied the distribution requirements while the IRA Owner was alive could continue to be made under that method after the death of the IRA owner. However, under the current law, if you commence taking distributions in the form of an annuity that can continue after your death, such as in the form of a joint and survivor annuity or an annuity with a guaranteed period of more than 10 years, any distributions after your death that are scheduled to be made beyond the applicable distribution period imposed under the current law might need to be commuted at the end of that period (or otherwise modified after your death if permitted under federal tax law and by Fortitude) in order to comply with the post-death distribution requirements.

The post-death distribution requirements do not apply if annuity payments that comply with prior law commenced prior to December 20, 2019. Also, even if annuity payments have not commenced prior to December 20, 2019, the requirements generally do not apply to an immediate annuity contract purchased prior to that date, if you have made an irrevocable election before that date as to the method and amount of the annuity.

If your Beneficiary is not an individual, such as a charity, your estate, or a trust, any remaining interest after your death generally must be distributed under prior law in accordance with the 5-year rule or the at-least-as-rapidly rule, as applicable (but not the lifetime payout rule). You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your Beneficiary designations.

In addition, the post-death distribution requirements generally do not apply if the IRA Owner died prior to January 1, 2020. However, if the designated Beneficiary of the deceased IRA Owner dies after January 1, 2020, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years of the designated Beneficiary's death. Hence, this 10-year rule will apply to (1) a contract issued prior to 2020 which continues to be held by a designated Beneficiary of an IRA Owner who died prior to 2020, and (2) an inherited IRA issued after 2019 to the designated Beneficiary of an IRA Owner who died prior to 2020.

• Spousal
 continuation. Under the current law, as under prior law, if your Beneficiary is your spouse, such surviving spouse can delay the application
 of the post-death distribution requirements until after their death by transferring the remaining interest tax-free to their own IRA,
 or by treating your IRA as their own IRA subject to specific limits under the regulations. The post-death distribution requirements are complex in numerous
 respects. In addition, the manner in which these requirements will apply will depend on your particular facts and circumstances.
 You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

For more information, see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)." You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your Beneficiary designations.

A Beneficiary has the flexibility to take out more each year than mandated under the Required Minimum Distribution rules. Until withdrawn, amounts in an IRA, 403(b) or other "qualified investment" continue to be tax deferred. Amounts withdrawn each year, including amounts that are required to be withdrawn under the Required Minimum Distribution rules, are subject to tax. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

For a Roth IRA, if death occurs before the entire interest is distributed, the Death Benefit must be distributed under the same rules applied to IRAs where death occurs before the required beginning date.

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If we do not receive instructions on where to send the payment within 5 years of the date of death, the funds will be escheated.

The tax consequences to the Beneficiary may vary among the different Death Benefit payment options. See the "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)" section of this prospectus, and consult your tax advisor.

Designated Beneficiaries may be eligible for the IRA Beneficiary Continuation Option; however, distribution periods may be limited by applicable tax law as stated above. Beneficiaries should consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of distribution options.

Upon election of this IRA Beneficiary Continuation option:

• the
 Annuity contract will be continued in the Owner's name, for the benefit of the Beneficiary.

• the
 Account Value will be equal to any Death Benefit (including any optional Death Benefit) that would have been payable to the Beneficiary
 if they had taken a lump sum distribution.

• the
 Beneficiary may request transfers among Variable Options, subject to the same limitations and restrictions that applied to the Owner. NOTE: The Variable
 Options offered under  the IRA Beneficiary Continuation option may be limited.

• no
 additional Purchase Payments can be applied to the Annuity.

• the
 basic Death Benefit and any optional Death Benefits elected by the Owner will no longer apply to the Beneficiary.

• the
 Beneficiary can request a withdrawal of all or a portion of the Account Value at any time without application of a CDSC.

• upon
 the death of the Beneficiary, any remaining Account Value will be paid in a lump sum to the person(s) named by the Beneficiary.

• all
 amounts in the Annuity must be paid out to the Beneficiary according to the Minimum Distribution rules described in the " [<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928) " section.

Payment under this option may be limited based on federal income tax requirements. See the "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)" section for more information on the limitations that may apply to this option.

**Are there any exceptions to these rules for paying the Death Benefit?**

There are exceptions that apply no matter how your Death Benefit is calculated. There are exceptions to the Death Benefit if the decedent was not the Owner or Annuitant as of the Issue Date and did not become the Owner or Annuitant due to the prior Owner's or Annuitant's death. Any Death Benefit (including either optional Death Benefit) that applies will be suspended for a two-year period from the date he or she first became Owner or Annuitant. After the two-year suspension period is completed, the Death Benefit is the same as if this person had been an Owner or Annuitant on the Issue Date.

**When do you determine the Death Benefit?**

We determine the amount of the Death Benefit as of the date we receive "due proof of death", any instructions we require to determine the method of payment and any other written representations we require to determine the proper payment of the Death Benefit to all Beneficiaries. "Due proof of death" may include a certified copy of a death certificate, a certified copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding of death or other satisfactory proof of death. Upon our receipt of "due proof of death" we automatically transfer the Death Benefit to the AST Money Market Variable Option until we further determine the universe of eligible Beneficiaries.

Each Beneficiary must make an election as to the method they wish to receive their portion of the Death Benefit. Absent an election of a Death Benefit payment method, no Death Benefit can be paid to the Beneficiary. We may require written acknowledgment of all named Beneficiaries before we can pay the Death Benefit. During the period from the date of death until we receive all required paper work, the amount of the Death Benefit may be subject to Variable Option fluctuations.

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**PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE**

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**The Annuity referenced in this prospectus is no longer available for new sales or re-elections.**

**REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING THE ANNUITY**

**We may apply certain limitations, restrictions, and/or underwriting standards as a condition of our issuance of an Annuity and/or acceptance** **of Purchase Payments. Certain of the current limitations, restrictions and standards are described below. We may change these limitations,** **restrictions and standards in the future.**

**Initial Purchase Payment:** We no longer allow new purchases of this Annuity. Previously, the minimum initial Purchase Payment was $1,000. However, if you decided to make payments under a systematic investment or "bank drafting" program, we accepted a lower initial Purchase Payment provided that, within the first Annuity Year, you made at least $1,000 in total Purchase Payments.

We must approve any initial and additional Purchase Payments where the total amount of Purchase Payments equal $1,000,000 or more with respect to this Annuity and any other annuities you are purchasing from us (or that you already own) and/or our affiliates. To the extent allowed by state law, that required approval also will apply to a proposed change of Owner of the Annuity, if as a result of the ownership change, total Purchase Payments with respect to this Annuity and all other annuities owned by the new Owner would equal or exceed that $1 million threshold. We may have applied certain limitations and/or restrictions on the Annuity as a condition of our acceptance, including limiting the liquidity features or the Death Benefit protection provided under the Annuity, limiting the right to make additional Purchase Payments, changing the number of transfers allowable under the Annuity or restricting the Variable Options that are available. Other limitations and/or restrictions may apply.

**Age Restrictions:** There was no age restriction to purchase the Annuity. However, the basic Death Benefit provides greater protection for persons under age 90. The availability of certain optional benefits may vary based on the age of the Owner on the Issue Date of the Annuity.

**DESIGNATION OF OWNER, ANNUITANT, AND BENEFICIARY**

**Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations:** On your Application, we asked you to name the Owner(s), Annuitant and one or more Beneficiaries for your Annuity.

• <u>Owner:</u> The Owner(s) holds all rights under the Annuity. You may name up to two Owners in which case all ownership rights are held jointly.
 Generally, joint Owners are required to act jointly; however, if each Owner provides us with a written form that we find acceptable, we
 will permit each Owner to act independently on behalf of both Owners. All information and documents that we are required to send you will
 be sent to the first named Owner. This Annuity does not provide a right of survivorship. Refer to the [<u>Glossary of Terms</u>](#chapter_2-sect1_1_928) for a complete description
 of the term "Owner."

• <u>Annuitant:</u> The Annuitant is the person we agree to make annuity payments to and upon whose life we continue to make such payments. You
 must name an Annuitant who is a natural person. We do not accept a designation of joint Annuitants during the Accumulation Period. Where
 allowed by law, you may name one or more Contingent Annuitants. A Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant if the Annuitant
 dies before the Annuity Date. Please refer to the discussion of "Considerations for Contingent Annuitants" in the " [<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928) "
  section of
 the Prospectus.

• <u>Beneficiary:</u> The Beneficiary is the person(s) or entity you name to receive the death benefit. If no beneficiary is named the death benefit will
 be paid to you or your estate. If no beneficiary is named for a trust owned contract, the default beneficiary will be the contract owner.

Your right to make certain designations may be limited if your Annuity is to be used as an IRA, Beneficiary Annuity or other "qualified" investment that is given beneficial tax treatment under the Code. You should seek competent tax advice on the income, estate and gift tax implications of your designations.

**HOW AND WHEN ARE PURCHASE PAYMENTS INVESTED?**

(See "[<u>Processing and Valuing Transactions</u>](#chapter_12-sect1_11_928)" for a description of our procedure for pricing initial and subsequent Purchase Payments.)

**Initial Purchase Payment:** Once we accepted your application, we invested your net Purchase Payment in the Annuity. The net Purchase Payment is your initial Purchase Payment minus any tax charges that may apply. The Annuity is no longer sold.

**Subsequent Purchase Payments:** We will allocate any additional Purchase Payments you make according to your current allocation instructions. If any rebalancing or asset allocation programs are in effect, the allocation should conform with such a program. We assume that your current allocation instructions are valid for subsequent Purchase Payments until you make a change to those allocations or request new allocations when you submit a new Purchase Payment.

**ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENTS**

The minimum amount that we accept as an additional Purchase Payment is $100 unless you participate in the Systematic Investment Program or a periodic Purchase Payment program. We will allocate any additional Purchase Payments you make according to your most recent allocation instructions, unless you request new allocations when you submit a new Purchase Payment.

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**SCHEDULED PAYMENTS DIRECTLY FROM A BANK ACCOUNT**

You can make additional Purchase Payments to your Annuity by authorizing us to deduct money directly from your bank account and applying it to your Annuity. This type of program is often called "bank drafting". We call our bank drafting program the "Systematic Investment Program." Purchase Payments made through bank drafting may only be allocated to the Variable Options when applied. Bank drafting allows you to invest in your Annuity with a lower initial Purchase Payment, as long as you authorize payments that will equal at least $1,000 during the first 12 months of your Annuity. We may suspend or cancel bank drafting privileges if sufficient funds are not available from the applicable financial institution on any date that a transaction is scheduled to occur.

**SALARY REDUCTION PROGRAMS**

These types of programs are only available with certain types of qualified investments. If your employer sponsors such a program, we may agree to accept periodic Purchase Payments through a salary reduction program as long as the allocations are made only to Variable Options and the periodic Purchase Payments received in the first year total at least $1,000.

**HOW IS MY ACCOUNT VALUE DETERMINED?**

During the Accumulation Period, the Annuity has an Account Value. The Account Value is determined separately for each Variable Option allocation and for each Fixed Allocation. The Account Value is the sum of the values of each Variable Option allocation and the value of each Fixed Allocation. The Account Value does not reflect any CDSC that may apply to a withdrawal or surrender. When determining the Account Value on any day other than a Fixed Allocation's Maturity Date, the Account Value may include any Market Value Adjustment that would apply to a Fixed Allocation (if withdrawn or transferred) on that day.

**SURRENDER VALUE**

The Surrender Value of your Annuity is the value available to you on any day during the Accumulation Period. The Surrender Value is equal to your Account Value minus any CDSC, the Annual Maintenance Fee and the charge for any optional benefits. The Surrender Value will also include any Market Value Adjustment that may apply.

**VALUING THE VARIABLE OPTIONS**

When you allocate Account Value to a Variable Option, you are purchasing Units of the Variable Option. Each Variable Option invests exclusively in shares of an underlying Portfolio. The value of the Units fluctuates with the market fluctuations of the Portfolios. The value of the Units also reflects the daily accrual for the insurance charge and if you elected one or more optional benefits whose annual charge is deducted daily; the additional charge made for such benefits. There may be several different Unit Prices for each Variable Option to reflect the insurance charge and the charges for any optional benefits. The Unit Price for the Units you purchase will be based on the total charges for the benefits that apply to your Annuity. See the section entitled "[<u>Processing and Valuing Transactions</u>](#chapter_12-sect1_11_928)" for a detailed discussion of how Units are purchased and redeemed to reflect changes in the daily charges that apply to your Annuity.

Each Valuation Day, we determine the price for a Unit of each Variable Option, called the "Unit Price." The Unit Price is used for determining the value of transactions involving Units of the Variable Options. We determine the number of Units involved in any transaction by dividing the dollar value of the transaction by the Unit Price of the Variable Option as of the Valuation Day. The investment performance of the Portfolios, expenses, and deductions of certain charges affects the Unit Price, the number of Units, or both.

**Example**

Assume you allocate $5,000 to a Variable Option. On the Valuation Day you make the allocation, the Unit Price is $14.83. Your $5,000 buys 337.154 Units of the Variable Option. Assume that later, you wish to transfer $3,000 of your Account Value out of that Variable Option and into another Variable Option. On the Valuation Day you request the transfer, the Unit Price of the original Variable Option has increased to $16.79. To transfer $3,000, we sell 178.677 Units at the current Unit Price, leaving you 158.477 Units. We then buy $3,000 of Units of the new Variable Option at the Unit Price of $17.83. You would then have 168.255 Units of the new Variable Option.

**VALUING THE FIXED ALLOCATIONS**

During the Guarantee Period, we use the concept of an Interim Value. The Interim Value can be calculated on any day and is equal to the initial value allocated to a Fixed Allocation plus all interest credited to a Fixed Allocation as of the date calculated. The Interim Value does not include the impact of any Market Value Adjustment. If you made any transfers or withdrawals from a Fixed Allocation, the Interim Value will reflect the withdrawal of those amounts and any interest credited to those amounts before they were withdrawn. To determine the Account Value of a Fixed Allocation on any day other than its Maturity Date, we multiply the Account Value of the Fixed Allocation times the Market Value Adjustment factor.

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**PROCESSING AND VALUING TRANSACTIONS**

We are generally open to process financial transactions on those days that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. There may be circumstances where the NYSE does not open on a regularly scheduled date or time or closes at an earlier time than scheduled (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Financial transactions requested before the close of the NYSE which meet our requirements will be processed according to the value next determined following the close of business. Financial transactions requested on a non-Valuation Day or after the close of the NYSE will be processed based on the value next computed on the next Valuation Day. There may be circumstances when the opening or closing time of the NYSE is different than other major stock exchanges, such as NASDAQ. Under such circumstances, the closing time of the NYSE will be used when valuing and processing transactions.

There may be circumstances where the NYSE is open, however, due to inclement weather, natural disaster or other circumstances beyond our control, our offices may be closed or our business processing capabilities may be restricted. Under those circumstances, your Account Value may fluctuate based on changes in the Unit Values, but you may not be able to transfer Account Value or make a purchase or redemption request.

The NYSE is closed on certain announced holidays. On those dates, we will not process any financial transactions involving purchase or redemption orders.

We will also not process financial transactions involving purchase or redemption orders or transfers on any day that:

• trading
 on the NYSE is restricted;

• an
 emergency exists making redemption or valuation of securities held in the Separate Account impractical; or

• the
 SEC, by order, permits the suspension or postponement for the protection of security holders.

**Initial Purchase Payments:** We no longer allow new purchases of this Annuity. Previously, we allocated your initial Purchase Payment to the Variable Options within two (2) days after we receive all of our requirements to issue the Annuity. If we did not have all the required information to allow us to issue your Annuity, we may have retained the Purchase Payment while we tried to reach you or your representative to obtain all of our requirements. If we were unable to obtain all of our required information within five (5) days, we were required to return the Purchase Payment to you at that time, unless you specifically consented to our retaining the Purchase Payment while we gathered the required information. Once we obtained the required information, we invested the Purchase Payment and issued the Annuity within two (2) days. During any period that we were trying to obtain the required information, your money was not invested.

**Additional Purchase Payments:** We will apply any additional Purchase Payments on the Valuation Day that we receive the Purchase Payment with satisfactory allocation instructions.

**Scheduled Transactions:** "Scheduled" transactions include transfers under a Dollar Cost Averaging, rebalancing, or asset allocation program, Systematic Withdrawals, Minimum Distributions or annuity payments. Scheduled transactions are processed and valued as of the date they are scheduled, unless the scheduled day is not a Valuation Day. In that case, the transaction will be processed and valued on Valuation Day prior to the scheduled transaction date.

**Unscheduled Transactions:** "Unscheduled" transactions include any other non-scheduled transfers and requests for Partial Withdrawals or Free Withdrawals or Surrenders. Unscheduled transactions are processed and valued as of the Valuation Day we receive the request at our Office and have all of the required information.

**Deferral of Transactions:** If we defer a distribution or transfer from any Fixed Allocation or any fixed annuity payment for more than 10 days, we pay interest using our then current crediting rate for this purpose, which is not less than 3% per year on the amount deferred.

**Medically-related Surrenders & Death Benefits:** Medically-related surrender requests and Death Benefit claims require our review and evaluation before processing. We price such transactions as of the date we receive at our Office all supporting documentation we require for such transactions and that are satisfactory to us.

**Transactions in ProFunds VP Variable Options:** Generally, purchase or redemption orders or transfer requests must be received by us by no later than the close of the NYSE to be processed on the current Valuation Day. However, any purchase order or transfer request involving the ProFunds VP Variable Options must be received by us no later than one hour prior to any announced closing of the applicable securities exchange (generally, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to be processed on the current Valuation Day. The "cut-off" time for such financial transactions involving a ProFunds VP Variable Option will be extended to ½ hour prior to any announced closing (generally, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) for transactions submitted electronically through our website (<u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>). You cannot request a transaction (other than a redemption order) involving the transfer of Units in one of the ProFunds VP Variable Options between the applicable "cut-off" time and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time Owners attempting to process a purchase order or transfer request between the applicable "cut-off" time and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, are informed that their transactions cannot be processed as requested. We will not process the trade until we receive further instructions from you. However, Owners receiving the "cut-off" message may process a purchase order or transfer request up until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on that same day with respect to any other available investment option under their Annuity, other than ProFunds. Transactions received after 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be treated as received by us on the next Valuation Day.

**Termination of Optional Benefit:** If you terminate any optional benefit, we will no longer deduct the charge we apply to purchase the optional benefit. On the date the charge no longer applies, your Annuity will become subject to a different daily asset-based charge. We will process a transaction where your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options will be used to purchase new Units of the Variable Options that reflect the insurance charge and any optional benefit or program still elected, but not the charge for the optional benefit or program that you terminated. The number of Units attributed to your

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Annuity will be decreased and the Unit Price of each Unit of the Variable Options in which you invested will be increased. **The adjustment in the** **number of Units and Unit Price will not affect your Account Value.** Beginning on that date, your Account Value will be determined based on the change in the value of Units that reflect the insurance charge and any other optional benefits that you have elected.

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**SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS**

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**TYPES OF DISTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU**

During the Accumulation Period you can access your Account Value through Partial Withdrawals, Systematic Withdrawals, and where required for tax purposes, Minimum Distributions. You can also surrender your Annuity at any time. We may deduct a portion of the Account Value being withdrawn or surrendered as a CDSC. If you surrender your Annuity, in addition to any CDSC, we may deduct the Annual Maintenance Fee, any Tax Charge that applies and the charge for any optional benefits. We may also apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. Certain amounts may be available to you each Annuity Year that are not subject to a CDSC. These are called "Free Withdrawals." In addition, under certain circumstances, we may waive the CDSC for surrenders made for qualified medical reasons or for withdrawals made to satisfy Minimum Distribution requirements. Unless you notify us differently, withdrawals are taken on a proportional basis based on the Account Value in the investment options at the time we receive your withdrawal request. Each of these types of distributions is described more fully below.

**TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

(For more information, see "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)")

**Prior to Annuitization**

For federal income tax purposes, a distribution during the Accumulation Period is deemed to come first from any "gain" in your Annuity and second as a return of your "cost basis", if any. Distributions from your Annuity are generally subject to ordinary income taxation on the amount of any investment gain unless the distribution qualifies as a non-taxable exchange or transfer. If you take a distribution prior to the taxpayer's age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% additional tax in addition to ordinary income taxes on any gain. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for advice before requesting a distribution.

**During Annuitization**<br>During the Annuitization period, a portion of each annuity payment is taxed as ordinary income at the tax rate you are subject to at the time of the payment. The Code and regulations have "exclusionary rules" that we use to determine what portion of each annuity payment should be treated as a return of any cost basis you have in the Annuity. Once the cost basis in the Annuity has been distributed, the remaining annuity payments are taxable as ordinary income. The cost basis in the Annuity may be based on the cost basis from a prior contract in the case of a Section 1035 exchange or other qualifying transfer. There may also be tax implications on distributions from qualified Annuities. See "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)" for information about qualified Annuities and for additional information about Non-qualified Annuities.

**CAN I WITHDRAW A PORTION OF MY ANNUITY?**

You can make a withdrawal during the Accumulation Period.

• To
 meet liquidity needs, you can withdraw a limited amount from your Annuity during each of Annuity Years 1-7 without a CDSC being applied.
 We call this the "Free Withdrawal" amount. The Free Withdrawal amount is not available if you choose to surrender your Annuity. Amounts withdrawn
 as a Free Withdrawal do not reduce the amount of CDSC that may apply upon a subsequent withdrawal or surrender of
 the Annuity. The minimum Free Withdrawal you may request is $100.

• You
 can also make withdrawals in excess of the Free Withdrawal amount. We call this a "Partial Withdrawal." The amount that you
 may withdraw will
 depend on the Annuity's Surrender Value. The Surrender Value is equal to your Account Value minus any CDSC, the Annual Maintenance
 Fee, the Tax Charge, any charges for optional benefits and any Market Value Adjustment that may apply to any Fixed Allocations.
 After any Partial Withdrawal, your Annuity must have a Surrender Value of at least $1,000, or we may treat the Partial Withdrawal
 request as a request to fully surrender your Annuity. The minimum Partial Withdrawal you may request is $100.

When we determine if a CDSC applies to Partial Withdrawals and Systematic Withdrawals, we will first determine what, if any, amounts qualify as a Free Withdrawal. Those amounts are not subject to the CDSC. Partial Withdrawals or Systematic Withdrawals of amounts greater than the maximum Free Withdrawal amount will be subject to a CDSC.

*Gross Withdrawal or Net Withdrawal.* Generally, you can request either a gross withdrawal or a net withdrawal. If, however, you are taking your withdrawal through a systematic withdrawal program, you may only be permitted to take that withdrawal on a gross basis. In a gross withdrawal, you request a specific withdrawal amount with the understanding that the amount you actually receive is reduced by any applicable CDSC or tax withholding. In a net withdrawal, you request a withdrawal for an exact dollar amount with the understanding that any applicable deduction for CDSC or tax withholding is taken from your Account Value. This means that an amount greater than the amount of your requested withdrawal will be deducted from your Account Value. To make sure that you receive the full amount requested, we calculate the entire amount, including the amount generated due to the CDSC or tax withholding, that will need to be withdrawn. We then apply the CDSC or tax withholding to that entire amount. As a result, you will pay a greater CDSC or have more tax withheld if you elect a net withdrawal.

Partial Withdrawals may also be available following Annuitization but only if you choose certain annuity payment options.

To request the forms necessary to make a withdrawal from your Annuity, call 1-800-879-7012 or visit our website at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities.</u>

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**FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNTS**

The Free Withdrawal provision that applies to your Annuity depends on its Issue Date and your residence state. We began offering a new Free Withdrawal provision in most states as of May 1, 1996. The Free Withdrawal provision also varies depending on whether your Annuity is used as a funding vehicle for a qualified plan under Section 401 of the Code. As of the date of this Prospectus, we are no longer offering the Annuity for use with Section 401 plans.

*Annuities Issued on or after May 1, 1996*<br>The maximum Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the greater of:

1. the
 "Growth" in the Annuity; or

2. 10%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Free Withdrawals, or amounts deemed to come from Free Withdrawals, during the then current Annuity Year.

3. The
 "emergency amount" available each Annuity Year minus any prior Free Withdrawals or amounts deemed to come from Free
  Withdrawals. The "emergency amount" on the Issue Date is 10% of the initial Purchase Payment. At the beginning of each subsequent Annuity
 Year, the "emergency amount" is increased by 10% of all Purchase Payments that have been invested for less than the
 CDSC period, subject to a maximum of 50%. During any Annuity Year, the "emergency amount" is increased by 10% of all Purchase Payments applied
 during the Annuity Year.

*Annuities Issued before May 1, 1996*<br>The maximum Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the greater of:

1. the
 "Growth" in the Annuity; or

2. 10%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Free Withdrawals or amounts deemed to come from Free Withdrawals, during the then current Annuity Year.

3. The
 "emergency amount" available each Annuity Year on or after Annuity Year 1 is 35% of all Purchase Payments that have been invested
 for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven (7) years) minus the sum of all prior withdrawals of any type.

*Annuities used as funding vehicles for Section 401 Plans*

The maximum Free Withdrawal amount during any Annuity Year is the same as above based on the Issue Date of the Annuity. However, Item (2) of each provision is as follows:

4. 20%
 of Purchase Payments that, as of the date of the withdrawal, have been invested for less than the CDSC period (with your Annuity, seven
 (7) years), minus any prior Free Withdrawals, or amounts deemed to come from Free Withdrawals, during the then current Annuity Year.

Under each provision above, "Growth" equals the current Account Value less all Purchase Payments that have been invested for less than the CDSC period and have not been previously withdrawn. "Growth" does not include any additional amounts we applied to your Annuity based on your Purchase Payments.

**NOTE:** Free Withdrawals do not reduce the amount of any CDSC that would apply upon a partial withdrawal or subsequent surrender. The minimum Free Withdrawal you may request is $100. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations.

**Examples**

The following hypothetical examples assume that your Annuity was issued on or after May 1, 1996.

1. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. If you have made no previous Free Withdrawals, the maximum Free
 Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 3 would be the greater of Growth (Account Value minus Purchase Payments = $2,500), 10% of Purchase
 Payments ($1,000) or 30% of Purchase Payments ($3,000). Your maximum Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 3 would be $3,000.

2. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. Assume you choose to withdraw the Growth, equal to $2,500 in Annuity
 Year 3. Assume further that in Annuity Year 5, your Account Value has increased to $11,000 due to positive investment performance.
 The maximum Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity Year 5 would be the greater of Growth (Account Value minus Purchase Payments
 = $1,000), 10% of Purchase Payments ($1,000) or 50% of Purchase Payments minus the sum of any prior Free Withdrawals ($5,000
 - $2,500 = $2,500).

3. Assume
 you make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 and make no additional Purchase Payments. Assume that in Annuity Year 3, due
 to positive investment performance, your Account Value is $12,500. Assume you take the maximum Free Withdrawal amount in Annuity
 Year 3 ($3,000) as described in Item 1 above. Further assume that in Annuity Year 4, you choose to surrender your Annuity. Assume
 that your Account Value in Annuity Year 4 has increased to $10,500 due to positive investment performance. Upon surrender, we will
 deduct a CDSC of 5% based on the number of years that your Purchase Payment has been invested times the amount of your

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Purchase Payment that has not been previously withdrawn. The amount of the previous Free Withdrawal was not subject to a CDSC when withdrawn. Therefore, upon surrender, the amount of the entire Purchase Payment is subject to the CDSC (5.0% of $10,000 = $500). You would receive $10,000 minus the Annual Maintenance Fee.

When we determine if a CDSC applies to Partial Withdrawals and Systematic Withdrawals, we will first determine what, if any, amounts qualify as a Free Withdrawal. Those amounts are not subject to the CDSC. Partial Withdrawal or Systematic Withdrawal of amounts greater than the maximum Free Withdrawal amount will be subject to a CDSC.

**IS THERE A CHARGE FOR A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL?**

A CDSC may be assessed against a Partial Withdrawal during the Accumulation Period. Whether a CDSC applies and the amount to be charged depends on whether the Partial Withdrawal exceeds any Free Withdrawal amount and, if so, the number of years that have elapsed since the Purchase Payment being withdrawn has been invested in the Annuity.

1. If
 you request a Partial Withdrawal we determine if the amount you requested is available as a Free Withdrawal (in which case it would not be subject to a CDSC);

2. If
 the amount requested exceeds the available Free Withdrawal amount:

○ First,
 we withdraw the amount from Purchase Payments that have been invested for longer than the CDSC period, if any (with your Annuity,
 seven (7) years);

○ Second,
 we withdraw the remaining amount from the Purchase Payments that are still subject to a CDSC. We withdraw the "oldest" of
 your Purchase Payments first so that the lowest CDSC will apply to the amount withdrawn.

Any CDSC will only apply to the amount withdrawn that exceeds the Free Withdrawal amount.

For purposes of calculating the CDSC on a partial withdrawal, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance.

3. If
 the amount requested exceeds the amounts available under Item #2 above, we withdraw the remaining amount from any other Account Value.

**CAN YOU CLOSE MY ACCOUNT AND INVOLUNTARILY REDEEM MY INVESTMENT?**

As explained above, after any Partial Withdrawal, your Annuity must have a Surrender Value of at least $1,000, or we may treat the Partial Withdrawal request as a request to fully surrender your Annuity.

**SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS**

You can receive Systematic Withdrawals of earnings only, principal plus earnings or a flat dollar amount. Systematic Withdrawals based on the Free Withdrawal amount are only available if the contract is still within the surrender charge period and will be calculated based only on the Purchase Payments that are still subject to CDSC. Systematic Withdrawals may be subject to a CDSC. We will determine whether a CDSC applies and the amount in the same way as we would for a Partial Withdrawal.

Systematic Withdrawals can be made from Account Value allocated to the Variable Options or Fixed Allocations. Generally, Systematic Withdrawals from Fixed Allocations are limited to earnings accrued after the program of Systematic Withdrawals begins, or payments of fixed dollar amounts that do not exceed such earnings. Systematic Withdrawals are available on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. We may require that the Surrender Value of your Annuity must be at least $20,000 before we will allow you to begin a program of Systematic Withdrawals.

The minimum amount for each Systematic Withdrawal is $100. If any scheduled Systematic Withdrawal is for less than $100, we may postpone the withdrawal and add the expected amount to the amount that is to be withdrawn on the next scheduled Systematic Withdrawal.

**SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS UNDER SECTION 72(t) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE**

If your Annuity is used as a funding vehicle for certain retirement plans that receive special tax treatment under Sections 401, 403(b) or 408 of the Code, Section 72(t) of the Code may provide an exception to the 10% additional tax on distributions made prior to age 59½ if you elect to receive distributions as a series of "substantially equal periodic payments". Distributions received under this provision in any Annuity Year that exceed the maximum amount available as a Free Withdrawal will be subject to a CDSC. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. To request a program that complies with Section 72(t), you must provide us with certain required information in writing on a form acceptable to us. We may require advance notice to allow us to calculate the amount of 72(t) withdrawals. The Surrender Value of your Annuity must be at least $20,000 before we will allow you to begin a program for withdrawals under Section 72(t). The minimum amount for any such withdrawal is $100.

You may also annuitize your contract and begin receiving payments for the remainder of your life (or life expectancy) as a means of receiving income payments before age 59½ that are not subject to the 10% additional tax.

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**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS**

(See "[<u>Taxes</u>](#chapter_14-sect1_1_928)" for a further discussion of Minimum Distributions.)

Minimum Distributions are a type of Systematic Withdrawal we allow to meet distribution requirements under Sections 401, 403(b) or 408 of the Code. Under the Code, you may be required to begin receiving periodic amounts from your Annuity. In such case, we will allow you to make Systematic Withdrawals in amounts that satisfy the minimum distribution rules under the Code. We do not assess a CDSC on Minimum Distributions from your Annuity if you are required by law to take such Minimum Distributions from your Annuity at the time it is taken. However, a CDSC may be assessed on that portion of a Systematic Withdrawal that is taken to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements in relation to other savings or investment plans under other qualified retirement plans not maintained with us.

The amount of the required Minimum Distribution for your particular situation may depend on other annuities, savings or investments. We will only calculate the amount of your required Minimum Distribution based on the value of your Annuity. We require three (3) days advance written notice to calculate and process the amount of your payments. You may elect to have Minimum Distributions paid out monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. The $100 minimum that applies to Systematic Withdrawals does not apply to Minimum Distributions.

You may also annuitize your contract and begin receiving payments for the remainder of your life (or life expectancy) as a means of receiving income payments and satisfying the Minimum Distribution requirements under the Code.

In any year in which the requirement to take Required Minimum Distributions is suspended by law, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion and regardless of any position taken on this issue in a prior year, to treat any amount that would have been considered as a Required Minimum Distribution if not for the suspension as eligible for treatment as described herein.

**SURRENDER VALUE**

During the Accumulation Period you can surrender your Annuity at any time. Upon surrender, you will receive the Surrender Value. Upon surrender of your Annuity, you will no longer have any rights under the Annuity.

For purposes of calculating the CDSC on surrender, the Purchase Payments being withdrawn may be greater than your remaining Account Value or the amount of your withdrawal request. This is most likely to occur if you have made prior withdrawals under the Free Withdrawal provision or if your Account Value has declined in value due to negative Variable Option performance. We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations.

Under certain annuity payment options, you may be allowed to surrender your Annuity for its then current value.

To request the forms necessary to surrender your Annuity, call 1-800-879-7012 or visit our website at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>.

**MEDICALLY-RELATED SURRENDERS**

Where permitted by law, you may request to surrender your Annuity prior to the Annuity Date without application of any CDSC upon occurrence of a medically-related "Contingency Event". We may apply a Market Value Adjustment to any Fixed Allocations. The amount payable will be your Account Value.

This waiver of any applicable CDSC is subject to our rules, including but not limited to the following:

• the
 Annuitant must have been named or any change of Annuitant must have been accepted by us, prior to the "Contingency Event" described below in
 order to qualify for a medically-related surrender;

• the
 Annuitant must be alive as of the date we pay the proceeds of such surrender request;

• if
 the Owner is one or more natural persons, all such Owners must also be alive at such time;

• we
 must receive satisfactory proof of the Annuitant's confinement in a Medical Care Facility or Fatal Illness in writing on a form satisfactory to us;

• this
 benefit is not available if the total Purchase Payments received exceed $500,000 for all annuities issued by us with this benefit where the same person is
 named as Annuitant; and

• proceeds
 will only be sent by check or electronic fund transfer directly to the Owner.

For contracts issued before May 1, 1996 a "Contingency Event" occurs if the Annuitant is:

• first
 confined in a "Medical Care Facility" while your Annuity is in force and remains confined for at least 90 days in a row; or

• first
 diagnosed as having a "Fatal Illness" while your Annuity is in force.

For contracts issued on or after May 1, 1996, and where allowed by law, the Annuitant must have been named or any change of Annuitant must have been accepted by us, prior to the "Contingency Event" described above in order to qualify for a medically-related surrender.

The definitions of "Medical Care Facility" and "Fatal Illness," as well as additional terms and conditions, are provided in your Annuity. Specific details and definitions in relation to this benefit may differ in certain jurisdictions.

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**TAXES**

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The tax considerations associated with an Annuity vary depending on whether the Annuity is (i) owned by an individual or non-natural person, and not associated with a tax-favored retirement plan, or (ii) held under a tax-favored retirement plan. We discuss the tax considerations for these categories of Annuities below. The discussion is general in nature and describes only federal income tax law. We generally do not describe state, local, foreign or other federal tax laws. It is based on current law and interpretations which may change. The information provided is not intended as tax advice. The federal income tax treatment of the Annuity is unclear in certain circumstances, and you should always consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the application of law to individual circumstances. Generally, the cost basis in an Annuity is the amount you pay into your Annuity, or into an annuity exchanged for your Annuity, on an after-tax basis less any withdrawals of such payments. Cost basis for a tax-favored retirement plan is provided only in limited circumstances, such as for contributions to a Roth IRA or nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA. We do not track cost basis for tax-favored retirement plans, which is the responsibility of the Owner.

On advisory products, you may establish an advisory fee deduction program for a qualified or Non-qualified Annuity such that charges for investment advisory fees are not taxable to the Annuity Owner. Please note that there are additional requirements that must be satisfied in order for investment advisory fee charges paid from a Non-qualified Annuity to be treated as not taxable.

The discussion below generally assumes that the Annuity is issued to the Annuity Owner. For Annuities issued under the Beneficiary Continuation Option or as a Beneficiary Annuity, refer to the Taxes Payable by Beneficiaries for a Non-qualified Annuity and Required Distributions Upon Your Death for Qualified Annuities sections below.

**NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

**In general, as used in this prospectus, a Non-qualified Annuity is owned by an individual or non-natural person and is not associated with a** **tax-favored retirement plan.**

**Taxes Payable by You**

We believe the Annuity is an Annuity for tax purposes. Accordingly, as a general rule, you should not pay any tax until you receive money under the Annuity. Generally, all Annuity contracts issued by the same company (and affiliates) to you during the same calendar year must be treated as one Annuity for purposes of determining the amount of any withdrawal that is subject to tax under the rules described below. We treat advisory fee payments as an expense of the Annuity and not a taxable distribution if your Non-qualified Annuity satisfies the requirements of a Private Letter Ruling issued to us by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). In accordance with the PLR, advisory fee payments from your Non-qualified Annuity are treated as an expense as long as your advisor attests to us that the PLR requirements have been met, including that the advisory fees will not exceed 1.5% of the Annuity's cash value and the Annuity only pays the advisor for fees related to investment advice with respect to the Annuity and no other services. The PLR does not generally allow such favorable tax treatment of advisory fee payments where a commission is also paid on the Annuity.

It is possible that the IRS could assert that some or all of the charges for the optional living or death benefits under the Annuity should be treated for federal income tax purposes as a partial withdrawal from the Annuity. If this were the case, the charge for this benefit could be deemed a withdrawal and treated as taxable income to the extent there are earnings in the Annuity. Additionally, for Owners under age 59½, the taxable income attributable to the charge for the benefit could be subject to the 10% additional tax. If the IRS determines that the charges for one or more benefits under the Annuity are taxable withdrawals, then the sole, primary, or surviving Owner will be provided with a notice from us describing available alternatives regarding these benefits.

**Taxes on Withdrawals and Surrender Before Annuity Payments Begin**

If you make a withdrawal from your Annuity or surrender it before annuity payments begin, the amount you receive will be taxed as ordinary income, rather than as a return of cost basis, until all gain has been withdrawn. At any time there is no gain in your Annuity, payments will be treated as a nontaxable return of cost basis until all cost basis has been returned. After all cost basis is returned, all subsequent amounts will be taxed as ordinary income. An exception to this treatment exists for contracts that include Purchase Payments made prior to August 14, 1982 that are issued via 1035 exchange. Withdrawals from a contract with Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 are treated as a return of cost basis in the Annuity first until those pre-August 14, 1982 Purchase Payments are withdrawn. Moreover, income allocable to Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 is not subject to the 10% additional tax.

You will generally be taxed on any withdrawals from the Annuity while you are alive even if the withdrawal is paid to someone else. Withdrawals under any of the optional living benefits or as a systematic payment are taxed under these rules. If you assign or pledge all or part of your Annuity as collateral for a loan, the part assigned generally will be treated as a withdrawal and subject to income tax to the extent of gain. If the entire Account Value is assigned or pledged, subsequent increases in the Account Value are also treated as withdrawals for as long as the assignment or pledge remains in place. The cost basis is increased by the amount includible in income with respect to such assignment or pledge. If you transfer your Annuity for less than full consideration, such as by gift, you will also trigger tax on any gain in the Annuity. Under most circumstances, this rule does not apply if you transfer the Annuity to your spouse or if you transfer the Annuity incident to divorce.

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If you choose to receive payments under an interest payment option, or a Beneficiary chooses to receive a death benefit under an interest payment option, that election will be treated, for tax purposes, as surrendering your Annuity and will immediately subject any gain in the Annuity to income tax and possibly the 10% additional tax.

**Taxes on Annuity Payments**

If you select an annuity payment option as described in "[<u>Annuity Period</u>](#chapter_10-sect1_1_928)", a portion of each annuity payment you receive will be treated as a partial return of your cost basis and will not be taxed. The remaining portion will be taxed as ordinary income. Generally, the nontaxable portion is determined by multiplying the annuity payment you receive by a fraction, the numerator of which is your cost basis (less any amounts previously received tax-free) and the denominator of which is the total expected payments under the Annuity. After the full amount of your cost basis has been recovered tax-free, the full amount of the annuity payments will be taxable. If annuity payments stop due to the death of the Annuitant before the full amount of your cost basis has been recovered, a tax deduction may be allowed for the unrecovered amount.

If your Account Value is reduced to zero but the Annuity remains in force due to a benefit provision, further distributions from the Annuity will be reported as annuity payments, using an exclusion ratio based upon the undistributed cost basis in the Annuity and the total value of the anticipated future payments until such time as all cost basis has been recovered.

**Maximum Annuity Date**

You must commence annuity payments no later than the first day of the calendar month following the maximum Annuity Date for your Annuity. Upon reaching the maximum Annuity Date you can no longer make Purchase Payments, surrender, exchange, or transfer your contract. The maximum Annuity Date may be the same as the Latest Annuity Date as described elsewhere in this prospectus. For some of our Annuities, you can choose to defer the Annuity Date beyond the default or Latest Annuity Date, as applicable, described in your Annuity. However, the IRS may not then consider your Annuity to be an Annuity under the tax law.

Please refer to your Annuity contract for the maximum Annuity Date.

**Partial Annuitization**

We do not currently permit partial annuitization.

**Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income**

The Code includes a Medicare tax on investment income. This tax assesses a 3.8% surtax on the lesser of (1) net investment income or (2) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over a threshold amount. The "threshold amount" is $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) with dependent child, $125,000 for married taxpayers filing separately, $200,000 for all others, and approximately $16,000 for estates and certain trusts. The taxable portion of payments received as a withdrawal, surrender, annuity payment, death benefit payment or any other actual or deemed distribution under the Annuity will be considered investment income for purposes of this surtax.

**10% Additional Tax for Early Withdrawal from a Non-Qualified Annuity**

You may owe a 10% additional tax on the taxable part of distributions received from your Non-qualified Annuity. Amounts are not subject to this additional tax if:

• the
 amount is paid on or after you reach age 59½;

• the
 amount is paid on or after your death (or the death of the Annuitant when the owner is not an individual);

• the
 amount received is attributable to your becoming disabled (as defined in the Code);

• generally
 the amount paid or received is in the form of substantially equal periodic payments (as defined in the Code) not less frequently than
 annually (please note that substantially equal periodic payments must continue until the later of reaching age 59½ or five years
 and the impermissible
 modification of payments during that time period will result in retroactive application of the 10% additional tax); or

• the
 amount received is paid under an immediate Annuity (within the meaning of the Code) and the annuity start date is no more than one year
 from the date of purchase (the first monthly annuity payment being required to be paid within 13 months).

Other exceptions to this tax may apply. You should consult your tax advisor for further details.

**Special Rules in Relation to Tax-free Exchanges Under Section 1035**

Section 1035 of the Code permits certain tax-free exchanges of a life insurance contract, annuity contract or endowment contract for an Annuity, including tax-free exchanges of annuity death benefits for a Beneficiary Annuity. Partial exchanges may be treated in the same way as tax-free 1035 exchanges of entire contracts, therefore avoiding current taxation of the partially exchanged amount as well as the 10% additional tax on pre-age 59½ withdrawals. In Revenue Procedure 2011-38, the IRS indicated that, for partial exchanges on or after October 24, 2011, where there is a surrender or distribution from either the initial annuity contract or receiving annuity contract within 180 days of the date on which the partial exchange was completed

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(other than an amount received as an annuity for a period of 10 years or more or during one or more lives), the IRS may not treat the transaction as a tax-free Section 1035 exchange. The IRS will apply general tax rules to determine the substance and treatment of the transaction in such cases. We strongly urge you to discuss any partial exchange transaction of this type with your tax advisor before proceeding with the transaction.

If an Annuity is purchased through a tax-free exchange of a life insurance contract, annuity contract or endowment contract that was purchased prior to August 14, 1982, then any Purchase Payments made to the original contract prior to August 14, 1982 will be treated as made to the new Annuity prior to that date. Generally, such pre-August 14, 1982 withdrawals are treated as a return of cost basis first until Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982 are withdrawn. Moreover, income allocable to Purchase Payments made before August 14, 1982, is not subject to the 10% additional tax.

After you elect an Annuity Payout Option, we do not allow you to exchange your Annuity.

**Taxes Payable by Beneficiaries for a Non-Qualified Annuity**

If an Owner dies before the Annuity Date, the Death Benefit distributions are taxed at ordinary income tax rates. The value of the Death Benefit, as determined under federal law, is also included in the Owner's estate for federal estate tax purposes. Generally, the same income tax rules described above would also apply to amounts received by your Beneficiary. Choosing an option other than a lump sum Death Benefit may defer taxes. Certain minimum distribution requirements apply upon your death, as discussed further below in the Annuity Qualification section. Tax consequences to the Beneficiary vary depending upon the Death Benefit payment option selected. Generally, for payment of the Death Benefit:

• As
 a lump sum payment, the Beneficiary is taxed in the year of payment on gain in the Annuity.

• Within
 5 years of death of Owner, the Beneficiary is taxed on the lump sum payment. The Death Benefit must be taken as one lump sum payment
 within 5 years of the death of the Owner. Partial withdrawals are not permitted to be paid to Beneficiaries under our Annuity contracts.

• Under
 an Annuity or Annuity settlement option where distributions begin within one year of the date of death of the Owner, the Beneficiary is
 taxed on each payment with part as gain and part as return of cost basis. After the full amount of cost basis has been recovered tax-free,
 the full amount of the annuity payments will be taxable.

After the Annuity Date, if a period certain remains under the annuity option and the Annuitant dies before the end of that period, any remaining payments made to the Beneficiary will be fully excluded from income until the remaining cost basis is recovered and all annuity payments thereafter are fully includible in income. If we allow the Beneficiary to commute the remaining payments in a lump sum, the proceeds will be taxable as a surrender.

**Considerations for Contingent Annuitants:** We may allow the naming of a contingent Annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity is held by a pension plan or a tax favored retirement plan, or held by a Custodial Account (as defined in this prospectus). In such a situation, the Annuity may no longer qualify for tax deferral where the Annuity continues after the death of the Annuitant. However, tax deferral should be provided instead by the pension plan, tax favored retirement plan, or Custodial Account. We may also allow the naming of a contingent annuitant when a Non-qualified Annuity is held by an entity owner when such Annuities do not qualify for tax deferral under the current tax law. This does not supersede any benefit language which may restrict the use of the contingent annuitant.

**Reporting and Withholding on Distributions**

Amounts distributed from an Annuity are subject to federal and state income tax reporting and withholding. In general, we will withhold federal income tax from the taxable portion of such distribution based on the type of distribution. In the case of an annuity payment, we apply default withholding under the applicable tax rules unless you designate a different withholding status. In the case of all other distributions, we will withhold at a 10% rate. You may generally elect a different tax withholding rate or elect not to have tax withheld from your payments. An election out of withholding must be made on forms that we provide. If you are a U.S. person (which includes a resident alien), and you request a payment be delivered outside the United States or do not provide a U.S. taxpayer identification number, we are required to withhold income tax.

State income tax withholding rules vary and we will withhold based on the rules of your state of residence. Special tax rules apply to withholding for nonresident aliens, and we generally withhold income tax for nonresident aliens at a 30% rate. A different withholding rate may be applicable to a nonresident alien based on the terms of an existing income tax treaty between the United States and the nonresident alien's country. Please refer to the discussion below regarding withholding rules for a Qualified Annuity.

Regardless of the amount withheld by us, you are liable for payment of income taxes (including any estimated taxes that may be due) on the taxable portion of distributions from the Annuity. You should consult with your tax advisor regarding the payment of the correct amount of these income taxes and potential liability if you fail to pay such taxes.

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**Entity Owners**

Where an Annuity is held by a non-natural person (e.g., a corporation, partnership), other than as an agent or nominee for a natural person (or in other limited circumstances), increases in the value of the Annuity over its cost basis will be subject to tax annually.

Where an Annuity is issued to a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), increases in the value of the Annuity over its cost basis will be subject to tax reporting annually. As there are charges for the optional living and death benefits described elsewhere in this prospectus, and such charges reduce the contract value of the Annuity, trustees of the CRT should discuss with their legal advisors whether election of such optional living or death benefits violates their fiduciary duty to the remainder beneficiary.

Where an Annuity is issued to a trust, and such trust is characterized as a grantor trust under the Code, such Annuity is generally not considered to be held by a non-natural person and will be subject to the tax reporting and withholding requirements generally applicable to a Non-qualified Annuity held by a natural person, provided that all grantors of the trust are natural persons. At this time, we will not issue an Annuity to grantor trusts with more than two grantors.

Where the Annuity is owned by a grantor trust, the Annuity must be distributed within five years after the date of the first grantor's death (or the Annuitant's death in certain instances) under Section 72(s) of the Code. See the "[<u>Payment of Death Benefits</u>](#chapter_11-sect1_8_928)" section for scenarios where a Death Benefit or Surrender Value is payable depending upon the underlying facts.

Trusts are required to complete and submit a Certificate of Entity form, and we will tax report based on the information provided on this form.

**Annuity Qualification**

*Diversification And Investor Control.* In order to qualify for the tax rules applicable to Annuities described above, the investment assets in the Non-qualified Annuity Variable Options must be diversified according to certain rules under the Code. Each Portfolio is required to diversify its investments each quarter so that no more than 55% of the value of its assets is represented by any one investment, no more than 70% is represented by any two investments, no more than 80% is represented by any three investments, and no more than 90% is represented by any four investments. Generally, securities of a single issuer are treated as one investment, and obligations of each U.S. Government agency and instrumentality (such as the Government National Mortgage Association) are treated as issued by separate issuers. In addition, any security issued, guaranteed or insured (to the extent so guaranteed or insured) by the U.S. or an instrumentality of the U.S. will be treated as a security issued by the U.S. Government or its instrumentality, where applicable. We believe the Portfolios underlying the Variable Options of the Annuity meet these diversification requirements.

An additional requirement for qualification for the tax treatment described above is that we, and not you as the Annuity Owner, must have sufficient control over the underlying assets to be treated as the owner of the underlying assets for tax purposes. The tax law limits the amount of control you may have over choosing investments for your Annuity. If this "investor control" rule is violated your Annuity assets will be considered owned directly by you and you lose the favorable tax treatment generally afforded to annuities.

While we also believe these investor control rules will be met, the Treasury Department may promulgate guidelines under which a variable annuity will not be treated as an annuity contract for tax purposes if persons with ownership rights have excessive control over the investments underlying such variable annuity contract. It is unclear whether such guidelines, if in fact promulgated, would have retroactive effect. It is also unclear what effect, if any, such guidelines might have on transfers between the Investment Options offered pursuant to this prospectus. We reserve the right to take any action, including modifications to your Annuity or the Investment Options, required to comply with such guidelines if promulgated. Any such changes will apply uniformly to affected Owners and will be made with such notice to affected Owners as is feasible under the circumstances.

**Required Distributions Upon Your Death for a Non-Qualified Annuity.**

Upon your death, certain distributions must be made under the Annuity. The required distributions depend on whether you die before you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity or after you start taking annuity payments under the Annuity. If you die on or after the Annuity Date, the remaining portion of the interest in the Annuity must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of death. If you die before the Annuity Date, the entire interest in the Annuity must be distributed within five years after the date of death, or as periodic payments over a period not extending beyond the life or life expectancy of the designated Beneficiary (provided such payments begin within one year of your death). If the Beneficiary does not begin installments within one year of the date of death, no partial withdrawals will be permitted thereafter, and we require that the Beneficiary take the Death Benefit as a lump sum within the five-year deadline. Your designated Beneficiary is the person to whom benefit rights under the Annuity pass by reason of death, and must be a natural person in order to elect a periodic payment option based on life expectancy or a period exceeding five years. Additionally, if the Annuity is payable to (or for the benefit of) your surviving spouse, that portion of the Annuity may be continued with your spouse as the Owner. For Non-qualified Annuities owned by a non-natural person, the required distribution rules generally apply upon the death of the Annuitant. This means, for example, that for an Annuity held by a non-natural person (such as a trust) for which there is named a co-annuitant, then such required distributions will be triggered by the death of the first co-annuitant to die.

*Changes To Your Annuity.* We reserve the right to make any changes we deem necessary to assure that your Annuity qualifies as an Annuity for tax purposes. Any such changes will apply to all Annuity Owners and you will be given notice to the extent feasible under the circumstances.

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**QUALIFIED ANNUITIES**

**In general, as used in this prospectus, a Qualified Annuity is an Annuity with applicable endorsements for a tax-favored plan or a** **Non-qualified Annuity held by a tax-favored retirement plan.**

The following is a general discussion of the tax considerations for Qualified Annuities. This Annuity may or may not be available for all types of the tax-favored retirement plans discussed below. This discussion assumes that you have satisfied the eligibility requirements for any tax-favored retirement plan. Please consult your financial professional prior to purchase to confirm if this Annuity is available for a particular type of tax-favored retirement plan or whether we will accept the type of contribution you intend for this Annuity.

A Qualified Annuity may have been purchased for use in connection with:

• Individual
 retirement accounts and annuities (IRAs), including inherited IRAs (which we refer to as a Beneficiary IRA), which are subject to Sections
 408(a) and 408(b) of the Code;

• Roth
 IRAs, including inherited Roth IRAs (which we refer to as a Beneficiary Roth IRA) under Section 408A of the Code;

• A
 corporate Pension or Profit-sharing plan (subject to 401(a) of the Code);

• H.R.
 10 plans (also known as Keogh Plans, subject to 401(a) of the Code);

• Tax
 Sheltered Annuities (subject to 403(b) of the Code, also known as Tax Deferred Annuities or TDAs);

• Section
 457 plans (subject to 457 of the Code).

A Non-qualified Annuity may have been purchased by a 401(a) trust, a custodial IRA or a custodial Roth IRA account, or a Section 457 plan, which can hold other permissible assets. The terms and administration of the trust or custodial account or plan in accordance with the laws and regulations for 401(a) plans, IRAs or Roth IRAs, or a Section 457 plan, as applicable, are the responsibility of the applicable trustee or custodian.

You should be aware that tax favored plans such as IRAs generally provide income tax deferral regardless of whether they invest in Annuities. This means that when a tax favored plan invests in an Annuity, it generally does not result in any additional tax benefits (such as income tax deferral and income tax free transfers).

**Types of Tax-favored Plans**

***IRAs.*** The "IRA Disclosure Statement" and "Roth IRA Disclosure Statement" which accompany the prospectus contain information about eligibility, contribution limits, tax particulars, and other IRA information. In addition to this information (the material terms are summarized in this prospectus and in those Disclosure Statements), the IRS requires that you have a "Free Look" after making an initial contribution to the Annuity. During this time, you can cancel the Annuity by notifying us in writing, and we will refund the greater of all purchase payments under the Annuity or the Account Value, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.

*Contribution Limits/Rollovers.* Subject to the minimum purchase payment requirements of an Annuity, you may purchase an Annuity for an IRA in connection with a "rollover" of amounts from a qualified retirement plan, as a transfer from another IRA, by making a contribution consisting of your IRA contributions and catch-up contributions, if applicable, attributable to the prior year during the period from January 1 to April 15 (or the later applicable due date of your federal income tax return, without extension), or as a current year contribution. Contribution amounts are indexed for inflation. The IRS generally provides contribution limits for the subsequent year in the fourth quarter of the current year. The tax law also provides for a catch-up provision for individuals who are age 50 and above, allowing these individuals an additional $1,000 contribution each year. The $1,000 catch-up contribution for IRA owners age 50 or older is indexed for inflation starting in 2024 in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (which includes SECURE 2.0 of 2022 ("SECURE 2.0"). You may be able to claim a deduction for your contributions depending on your modified adjusted gross income. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the limits for each year.

The "rollover" rules under the Code are fairly technical; however, an individual (or his or her surviving spouse) may generally "roll over" certain distributions from tax favored retirement plans (either directly or within 60 days from the date of these distributions) if he or she meets the requirements for distribution. Once you buy an Annuity, you can make regular IRA contributions under the Annuity (to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the Annuity). For IRA rollovers, an individual can only make an IRA to IRA rollover if the individual has not made a rollover involving any IRAs owned by the individual in the prior 12 months. An IRA transfer is a tax-free trustee-to-trustee "transfer" from one IRA account to another. IRA transfers are not subject to this 12-month rule. There is no age limitation with regard to contributions to a traditional IRA as long as the earned income requirements are met.

In some circumstances, non-spouse Beneficiaries may roll over to an IRA amounts due from qualified plans, 403(b) plans, and governmental 457(b) plans. However, the rollover rules applicable to non-spouse Beneficiaries under the Code are more restrictive than the rollover rules applicable to Owner/participants and spouse Beneficiaries. Generally, non-spouse Beneficiaries may roll over distributions from tax favored retirement plans only as a direct rollover. An inherited IRA must be directly rolled over from the employer plan or transferred from an IRA and must be titled in the name of the deceased (i.e., John Doe deceased for the benefit of Jane Doe). No additional contributions can be made to an inherited IRA. In this prospectus, an inherited IRA is also referred to as a Beneficiary Annuity.

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*Required Provisions.* Annuities that are IRAs (or endorsements that are part of the contract) must contain certain provisions:

• You,
 as Owner of the Annuity, must be the "Annuitant" under the contract (except in certain cases involving the division of property
 under a decree of
 divorce);

• Your
 rights as Owner are non-forfeitable;

• You
 cannot sell, assign or pledge the Annuity;

• The
 annual contribution you pay cannot be greater than the maximum amount allowed by law, including catch-up contributions if applicable
 (which does not include any rollover amounts or amounts transferred by trustee-to-trustee transfer);

• The
 date on which required minimum distributions must begin cannot be later than April 1 <sup>st</sup> of the calendar year after the calendar year you
 turn the applicable age (see the Required Minimum Distribution rules for more details); and

• Death
 and annuity payments must meet Required Minimum Distribution rules described below.

Usually, the full amount of any distribution from an IRA (including a distribution from this Annuity) which is not a transfer or rollover is taxable. As taxable income, these distributions are subject to the general income tax withholding rules described earlier regarding an Annuity in the Non-qualified Annuity section. In addition to this normal tax liability, you may also be liable for the following, depending on your actions:

• A
 10% early withdrawal additional tax described below;

• Liability
 for "prohibited transactions" if you, for example, borrow against the value of an IRA; or

• Failure
 to take a Required Minimum Distribution, also described below.

If you make any non-deductible contributions to your IRA, a portion of any subsequent distribution may be tax-free as a return of those contributions. You are required to keep track of this and determine the taxable and non-taxable portions. IRS rules require that we report the full amount of any distribution as taxable.

***Simplified Employee Pensions (SEP).*** SEPs are a variation on a standard IRA, and Annuities issued to a SEP must satisfy the same general requirements described under IRAs (above). There are, however, some differences:

• If
 you participate in a SEP, you generally do not include in income any employer contributions made to the SEP on your behalf up to the lesser
 of (a) the annual employer contribution limit as indexed for inflation, or (b) 25% of your taxable compensation paid by the contributing
 employer (not including the employer's SEP contribution as compensation for these purposes). However, for these purposes, compensation
 in excess of certain limits established by the IRS will not be considered. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution and
 catch-up limits and compensation limit.

• SEPs
 must satisfy certain participation and nondiscrimination requirements not generally applicable to IRAs; and

• SEPs
 that contain a salary reduction or "SARSEP" provision prior to 1997 may permit salary deferrals from employee income with
 the employer making
 these contributions to the SEP. Contribution amounts are indexed for inflation. The IRS generally provides contribution limits
 for the subsequent year in the fourth quarter of the current year. However, no new "salary reduction" or "SARSEPs"
 can be established
 after 1996. Individuals participating in a SARSEP who are age 50 or above by the end of the year are permitted to contribute an
 additional catch-up contribution amount. These amounts are indexed for inflation and may depend on the participant's age. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution limit and catch-up contribution limit. Not all Annuities issued by us are available for SARSEPs.

• You
 will also be provided the same information, and have the same "Free Look" period, as you would have if you purchased the Annuity for a standard IRA.

• Roth
 contributions are permitted for SEP IRAs starting in 2023. The Company does not currently offer Roth contributions for  SEP IRAs, but we reserve the
 right to offer this contribution type in the future.

***ROTH IRAs.*** The "Roth IRA Disclosure Statement" contains information about eligibility, contribution limits, tax particulars and other Roth IRA information. Like standard IRAs, income within a Roth IRA accumulates tax-free, and contributions are subject to specific limits. Roth IRAs have, however, the following differences:

• Contributions
 to a Roth IRA cannot be deducted from your gross income;

• "Qualified
 distributions" from a Roth IRA are excludable from gross income. A "qualified distribution" is a distribution that satisfies
 two requirements:
 (1) the distribution must be made (a) after the Owner of the IRA attains age 59½; (b) after the Owner's death; (c) due to the Owner's disability;
 or (d) for a qualified first time homebuyer distribution within the meaning of Section 72(t)(2)(F) of the Code; and (2) the distribution
 must be made in the year that is at least five tax years after the first year for which a contribution was made to any Roth IRA established
 for the Owner. Distributions from a Roth IRA that are not qualified distributions will be treated as made first from contributions and
 then from earnings and earnings will be taxed generally in the same manner as distributions from a traditional IRA.

• If
 eligible (including meeting income limitations and earnings requirements), you may make contributions to a Roth IRA during your lifetime,
 and distributions are not required during the owner's lifetime.

Subject to the minimum Purchase Payment requirements of an Annuity, you may purchase an Annuity for a Roth IRA in connection with a "rollover" of amounts of another traditional IRA, SEP, SIMPLE-IRA (subject to a timing restriction), employer sponsored retirement plan (under Sections 401(a) or 403(b) of the Code) or Roth IRA. You may also purchase an Annuity for a Roth IRA, if you meet certain income limitations, by making a contribution consisting of your Roth IRA contributions and catch-up contributions, if applicable, attributable to the prior year during the period from January 1 to April 15 (or the applicable due date of your federal income tax return, without extension), or as a current year contribution. The Code permits persons who

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receive certain qualifying distributions from such non-Roth IRAs, to directly rollover or make, within 60 days, a "rollover" of all or any part of the amount of such distribution to a Roth IRA which they establish (a "conversion"). The conversion of non-Roth accounts triggers current taxation (but is not subject to a 10% early distribution additional tax unless a distribution that is allocable to the rollover contribution is distributed within 5 years of the conversion).

In addition, SECURE 2.0 amends the Code to allow for tax and penalty free rollovers from 529 accounts to Roth IRAs, under certain conditions. Starting in 2024, beneficiaries of 529 college savings accounts would be permitted to roll over up to $35,000 over the course of their lifetime from any 529 account in their name to their Roth IRA. These rollovers generally are also subject to Roth IRA annual contribution limits, and the 529 account must have been open for at least 15 years, among other requirements.

The Code also permits the recharacterization of current year contribution amounts from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, or from a Roth IRA to a traditional IRA. Recharacterization is accomplished through a trustee-to-trustee transfer of a contribution (or a portion of a contribution) plus earnings, between different types of IRAs. A properly recharacterized contribution is treated as a contribution made to the second IRA instead of the first IRA. Such recharacterization must be completed by the applicable tax return due date (with extensions). However, no recharacterizations of conversions can be made.

Once an Annuity has been purchased, regular Roth IRA contributions will be accepted to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the Annuity. In addition, an individual receiving an eligible rollover distribution from a designated Roth account under an employer plan may roll over the distribution to a Roth IRA even if the individual is not eligible to make regular contributions to a Roth IRA. Non-spouse Beneficiaries receiving a distribution from an employer sponsored retirement plan under Sections 401(a) or 403(b) of the Code can also directly roll over contributions to a Roth IRA. However, it is our understanding of the Code that non-spouse Beneficiaries cannot "rollover" benefits from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

***TDAs.*** In general, you may own a Tax Deferred Annuity (also known as a TDA, Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA), 403(b) plan or 403(b) Annuity) if you are an employee of a tax-exempt organization (as defined under Code Section 501(c)(3)) or a public educational organization, and you may make contributions to a TDA so long as your employer maintains such a plan and your rights to the Annuity are non-forfeitable. Contributions to a TDA, and any earnings, are not taxable until distribution. You may also make contributions to a TDA under a salary reduction agreement subject to specific limits. Individuals participating in a TDA who are age 50 or above by the end of the year will be permitted to contribute an additional amount. This amount is indexed for inflation. Go to <u>www.irs.gov</u> for the current year contribution limit and catch-up contribution limit. Further, you may roll over TDA amounts to another TDA or an IRA. You may also roll over TDA amounts to a qualified retirement plan, a SEP and a governmental 457(b) plan. An Annuity may generally only qualify as a TDA if distributions of salary deferrals (other than "grandfathered" amounts held as of December 31, 1988) may be made only on account of:

• Your
 attainment of age 59½;

• Your
 severance of employment;

• Your
 death;

• Your
 total and permanent disability; or

• Hardship

In any event, you must begin receiving distributions from your TDA by April 1<sup>st</sup> of the calendar year after the calendar year you turn the applicable age or retire, whichever is later. These distribution limits do not apply either to transfers or exchanges of investments under the Annuity, or to any "direct transfer" of your interest in the Annuity to another employer's TDA plan or mutual fund "custodial account" described under Code Section 403(b)(7). Employer contributions to TDAs are subject to the same general contribution, nondiscrimination, and minimum participation rules applicable to "qualified" retirement plans.

**Caution:** Under IRS regulations we can accept contributions, transfers and rollovers only if we have entered into an information-sharing agreement, or its functional equivalent, with the applicable employer or its agent. In addition, in order to comply with the regulations, we will only process certain transactions (e.g., transfers, withdrawals, hardship distributions and, if applicable, loans) with employer approval. This means that if you request one of these transactions we will not consider your request to be in Good Order, and will not therefore process the transaction, until we receive the employer's approval in written or electronic form.

**Late Rollover Self-Certification**

You may be able to apply a rollover contribution to your IRA or qualified retirement plan after the 60-day deadline through a self-certification procedure established by the IRS. Please consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your eligibility to use this self-certification procedure. As indicated in this IRS guidance, we, as a financial institution, are not required to accept your self-certification for waiver of the 60-day deadline.

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**Required Minimum Distributions and Payment Options**

If you hold the Annuity under an IRA (or other tax-favored plan), Required Minimum Distribution rules must be satisfied. This means that generally payments must start by April 1 of the year after the year you reach the applicable age ("required beginning date") and must be made for each year thereafter. For a TDA or a 401(a) plan for which the participant is not a greater than 5% owner of the employer, this required beginning date can generally be deferred to retirement, if later. Roth IRAs and designated Roth accounts under employer sponsored plans are not subject to these rules during the Owner's lifetime.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **If you were born...** | **Your "applicable age" is …** |
|  Before July 1, 1949 | 70½ |
|  After June 30, 1949 and before 1951 | 72 |
|  After 1950 and before 1960 | 73 |
|  After 1959 | 75 |

---

The amount of the payment must at least equal the minimum required under the IRS rules. Several choices are available for calculating the minimum amount. More information on the mechanics of this calculation is available on request. Please contact us at a reasonable time before the Required Minimum Distribution deadline so that a timely distribution is made. Please note that there is a 25% excise tax (a 50% excise tax applied prior to the 2023 taxable year) on the amount of any required minimum distribution not made in a timely manner. The excise tax on failure is further reduced from 25% to 10% if corrected in a timely manner and certain other conditions are met in accordance with SECURE 2.0.

Required Minimum Distributions are calculated based on the sum of the Account Value and the actuarial present value of any additional living and death benefits from optional riders that you have purchased under the Annuity. As a result, the Required Minimum Distributions may be larger than if the calculation were based on the Account Value only, which may in turn result in an earlier (but not before the required beginning date) distribution of amounts under the Annuity and an increased amount of taxable income distributed to the Annuity Owner, and a reduction of payments under the living and death benefit optional riders.

You can use the Minimum Distribution option to satisfy the Required Minimum Distribution rules for an Annuity without either beginning annuity payments or surrendering the Annuity. Under this option we will distribute to you the Required Minimum Distribution amount, less any other partial withdrawals that you made during the year. Such amount will be based on the value of the Annuity as of December 31 of the prior year, but is determined without regard to other tax favored retirement plans you may own. If a trustee-to-trustee transfer or direct rollover of the full contract value is requested when there is an active Required Minimum Distribution program running, the Required Minimum Distribution will be removed and sent to the Owner prior to the remaining funds being sent to the transfer institution.

Although the IRS rules determine the required amount to be distributed from your IRA each year, certain payment alternatives are still available to you. In accordance with SECURE 2.0, a new optional method for calculating your RMDs may be available if you have an IRA in an annuity payout (or partial annuity payout), and an IRA in the deferral stage. Please contact your tax advisor to determine if this calculation method is appropriate for you. In addition, if you own more than one IRA, you can choose to satisfy your minimum distribution requirement for each of your IRAs by withdrawing that amount from any of your non-Roth IRAs. If you inherit more than one IRA or more than one Roth IRA from the same Owner, similar rules apply. These rules may also apply to other types of tax favored retirement plans such as TDAs.

**Charitable IRA Distributions.**

Certain qualified IRA distributions used for charitable purposes are eligible for an exclusion from gross income, up to $100,000 (indexed for inflation beginning after 2023), for otherwise taxable IRA distributions from a traditional or Roth IRA. A qualified charitable distribution is a distribution that is made (1) directly by the IRA trustee to certain qualified charitable organizations and (2) on or after the date the IRA owner attains age 70½. Distributions that are excluded from income under this provision are not taken into account in determining the individual's deductions, if any, for charitable contributions. The amount of your qualified charitable distributions that are excluded from income for a tax year is reduced (but not below zero) by the excess of: (1) the total amount of your IRA deductions allowed for all tax years ending on or after the date you attain age 70½, over (2) the total amount of reductions for all tax years preceding the current tax year. You should consult your tax advisor about whether a one-time distribution up to $50,000 (indexed for inflation beginning after 2023) that is made from your IRA to a "split-interest entity" can be excluded from your gross income.

The IRS has currently indicated that an IRA trustee is not responsible for determining whether a distribution to a charity is one that satisfies the requirements of the charitable giving incentive. Unless otherwise required in the future by the IRS, we will report the distribution as a normal IRA distribution on Form 1099-R. In those instances, individuals are responsible for reflecting the distributions as charitable IRA distributions on their personal tax returns. However, if we receive certification that the distribution satisfies the requirements, we will report the distribution as a charitable IRA distribution on Form 1099-R.

**Required Distributions Upon Your Death for a Qualified Annuity**

Upon your death under an IRA, Roth IRA, 403(b) or other employer sponsored plan, any remaining interest must be distributed in accordance with federal income tax requirements. For Owner and Beneficiary deaths prior to 2020, please consult your tax advisor regarding the applicable post-death distribution requirements.

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The information provided below applies to Owner and Beneficiary deaths after 2019. In addition, if you are an employee under a governmental plan, such as a section 403(b) plan of a public school or a governmental 457(b) plan, this law applies if you die after 2021. In addition, if your plan is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements, this law generally applies if you die after 2021 (unless the collective bargaining agreements terminate earlier).

• *Death before your required beginning date.* If you die before your required beginning date, and you have a designated beneficiary, any remaining
 interest must be distributed within 10 years after your death, unless the designated beneficiary is an "eligible designated beneficiary"
 ("EDB") or some other exception applies. A designated beneficiary is any individual designated as a beneficiary by the employee
 or IRA owner. An EDB is any designated beneficiary who is (1) your surviving spouse, (2) your minor child, (3) disabled, (4) chronically
 ill, or (5) an individual not more than 10 years younger than you. An individual's status as an EDB is generally determined on the
 date of your death. An EDB (other than a minor child) can generally stretch distributions over their life or life expectancy if payments begin by the end
 of the calendar year following the year of your death and continuing over the EDB's remaining life expectancy after the EDB's
 death. However, all amounts must be fully distributed by the end of the year containing the 10 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the EDB's death. Special
 rules apply to minors and Beneficiaries that are not individuals. Additional special rules apply to surviving spouses, see "Spousal Continuation"
 below.

• *Death on or after your required beginning date.* In general, if you die on or after your required beginning date, and you have a designated beneficiary
 who is not an EDB, any remaining interest in your Qualified Annuity must continue to be distributed over the longer of your remaining
 life expectancy and your designated beneficiary's life expectancy (or more rapidly), but all amounts must be distributed within 10 years of your
 death. If your Beneficiary is an EDB (other than a minor child), distributions must continue over the longer of your remaining
 life expectancy and the EDB's life expectancy (or more rapidly), but all amounts must be distributed within 10 years of the EDB's
 death. Special rules apply to EDBs who are minors  and Beneficiaries that are not individuals.

• *Annuity payments.* If
 you commence taking distributions in the form of an annuity that can continue after your death, such as in the form of a
 joint and survivor annuity or an annuity with a guaranteed period of more than 10 years, any distributions after your death that are scheduled
 to be made beyond the applicable distribution period imposed under the law might need to be commuted at the end of that period
 (or otherwise modified after your death if permitted under federal tax law and by us) in order to comply with the post-death distribution
 requirements.

• *Other rules.* The post-death
 distribution requirements do not apply if the employee or IRA owner elected annuity payments that comply with
 prior law commenced prior to December 20, 2019. Also, even if annuity payments have not commenced prior to December 20, 2019, the
 requirements generally do not apply to an immediate annuity contract purchased prior to that date, if you have made an irrevocable election
 before that date as to the method and amount of the annuity.

If your beneficiary is not an individual, such as a charity, your estate, or a trust, any remaining interest after your death generally must be distributed in accordance with the 5-year rule or the at-least-as-rapidly rule, as applicable (but not the lifetime payout rule). You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor about the federal income tax consequences of your beneficiary designations.

In addition, these post-death distribution requirements generally do not apply if the employee or IRA owner died prior to January 1, 2020. However, if the designated beneficiary of the deceased employee or IRA owner dies after January 1, 2020, and the designated beneficiary had elected the lifetime payout rule or was under the at-least-as rapidly rule, any remaining interest must be distributed within 10 year of the designated beneficiary's death. Hence, this 10-year rule will apply to (1) a contract issued prior to 2020 which continues to be held by a designated beneficiary of an employee or IRA owner who died prior to 2020, and (2) an inherited IRA issued after 2019 to the designated beneficiary of an employee or IRA owner who died prior to 2020.

• *Spousal continuation.* If your beneficiary is your spouse, such surviving spouse can delay the application of the post-death distribution requirements
 until after their death by transferring the remaining interest tax-free to their own IRA, or by electing to treat your IRA as their own
 IRA. However, in certain circumstances the surviving spouse may have to take "hypothetical RMDs" (i.e., catch-up amounts required in accordance with
 the regulations).

The post-death distribution requirements are complex in numerous respects. Treasury has issued final and proposed regulations that may impact these required minimum distribution requirements. We reserve the right to make changes in order to comply with the final and proposed regulations, or any regulations published in the future. Any such changes will apply uniformly to affected Owners or Beneficiaries and will be made with such notice to affected Owners or Beneficiaries as is feasible under the circumstances. In addition, the manner in which these requirements will apply will depend on your particular facts and circumstances. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

Unless payments are being made in the form of an annuity, a Beneficiary has the flexibility to take out more each year than mandated under the required minimum distribution rules.

Note that in 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Inherited IRAs, other than IRAs inherited by the owner's spouse, do not qualify as retirement assets for purposes of protection under the federal bankruptcy laws.

Until withdrawn, amounts in a Qualified Annuity continue to be tax deferred. Amounts withdrawn each year, including amounts that are required to be withdrawn under the required minimum distribution rules, are subject to tax. You may wish to consult a professional tax advisor for tax advice as to your particular situation.

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For a Roth IRA, if death occurs before the entire interest is distributed, the death benefit must be distributed under the same rules applied to IRAs where death occurs before the required beginning date. Similar rules may apply to designated Roth accounts under an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Consult your plan sponsor or tax advisor for more information on designated Roth accounts.

**10% Additional Tax for Early Withdrawals from a Qualified Annuity**

You may owe a 10% additional tax on the taxable part of distributions received from an IRA, SEP, Roth IRA, TDA or qualified retirement plan. Amounts are not subject to this additional tax if:

• the
 amount is paid on or after you reach age 59½ or die;

• the
 amount received is attributable to your becoming disabled; or

• generally
 the amount paid or received is in the form of substantially equal periodic payments (as defined in the Code) not less frequently than
 annually. (Please note that substantially equal periodic payments must continue until the later of reaching age 59½ or five years. Certain modification
 of payments or additional contributions to the Annuity during that time period will result in retroactive application of the
 10% additional tax.)

There are a number of other exceptions to this tax that may apply. In addition, distributions that satisfy certain exceptions to this tax may be repaid in certain circumstances. You should consult your tax advisor for further details.

**Withholding**

For 403(b) Tax Deferred annuities, we will withhold federal income tax at the rate of 20% for any eligible rollover distribution paid by us to or for a plan participant, unless such distribution is "directly" rolled over into another qualified plan, IRA (including the IRA variations described above), SEP, governmental 457(b) plan or TDA. An eligible rollover distribution is defined under the tax law as a distribution from an employer plan under 401(a), a TDA or a governmental 457(b) plan, excluding any distribution that is part of a series of substantially equal payments (at least annually) made over the life expectancy of the employee or the joint life expectancies of the employee and his designated Beneficiary, any distribution made for a specified period of 10 years or more, any distribution that is a required minimum distribution and any hardship distribution. Regulations also specify certain other items which are not considered eligible rollover distributions. We will not withhold for payments made from trustee owned Annuities or for payments under a 457 plan. For all other distributions, unless you elect otherwise, we will withhold federal income tax from the taxable portion of such distribution at an appropriate percentage. The rate of withholding on annuity payments where no mandatory withholding is required is determined on the basis of the withholding certificate that you file with us. If you do not file a certificate, we will automatically withhold federal taxes on the following basis:

• For
 any annuity payments not subject to mandatory withholding, you will have taxes withheld under the applicable default withholding rules;
 and

• For
 all other distributions, we will withhold at a 10% rate.

If no U.S. taxpayer identification number is provided, no election out of withholding will be allowed, and we will automatically withhold using the default withholding rules. In addition, if you are a U.S. person (which includes a resident alien), and you request a payment be delivered outside the U.S., we are required to withhold income tax

We will provide you with forms and instructions concerning the right to elect that no amount be withheld from payments in the ordinary course. However, you should know that, in any event, you are liable for payment of federal income taxes (including any estimated tax liabilities) on the taxable portion of the distributions, and you should consult with your tax advisor to find out more information on your potential liability if you fail to pay such taxes. There may be additional state income tax withholding requirements.

Special tax rules apply to withholding for nonresident aliens, and we generally withhold income tax for nonresident aliens at a 30% rate. A different withholding rate may be applicable to a nonresident alien based on the terms of an existing income tax treaty between the United States and the nonresident alien's country.

**ERISA Requirements**

ERISA (the "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974") and the Code prevent a fiduciary and other "parties in interest" with respect to a plan (and, for these purposes, an IRA would also constitute a "plan") from receiving any benefit from any party dealing with the plan, as a result of the sale of the Annuity. Administrative exemptions under ERISA generally permit the sale of insurance/annuity products to plans, provided that certain information is disclosed to the person purchasing the Annuity. This information has to do primarily with the fees, charges, discounts and other costs related to the Annuity, as well as any commissions paid to any agent selling the Annuity. Information about any applicable fees, charges, discounts, penalties or adjustments may be found in the applicable sections of this prospectus. Information about sales representatives and commissions may be found in the sections of this prospectus addressing distribution of the Annuities.

Other relevant information required by the exemptions is contained in the contract and accompanying documentation.

Please consult with your tax advisor if you have any questions about ERISA and these disclosure requirements.

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**Spousal Consent Rules for Retirement Plans – Qualified Annuities**

If you are married at the time your payments commence, you may be required by federal law to choose an income option that provides survivor annuity income to your spouse, unless your spouse waives that right. Similarly, if you are married at the time of your death, federal law may require all or a portion of the Death Benefit to be paid to your spouse, even if you designated someone else as your Beneficiary. A brief explanation of the applicable rules follows. For more information, consult the terms of your retirement arrangement.

*Defined Benefit Plans and Money Purchase Pension Plans.* If you are married at the time your payments commence, federal law requires that benefits be paid to you in the form of a "qualified joint and survivor annuity" (QJSA), unless you and your spouse waive that right, in writing. Generally, this means that you will receive a reduced payment during your life and, upon your death, your spouse will receive at least one-half of what you were receiving for life. You may elect to receive another income option if your spouse consents to the election and waives his or her right to receive the QJSA. If your spouse consents to the alternative form of payment, your spouse may not receive any benefits from the plan upon your death. Federal law also requires that the plan pay a Death Benefit to your spouse if you are married and die before you begin receiving your benefit. This benefit must be available in the form of an Annuity for your spouse's lifetime and is called a "qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity" (QPSA). If the plan pays Death Benefits to other Beneficiaries, you may elect to have a Beneficiary other than your spouse receive the Death Benefit, but only if your spouse consents to the election and waives his or her right to receive the QPSA. If your spouse consents to the alternate Beneficiary, your spouse will receive no benefits from the plan upon your death. Any QPSA waiver prior to your attaining age 35 will become null and void on the first day of the calendar year in which you attain age 35, if still employed.

*Defined Contribution Plans (including 401(k) Plans and ERISA 403(b) Annuities).* Spousal consent to a distribution is generally not required. Upon your death, your spouse will receive the entire Death Benefit, even if you designated someone else as your Beneficiary, unless your spouse consents in writing to waive this right. Also, if you are married and elect an Annuity as a periodic income option, federal law requires that you receive a QJSA (as described above), unless you and your spouse consent to waive this right.

*IRAs, non-ERISA 403(b) Annuities, and 457 Plans.* Spousal consent to a distribution usually is not required unless specifically required under the terms of the plan. Upon your death, any Death Benefit will be paid to your designated Beneficiary.

**ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS**

**Reporting and Withholding for Escheated Amounts**

Revenue Rulings 2018-17 and 2020-24 provide that an amount transferred from an IRA or 401(a) qualified retirement plan to a state's unclaimed property fund is subject to federal income tax withholding at the time of transfer. The amount transferred is also subject to federal tax reporting. Consistent with these Rulings, we will withhold federal and state income taxes and report to the applicable Owner or Beneficiary as required by law when amounts are transferred to a state's unclaimed property fund. Non-qualified annuity contracts generally are subject to the same or similar federal income tax reporting and withholding requirements as IRAs and qualified retirement plans. As a result, we may determine in the future that we have an obligation to follow similar guidelines with respect to any amounts escheated from your Non-qualified Annuity.

**Gifts and Generation-skipping Transfers**

If you transfer your Annuity to another person for less than adequate consideration, there may be gift tax consequences in addition to income tax consequences. Also, if you transfer your Annuity to a person two or more generations younger than you (such as a grandchild or grandniece) or to a person that is more than 37½ years younger than you, there may be generation-skipping transfer tax consequences.

**Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships**

U.S. Treasury Department regulations provide that for federal tax purposes, the term "spouse" does not include individuals (whether of the opposite sex or the same sex) who have entered into a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or other similar formal relationship that is not denominated as a marriage under the laws of the state where the relationship was entered into, regardless of domicile. As a result, if a Beneficiary of a deceased Owner and the Owner were parties to such a relationship, the Beneficiary will be required by federal tax law to take distributions from the Contract in the manner applicable to non-spouse Beneficiaries and will not be able to continue the Contract. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor before electing the Spousal Benefit for a civil union partner or domestic partner.

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**LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**

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As of the date of this prospectus, neither the Company nor the Registered Separate Account is a party to any material legal proceedings outside of the ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. Although the Company and its affiliates are involved in pending and threatened legal proceedings in the normal course of its business, we do not anticipate that the outcome of any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Registered Separate Account, or the Company's ability to meet its obligations under the Annuity.

As of the date of this prospectus, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. is not a party to any material legal proceedings outside of the ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. Although Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. can be involved in pending and threatened legal proceedings in the normal course of its business, we do not anticipate that the outcome of any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its ability to meet its obligations related to the Annuity.

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**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

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The financial statements of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company and the Registered Separate Account are incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional Information.

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**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

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**HOW WILL I RECEIVE STATEMENTS AND REPORTS?**

We send any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at your last known address of record. You should therefore give us prompt notice of any address change. We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and subject to your prior consent, to provide any prospectus, prospectus supplements, confirmations, statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation to you at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2PREMIER-STAT</u> or any other electronic means. We send a confirmation statement to you each time a transaction is made affecting Account Value, such as making subsequent Purchase Payments, transfers, exchanges or withdrawals. We also send quarterly statements detailing the activity affecting your Annuity during the calendar quarter. We may confirm regularly scheduled transactions, such as systematic withdrawals (including 72(t) payments and required minimum distributions), and bank drafting, in quarterly statements instead of confirming them immediately. You should review the information in these statements carefully. You may request additional reports. We reserve the right to charge up to $50 for each such additional report.

Any errors or corrections on transactions for your Annuity must be reported to us at our Service Center as soon as possible to assure proper accounting to your Annuity. For transactions that are confirmed immediately, we assume all transactions are accurate unless you notify us otherwise within 30 days from the date you receive the confirmation. For transactions that are first confirmed on the quarterly statement, we assume all transactions are accurate unless you notify us within 30 days from the date you receive the quarterly statement. All transactions confirmed immediately or by quarterly statement are deemed conclusive after the applicable 30-day period. We may also send an annual report and a semi-annual report containing applicable financial statements for the Registered Separate Account and the Portfolios, as of December 31 and June 30, respectively, to Owners or, with your prior consent, make such documents available electronically through our website or other electronic means.

**HOW TO CONTACT US**

Please communicate with us using the telephone number and addresses below for the purposes described. Failure to send mail to the proper address may result in a delay in our receiving and processing your request.

**Annuities Service Center**

Call our Annuities Service Center at 1-800-879-7012 during normal business hours.

**Internet**

Access information about your Annuity through our website: www.prudential.com/annuities

**Correspondence Sent by Regular Mail**

Annuities Service Center<br>P.O. Box 7960<br>Philadelphia, PA 19176

**Correspondence Sent by Overnight\*, Certified or Registered Mail**

Annuities Service<br>1600 Malone Street<br>Millville, NJ 08332

\*Please note that overnight correspondence sent through the United States Postal Service may be delivered to the P.O. Box listed above, which could delay receipt of your correspondence at our Annuities Service Center. Overnight mail sent through other methods (e.g. Federal Express, United Parcel Service) will be delivered to the address listed below.

Correspondence sent by regular mail to our Annuities Service Center should be sent to the address shown above. Your correspondence will be picked up at this address and then delivered to our Annuities Service Center. Your correspondence is not considered received by us until it is received at our Annuities Service Center. Where this prospectus refers to the day when we receive a Purchase Payment, request, election, notice, transfer or any other transaction request from you, we mean the day on which that item (or the last requirement needed for us to process that item) arrives in complete and proper form at our Annuities Service Center or via the appropriate telephone or fax number if the item is a type we accept by those means. There are two main exceptions: if the item arrives at our Annuities Service Center (1) on a day that is not a business day, or (2) after the close of a business day, then, in each case, we are deemed to have received that item on the next business day.

You can obtain account information by calling our automated response system, and at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>, our website. Our Customer Service representatives are also available during business hours to provide you with information about your account. You can request certain transactions through our telephone voice response system, our website or through a customer service representative. You can provide authorization for a third party, including your attorney-in-fact acting pursuant to a power of attorney or your financial professional, to access your account information and perform certain transactions on your account. You will need to complete a form provided by us which identifies those transactions that you wish to authorize via telephonic and electronic means and whether you wish to authorize a third party to perform any such transactions. Please note that unless you tell us otherwise, we deem that all transactions that are directed by your financial professional with respect to your Annuity have been authorized by you. We

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require that you or your representative provide proper identification before performing transactions over the telephone or through our website. This may include a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will be provided to you upon issue of your Annuity or you may establish or change your PIN by calling our automated response system, and at <u>www.prudential.com/annuities</u>, our website. Any third party that you authorize to perform financial transactions on your account will be assigned a PIN for your account.

Transactions requested via telephone are recorded. To the extent permitted by law, we will not be responsible for any claims, loss, liability or expense in connection with a transaction requested by telephone or other electronic means if we acted on such transaction instructions after following reasonable procedures to identify those persons authorized to perform transactions on your Annuity using verification methods which may include a request for your Social Security number, PIN or other form of electronic identification. We may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if we did not follow such procedures.

We do not guarantee access to telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic information or that we will be able to accept transaction instructions via such means at all times. Regular and/or express mail will be the only means by which we will accept transaction instructions when telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic means are unavailable or delayed. We reserve the right to limit, restrict or terminate telephonic, facsimile, Internet or any other electronic transaction privileges at any time.

**This prospectus is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives or** **financial situation of any Annuity Owner. The information is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation about managing** **or investing your retirement savings. Annuity Owners seeking information regarding their particular investment needs should contact a** **financial professional.**

PRUDENTIAL, THE PRUDENTIAL LOGO AND THE ROCK DESIGN ARE TRADEMARKS OF PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES, REGISTERED IN MANY JURISDICTIONS WORLDWIDE. USED UNDER LICENSE.

FORTITUDE RE AND THE FORTITUDE RE LOGO ARE SERVICE MARKS OF FORTITUDE GROUP HOLDINGS, LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES. OTHER PROPRIETARY FORTITUDE RE MARKS MAY BE DESIGNATED AS SUCH THROUGH THE USE OF THE <sup>SM</sup> OR <sup>®</sup> SYMBOLS.

ADVANCED SERIES, ADVISOR PLAN, ASAP, ASAP II, AST, GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION (GRO), GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS (GRO PLUS) AND PLUS40 ARE SERVICE MARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA AND ARE USED UNDER LICENSE BY FORTITUDE RE.

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**APPENDIX A –** **INVESTMENT OPTIONS** **AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT**

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**Certain Investment Options may not be available through certain financial intermediaries. See the** [**<u>Cover Page</u>**](#chapter_1-sect1_1_928) **for additional information**

**Variable Options**

The following is a list of Portfolios available under the Contract. More information about the Portfolios is available in the prospectuses for the Portfolios, which may be amended from time to time and can be found online at <u>www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2PREMIER-STAT</u>. You can also request this information at no cost by calling 1-800-346-3778 or by sending an email request to service@prudential.com. Depending on the optional benefits you choose, you may not be able to invest in certain Portfolio Companies, as noted below.

The current expenses and performance information below reflects fees and expenses of the Portfolios, but do not reflect the other fees and expenses that your Contract may charge. Expenses would be higher, and performance would be lower if these other charges were included. Each Portfolio's past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Discovery All Cap Growth Fund - Class 1<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.75% | 15.53% | 6.31% | 13.84% |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Opportunity Fund - Class 1<sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.75% | 7.00% | 9.22% | 12.13% |
|  Equity<br> Allspring VT Small Cap Growth Fund - Class 1<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Allspring Funds Management, LLC (adviser)*<br>*Allspring Global Investments, LLC (subadviser)* | 0.91% | 9.55% | -0.70% | 10.22% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.86% | 16.17% | 8.81% | 9.59% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.87% | 14.35% | 6.96% | 8.05% |
|  Fixed Income<br> AST Core Fixed Income Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Limited*<br>*Wellington Management Company LLP* | 0.68% | 7.15% | -1.10% | 2.30% |
|  Fixed Income<br> AST Government Money Market Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*PGIM Fixed Income* | 0.58% | 3.78% | 2.86% | 1.78% |
|  Equity<br> AST International Equity Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*Massachusetts Financial Services Company*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 1.02% | 32.84% | 5.76% | 10.00% |
|  Allocation<br> AST J.P. Morgan Conservative Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.* | 0.92% | 10.37% | 3.31% | 5.19% |
|  Allocation<br> AST J.P. Morgan Moderate Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.* | 0.97% | 12.53% | 5.61% | 7.30% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity<br> AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*ClearBridge Investments, LLC*<br>*Dimensional Fund Advisors LP*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC* | 0.84% | 14.88% | 13.25% | 12.47% |
|  Equity<br> AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Clearbridge Investments, LLC*<br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.87% | 17.06% | 11.35% | 16.27% |
|  Equity<br> AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*ClearBridge Investments, LLC*<br>*Dimensional Fund Advisors LP*<br>*Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.81% | 16.05% | 12.97% | 11.35% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Multi-Asset Diversified Plus Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 1.13% | 13.55% | 5.58% | 5.73% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Multi-Asset Diversified Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.90% | 15.55% | 6.86% | 8.28% |
|  Allocation<br> AST PGIM Aggressive Multi-Asset Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*PGIM Real Estate* | 0.90% | 16.00% | 8.22% | 8.26% |
|  Allocation<br> AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Jennison Associates LLC*<br>*J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.*<br>*PGIM Fixed Income*<br>*PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC*<br>*Putnam Investment Management LLC* | 0.89% | 11.33% | 3.76% | 5.45% |
|  Equity<br> AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio<sup>1</sup><br>*Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.*<br>*Dimensional Fund Advisors LP*<br>*Driehaus Capital Management LLC*<br>*Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC*<br>*TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC* | 1.01% | 7.41% | 1.81% | 10.39% |
|  Equity<br> Inverse S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Strategy Fund<sup>♦,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Guggenheim Investments* | 1.82% | -11.76% | -10.49% | -12.91% |
|  Equity<br> Invesco V.I. Discovery Mid Cap Growth Fund - Series I shares<sup>1,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.86% | 4.79% | 3.90% | 11.38% |

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| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Diversified Dividend Fund - Series I shares<sup>1</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.68% | 15.74% | 10.81% | 9.20% |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Health Care Fund - Series I shares<sup>1</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.99% | 15.33% | 3.80% | 6.58% |
|  Equity | Invesco V.I. Technology Fund - Series I shares<sup>‡</sup><br>*Invesco Advisers, Inc* | 0.96% | 20.47% | 10.30% | 15.78% |
|  Equity | NASDAQ-100<sup>®</sup> Fund<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Guggenheim Investments* | 1.76% | 19.04% | 13.32% | 17.60% |
|  Equity | Nova Fund<sup>♦,</sup><sup>‡</sup><br>*Guggenheim Investments* | 1.74% | 20.87% | 16.53% | 17.73% |
|  Equity | NVIT Fidelity Institutional AM<sup>®</sup> Emerging Markets Fund - Class D<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*Nationwide Fund Advisors*<br>*FIAM LLC* | 1.46% | 35.77% | 0.70% | 5.98% |
|  Fixed Income | ProFund Access VP High Yield<sup>‡</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.64% | 6.24% | 2.85% | 3.92% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Asia 30<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 24.12% | -2.31% | 5.18% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Banks<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 10.53% | 9.89% | 8.26% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Bear<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -14.47% | -11.20% | -13.49% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Biotechnology<br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.60% | 34.03% | 9.50% | 7.41% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Bull<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 15.56% | 12.18% | 12.55% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Communication Services<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 20.91% | 14.55% | 8.97% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Consumer Discretionary<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.51% | 5.53% | 10.01% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Consumer Staples<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -0.17% | 0.62% | 5.67% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Energy<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.86% | 21.01% | 5.88% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Europe 30<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 29.59% | 12.78% | 8.01% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Financials<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 12.90% | 12.77% | 11.04% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Health Care<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 12.56% | 5.50% | 8.02% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Industrials<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 17.25% | 9.11% | 11.45% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Internet<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 9.13% | 3.71% | 12.40% |

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| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Japan<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 30.69% | 14.99% | 11.39% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Large-Cap Growth<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 19.96% | 13.07% | 14.95% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Large-Cap Value<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 11.37% | 11.09% | 9.89% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Materials<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 8.05% | 6.41% | 8.42% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Mid-Cap Growth<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.67% | 5.32% | 8.63% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Mid-Cap Value<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.84% | 9.19% | 8.92% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP NASDAQ-100<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 18.62% | 12.94% | 17.28% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Pharmaceuticals<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 29.34% | 5.70% | 5.37% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Precious Metals<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 150.31% | 17.01% | 18.89% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Real Estate<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 0.63% | 2.85% | 3.95% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Rising Rates Opportunity<sup>1</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.59% | 1.67% | 14.28% | 0.27% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Semiconductor<br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.64% | 41.70% | 34.17% | 30.80% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Short Mid-Cap<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -4.51% | -7.65% | -11.55% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Short NASDAQ-100<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -15.80% | -13.57% | -18.48% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Short Small-Cap<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | -10.08% | -6.50% | -11.77% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Small-Cap Growth<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 3.62% | 3.79% | 7.98% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Small-Cap Value<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 5.00% | 7.17% | 7.81% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Technology<br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.58% | 22.60% | 15.01% | 20.16% |
|  Fixed Income | ProFund VP U.S. Government Plus<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.38% | 1.17% | -13.73% | -3.45% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP UltraBull<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 24.38% | 19.82% | 20.95% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP UltraMid-Cap<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 3.20% | 7.98% | 11.51% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP UltraNASDAQ-100<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 29.25% | 18.60% | 29.22% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** | **Average Annual Total Returns**<br>**(as of 12/31/2025)** |
| **Fund Type** | **Portfolio Company and Advisor/Subadvisor** | **Current**<br>**Expenses** | **1 Year** | **5 Year** | **10 Year** |
|  Allocation | ProFund VP UltraSmall-Cap<sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 12.93% | 1.23% | 8.81% |
|  Equity | ProFund VP Utilities<sup>1,</sup><sup>♦</sup><br>*ProFund Advisors LLC* | 1.68% | 13.98% | 7.78% | 8.61% |

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**The additional information below may be applicable to the Portfolios listed in the above table.**

PGIM Fixed Income is a business unit of PGIM, Inc.

PGIM Investments LLC manages each of the Portfolios of The Prudential Series Fund (PSF).

PGIM Investments LLC manages each of the Portfolios of the Advanced Series Trust (AST). AST Investment Services, Inc. serves as co-manager, along with PGIM Investments LLC, to many of the Portfolios of AST.

PGIM Real Estate is a business unit of PGIM, Inc.

1. **These Portfolios are also offered in other variable annuity contracts that utilize a predetermined mathematical formula to manage the guarantees offered in connection with** **optional benefits.** 

Those other variable annuity contracts offer certain optional living benefits that utilize a predetermined mathematical formula (the "formula") to manage the guarantees offered in connection with those optional benefits. The formula monitors each contract Owner's Account Value daily and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts among investment options. The formula transfers funds between the Variable Options for those variable annuity contracts and an AST Bond Portfolio Variable Option or a fixed account (those AST Bond Portfolios or a fixed account may not be available in connection with the annuity contracts offered through this prospectus). **You should be aware that the operation of the formula in those other variable annuity** **contracts may result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the underlying Portfolios that are available with your contract. These asset flows could adversely impact the** **underlying Portfolios, including their risk profile, expenses and performance**. Because transfers between the Variable Options and the AST Bond Variable Option or a fixed account can be frequent and the amount transferred can vary from day to day, any of the underlying Portfolios could experience the following effects, among others:

(a) a
 Portfolio's investment performance could be adversely affected by requiring a subadvisor to purchase and sell securities at inopportune
 times or by otherwise limiting the subadvisor's
 ability to fully implement the Portfolio's investment strategy;

(b) the
 subadvisor may be required to hold a larger portion of assets in highly liquid securities than it otherwise would hold, which could adversely
 affect performance if the highly
 liquid securities underperform other securities (e.g., equities) that otherwise would have been held; and

(c) a Portfolio may experience higher turnover and greater negative asset flows than it would have experienced without the formula,
 which could result in higher operating expense
 ratios and higher transaction costs for the Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

The efficient operation of the asset flows among Portfolios triggered by the formula depends on active and liquid markets. If market liquidity is strained, the asset flows may not operate as intended. For example, it is possible that illiquid markets or other market stress could cause delays in the transfer of cash from one Portfolio to another Portfolio, which in turn could adversely impact performance.

Before you allocate to the Variable Option with the AST Portfolios listed above, you should consider the potential effects on the Portfolios that are the result of the operation of the formula in the variable annuity contracts that are unrelated to your Variable Annuity. Please work with your financial professional to determine which Portfolios are appropriate for your needs.

♦ **This information includes annual expenses that reflect temporary or other fee reductions or waivers. Please see the Portfolio prospectus for additional information.** 

‡ The
 Portfolio has certain restrictions regarding availability for investment by Contract Owners as listed below.

**<u>Inverse S&P 500</u><sup>®</sup>**  **<u>Strategy Fund</u>**<br>Effective March 19, 2001 was closed to all new investments. However, electronic funds transfer, dollar cost averaging, asset allocation and rebalancing programs, as applicable, that were elected prior to the effective date will not be affected by the closure unless a contract owner withdraws or otherwise transfers their entire Account Value from the Portfolio.

**<u>Invesco V.I. Discovery Mid Cap Growth Fund - Series I shares</u>**<br>Effective May 1, 2020 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

**<u>Invesco V.I. Technology Fund - Series I shares</u>**<br>Effective May 1, 2022 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

**<u>NASDAQ-100</u><sup>®</sup>**  **<u>Fund</u>**<br>Effective March 19, 2001 was closed to all new investments. However, electronic funds transfer, dollar cost averaging, asset allocation and rebalancing programs, as applicable, that were elected prior to the effective date will not be affected by the closure unless a contract owner withdraws or otherwise transfers their entire Account Value from the Portfolio.

**<u>Nova Fund</u>**<br>Effective March 19, 2001 was closed to all new investments. However, electronic funds transfer, dollar cost averaging, asset allocation and rebalancing programs, as applicable, that were elected prior to the effective date will not be affected by the closure unless a contract owner withdraws or otherwise transfers their entire Account Value from the Portfolio.

**<u>ProFund Access VP High Yield</u>**<br>Effective April 26, 2021 was closed to all new investments except those made by contract Owners who had account value in the Portfolio on the effective date or at any time prior to the effective date.

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**Fixed Options**

The following is a list of Fixed Options currently available under the Contract. We may change the features of the Fixed Options listed below, offer new Fixed Options, and terminate existing Fixed Options. We will provide you with written notice before doing so. For more information about the Fixed Options, see "[Description of Insurance Company, Registered Separate Account, and Investment Options](#chapter_7_928)" in this prospectus.

**Note: If amounts are withdrawn from MVA Fixed Allocation before the end of its term, we will apply a Contract Adjustment. This may result in a** **significant reduction in your Contract value. For more information about Market Value Adjustments, please refer to the ["Charges and Adjustments"](#chapter_8-sect1_1_928)** **section of this prospectus.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Term** |
| Guaranteed Period GRO<sup>1</sup> | 7 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 1 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 2 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 3 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 5 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 7 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |
| MVA Fixed Allocation | 10 Year<br>0%<sup>2</sup> |

---

\*The rate shown is the last Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate issued before the product closed to new customers. Your Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate is the amount shown on your Contract and can vary by state. Please consult with your representative for availability and current rates.

<sup>1</sup> Not available for allocations. <br><sup>2</sup> The Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate is linked to an index and never less than zero, as shown on your Contract and subject to state minimums.

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**Investment Restrictions**

Please note that the following Portfolios are not available if you have elected any of the following optional benefits:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Optional Benefit Name:** | **All Investment Options Permitted, EXCEPT these:** |
| Guaranteed Return Option | Invesco V.I. Technology Fund – Series I shares |
| Guaranteed Return Option Plus | ProFund Access VP High Yield |
|  | ProFund VP Biotechnology |
|  | ProFund VP Internet |
|  | ProFund VP Semiconductor |
|  | ProFund VP Short Mid-Cap |
|  | ProFund VP Short Small-Cap |
|  | ProFund VP Technology |
|  | ProFund VP UltraBull |
|  | ProFund VP UltraNASDAQ-100 |
|  | ProFund VP UltraSmall-Cap |

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**APPENDIX B – SALE OF THE CONTRACTS TO RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK**

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Some of the provisions of the Annuity are different for contracts offered to residents of the State of New York.

**Fees, Charges and Deductions** 

**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge:**

The CDSC schedule is as follows:

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  YEARS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8+ |
|  CHARGE (%) | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |

---

**Purchasing Your Annuity**

**Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations**: The designation of Contingent Participant is not allowed on the Annuity Date.

**Managing Your Annuity**

**"Change of Owner, Annuitant and Beneficiary Designations"**: The following condition has been removed:

• A
 new Annuitant subsequent to the Annuity Date if the annuity option selected includes a life contingency.

**Managing Your Account Value**

**"Restrictions on Transfers Between Investment Options"**:

A specific authorization form MUST be completed which authorizes us to accept transfers via phone or through means such as electronic mail.

**"Dollar Cost Averaging Programs"**: You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $20,000 to enroll in a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

**"Automatic Rebalancing Programs"**: You must have a minimum Account Value of at least $20,000 to enroll in automatic rebalancing.

**"What Happens When My Guarantee Period Matures?"**: We will notify you of the Guarantee Periods available as of the date of such notice, at least 45 days and not more than 60 days prior to the Maturity Date. No Market Value Adjustment applies to any amounts allocated to a particular Fixed Allocation if you withdraw all or part of the Account Value in such Fixed Allocation within 30 days of maturity. If you are age 55 or older you may invest in a Fixed Allocation with a Guarantee Period of five years or less.

**Performance Advantage**

This benefit was never available to residents of the State of New York.

**Access To Account Value**

**"How Much Can I Withdraw as a Free Withdrawal?":** The Minimum Distribution provision is only available for annuities issued under Section 403(b) of the IRS Code or for IRA's where Minimum Distributions are required. Minimum Distributions are not available for any other contracts.

**"Medically-Related Surrenders":** This section is deleted in its entirety.

**"Annuity Options"**: The Annuity Date may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following the Annuitant's 90<sup>th</sup> birthday. Additionally, the minimum annuity payment allowed is $20 per month.

**Death Benefit**

The Optional Death Benefits described in the Prospectus are not offered in the State of New York.

**ANNUITY REWARDS**

This benefit is not available to residents of the State of New York.

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**Valuing Your Investment**

The following section is added:

**Deferral of Transactions:** If we defer a distribution or transfer from any Fixed Allocation or any fixed annuity payment for more than 10 days, we pay interest using our then current crediting rate for this purpose, which is not less than 3% per year on the amount deferred.

**Additional Information**

**Separate Account B:** We reserve the right to add Variable Options, eliminate Variable Options, to combine Variable Options, or to substitute underlying mutual funds or Portfolios of underlying mutual funds. In addition to obtaining prior approval from the insurance department of our state of domicile before making such a substitution, deletion or addition, any such changes are subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Insurance for the State of New York.

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**APPENDIX C – PLUS40 OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE RIDER**

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**Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider was offered, in those states where approved, between September 17, 2001 and May 1, 2003. The** **description below of the Plus40 benefit applies to those Contract Owners who purchased an Annuity during that time period and elected the** **Plus40 benefit.**

**The life insurance coverage provided under the Plus40 Optional Life Insurance Rider ("Plus40 rider" or the "Rider") is supported by our** **general account and is not subject to, or registered as a security under, either the Securities Act of 1933 or the Investment Company Act of** **1940. Information about the Plus40 rider is included as an Appendix to this Prospectus to help you understand the Rider and the relationship** **between the Rider and the value of your Annuity. It is also included because you can elect to pay for the Rider with taxable withdrawals from** **your Annuity. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed this information. However, the information may be** **subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws regarding accuracy and completeness.**

**The income tax-free life insurance payable to your Beneficiary(ies) under the Plus40 rider is equal to 40% of the Account Value of your** **Annuity as of the date we receive due proof of death, subject to certain adjustments, restrictions and limitations described below.**

**Eligibility**

The Plus40 rider may be purchased as a rider on your Annuity. The Rider must cover those persons upon whose death the Annuity's death benefit becomes payable – the Annuity's Owner or Owners, or the Annuitant (in the case of an entity owned Annuity). If the Annuity has two Owners, the Rider's death benefit is payable upon the first death of such persons. If the Annuity is owned by an entity, the Rider's death benefit is payable upon the death of the Annuitant, even if a Contingent Annuitant is named.

The minimum allowable age to purchase the Plus40 rider is 40; the maximum allowable age is 75. If the Rider is purchased on two lives, both persons must meet the age eligibility requirements. The Plus40 rider is not available to purchasers who use their Annuity as a funding vehicle for a Tax Sheltered Annuity (or 403(b)) or as a funding vehicle for a qualified plan under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code").

**Adjustments, Restrictions & Limitations**

• If
 you die during the first 24 months following the effective date of the Plus40 rider (generally, the Issue Date of your Annuity), the death benefit will be limited
 to the amount of any charges paid for the Rider while it was in effect. *While we will return the charges you have paid* *during the applicable period as the death benefit, your Beneficiary(ies) will receive no* *<u>additional</u>* *life insurance benefit from the Plus40* *rider if you die within 24 months of its effective date.* 

• If
 you make a Purchase Payment within 24 months prior to the date of death, the Account Value used to determine the amount of the death
 benefit will be reduced by the amount of such Purchase Payment(s). If we reduce the death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider based
 on this provision, we will return 50% of any charges paid for the Rider based on those Purchase Payments as an additional amount included
 in the death benefit under the Rider.

• If
 we apply Credits to your Annuity based on Purchase Payments, such Credits are treated as Account Value for purposes of determining the
 death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider. However, if Credits were applied to Purchase Payments made within 24 months prior to the
 date of death, the Account Value used to determine the amount of the death benefit will be reduced by the amount of such Credits. If we
 reduce the death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider based on this provision, we will return 50% of any charges paid for the Rider based on such Credits
 as an additional amount included in the death benefit under the Rider.

• If
 you become terminally ill (as defined in the Rider) and elect to receive a portion of the Plus40 rider's death benefit under the
 Accelerated Death
 Benefit provision, the amount that will be payable under the Rider upon your death will be reduced. Please refer to the Accelerated Death
 Benefit provision described below.

• If
 charges for the Plus40 rider are due and are unpaid as of the date the death benefit is being determined, such charges will be deducted from the amount paid
 to your Beneficiary(ies).

• If
 the age of any person covered under the Plus40 rider is misstated, we will adjust any coverage under the Rider to conform to the facts. For example, if,
 due to the misstatement, we overcharged you for coverage under the Rider, we will add any additional charges paid to the amount
 payable to your Beneficiary(ies). If, due to the misstatement, we undercharged you for coverage under the Rider, we will reduce the
 death benefit in proportion to the charges not paid as compared to the charges that would have been paid had there been no misstatement.

• On
 or after an Owner reaches the expiry date of the Rider (the anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date on or immediately after the
 95 <sup>th</sup> birthday), coverage
 will terminate. No charge will be made for an Owner following the expiry date. If there are two Owners, the expiry date applies
 separately to each Owner; therefore, coverage may continue for one Owner and terminate as to the other Owner.

**Maximum Benefit**

The Plus40 rider is subject to a Maximum Death Benefit Amount based on the Purchase Payments applied to your Annuity. The Plus40 rider may also be subject to a Per Life Maximum Benefit that is based on all amounts paid under <u>any</u> annuity contract we issue to you under which you have elected the Plus40 rider or similar life insurance coverage.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The <u>Maximum Death Benefit Amount</u> is 100% of the Purchase Payments increasing at 5% per year following the date each Purchase Payment
 is applied to the Annuity until the date of death. If Purchase Payments are applied to the Annuity within 24 months prior to the date
 of death, the Maximum Death Benefit Amount is decreased by the amount of such Purchase Payments.

• The <u>Per Life Maximum Benefit applies</u> to Purchase Payments applied to any such annuity contracts more than 24 months from the date of death
 that exceed $1,000,000. If you make Purchase Payments in excess of $1,000,000, we will reduce the aggregate death benefit payable
 under all Plus40 riders, or similar riders issued by us, based on the combined amount of Purchase Payments in excess of $1,000,000
 multiplied by 40%. If the Per Life Maximum Benefit applies, we will reduce the amount payable under each applicable Plus40 rider
 on a proportional basis. If the Per Life Maximum Benefit applies upon your death, we will return any excess charges that you paid on the
 portion of your Account Value on which no benefit is payable. *The Per Life Maximum Benefit does not limit the amount of Purchase* *Payments that you may apply to your Annuity.* 

**Accelerated Death Benefit Provision**

If you become terminally ill, you may request that a portion of the death benefit payable under the Plus40 rider be prepaid instead of being paid to your Beneficiary(ies) upon your death. Subject to our requirements and where allowed by law, we will make a one time, lump sum payment. Our requirements include proof satisfactory to us, in writing, of terminal illness after the Rider's Effective Date.

The maximum we will pay, before any reduction, is the lesser of 50% of the Rider's death benefit or $100,000. If you elect to accelerate payment of a portion of the death benefit under the Plus40 rider, the amount of the remaining death benefit is reduced by the prepaid amount accumulating at an annualized interest rate of 6.0%. Eligibility for an accelerated payout of a portion of your Plus40 rider death benefit may be more restrictive than any medically-related surrender provision that may be applicable to you under the Annuity.

**Charges for the Plus40 Rider**

The Plus40 rider has a current charge and a guaranteed maximum charge. The current charge for the Plus40 rider is based on a percentage of your Account Value as of the anniversary of the Issue Date of your Annuity. The applicable percentages differ based on the attained age, last birthday of the Owner(s) or Annuitant (in the case of an entity owned Annuity) as of the date the charge is due. We reserve the right to change the current charge, at any time, subject to regulatory approval where required. If there are two Owners, we calculate the current charge that applies to each Owner individually and deduct the combined amount as the charge for the Rider. There is no charge based on a person's life after coverage expires as to that person. However, a charge will still apply to the second of two Owners (and coverage will continue for such Owner) if such Owner has not reached the expiry date.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Attained Age** | **Percentage of Account Value** |
| Age 40-75 | .80<br> %<br>|
| Age 76-80 | 1.60<br> %<br>|
| Age 81-85 | 3.20<br> %<br>|
| Age 86-90 | 4.80<br> %<br>|
| Age 91 | 6.50<br> %<br>|
| Age 92 | 7.50<br> %<br>|
| Age 93 | 8.50<br> %<br>|
| Age 94 | 9.50<br> %<br>|
| Age 95 | 10.50<br> %<br>|

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The charge for the Plus40 rider may also be subject to a guaranteed maximum charge that will apply if the current charge, when applied to the Account Value, exceeds the guaranteed maximum charge. The guaranteed maximum charge is based on a charge per $1,000 of insurance.

We determine the charge for the Rider annually, in arrears. We deduct the charge: (1) upon your death; (2) on each anniversary of the Issue Date; (3) on the date that you begin receiving annuity payments; (4) if you surrender your Annuity other than a medically-related surrender; or (5) if you choose to terminate the Rider. If the Rider terminates for any of the preceding reasons on a date other than the anniversary of the Annuity's Issue Date, the charge will be prorated. During the first year after the Annuity's Issue Date, the charge will be prorated from the Issue Date. In all subsequent years, the charge will be prorated from the last anniversary of the Issue Date.

You can elect to pay the annual charge through a redemption from your Annuity's Account Value or through funds other than those within the Annuity. If you do not elect a method of payment, we will automatically deduct the annual charge from your Annuity's Account Value. The manner in which you elect to pay for the Rider may have tax implications.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• If
 you elect to pay the charge through a redemption of your Annuity's Account Value, the withdrawal will be treated as a taxable distribution,
 and will generally be subject to ordinary income tax on the amount of any investment gain withdrawn. If you are under the age of
 59½, the distribution may also be subject to a 10% additional tax on any gain withdrawn, in addition to ordinary income taxes. We
 first deduct the
 amount of the charge on a proportional basis from the Account Value in the Variable Options. We only deduct the charge on a proportional
 basis from the Fixed Allocations to the extent there is insufficient Account Value in the Variable  Options to pay the charge.

• If
 you elect to pay the charge through funds other than those from your Annuity, we require that payment be made electronically in U.S. currency
 through a U.S. financial institution. If you elect to pay the charge through electronic transfer of funds and payment has not been received
 within 31 days from the due date, we will deduct the charge as a redemption from your Annuity, as described above.

**Termination**

You can terminate the Plus40 rider at any time. Upon termination, you will be required to pay on a proportional basis a portion of the annual charge for the Rider. The Plus40 rider will terminate automatically on the date your Account Value is applied to begin receiving annuity payments, on the date you surrender the Annuity or, on the expiry date with respect to such person who reaches the expiry date. We may also terminate the Plus40 rider, if necessary, to comply with our interpretation of the Code and applicable regulations. Once terminated, you may not reinstate your coverage under the Plus40 rider.

**Changes in Annuity Designations**

Changes in ownership and annuitant designations under the Annuity may result in changes in eligibility and charges under the Plus40 rider. These changes may include termination of the Rider. Please refer to the Rider for specific details.

**Spousal Assumption**

A spousal beneficiary may elect to assume ownership of the Annuity instead of taking the Annuity's Death Benefit. However, regardless of whether a spousal beneficiary assumes ownership of the Annuity, **the death benefit under the Plus40 rider will be paid despite the fact that the Annuity will** **continue.** The spousal beneficiary can apply the death benefit proceeds under the Plus40 rider to the Annuity as a new Purchase Payment, can purchase a new annuity contract or use the death benefit proceeds for any other purpose. Certain restrictions may apply to an Annuity that is used as a qualified investment. Spousal beneficiaries may also be eligible to purchase the Plus40 rider, in which case the Annuity's Account Value, as of the date the assumption is effective, will be treated as the initial Purchase Payment under applicable provisions of the Rider.

**Tax Consideration**

The Plus40 rider was designed to qualify as a life insurance contract under the Code. As life insurance, under most circumstances, the Beneficiary(ies) does not pay any Federal income tax on the death benefit payable under the Rider.

If your Annuity is being used as an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA), we consider the Plus40 rider to be outside of your IRA, since premium for the Rider is paid for either with funds outside of your Annuity or with withdrawals previously subject to tax and any applicable tax penalty.

We believe payments under the accelerated payout provision of the Rider will meet the requirements of the Code and the regulations in order to qualify as tax-free payments. To the extent permitted by law, we will change our procedures in relation to the Rider, or the definition of terminally ill, or any other applicable term in order to maintain the tax-free status of any amounts paid out under the accelerated payout provision.

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**APPENDIX D – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION BENEFIT**

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We set out below the current formula under which we may transfer amounts between the Variable Options and the Fixed Allocations. We will not alter this predetermined mathematical formula.

**TERMS AND DEFINITIONS REFERENCED IN THE CALCULATION FORMULA:**

• AV
 is the current Account Value of the Annuity (including any Market Value Adjustment on Fixed Allocations)

• V
 is the current Account Value of the elected Variable Options of the Annuity

• F
 is the current Account Value of the Fixed Allocations

• G
 is the Principal Value of the guarantee

• t
 is the number of whole and partial years between the current Valuation Day and the maturity date.

• t <sub>i</sub> is the number of whole and partial years between the next Valuation Day (i.e., the Valuation Day immediately following the current Valuation
 Day) and the maturity date.

• r
 is the fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t (t <sub>1</sub> is rounded to the next highest whole number to determine this rate) as of the
 current Valuation Day.

• r <sub>i</sub> is the fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t <sub>1</sub> (t <sub>1</sub> is rounded to the next highest whole number to determine this rate) as of
 the next Valuation Day.

• M
 is the total maturity value of all Fixed Allocations, i.e., the total value that the Fixed Allocations will have on the maturity date
 of the guarantee
 if no subsequent transactions occur.

The formula determines, on each Valuation Day, when a transfer is required.

The formula begins by determining a "cushion", D:

D = 1 – [(G – M) / (1 + r)<sup>ti</sup>] / V

Next, the formula determines whether or not a transfer to or from the Fixed Allocations is needed:

A transfer into the Fixed Allocations will occur if D < 0.20, V > 0, and V > 0.02 × AV.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(V, (V × (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – G + M) / (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – (1 + r)<sup>t</sup>)))

A transfer from the Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options will occur if D > 0.30 and F > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(F, (V × (0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup> – G + M) / ((1 + r)<sup>t</sup> – 0.75 × (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup>)))

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**APPENDIX E – FORMULA UNDER THE GUARANTEED RETURN OPTION PLUS BENEFIT**

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We set out below the current formula under which we may transfer amounts between the Variable Options and the Fixed Allocations. We will not alter the pre-determined mathematical formula.

**TERMS AND DEFINITIONS REFERENCED IN THE CALCULATION FORMULA:**

• AV
 is the current Account Value of the Annuity (including any Market Value Adjustment on Fixed Allocations)

• V
 is the current Account Value of the elected Variable Options of the Annuity

• F
 is the current Account Value of the Fixed Allocations

For each guarantee provided under the program,

• G <sub>i</sub> is the Principal Value of the guarantee

• t <sub>i</sub> is the number of whole and partial years until the maturity date of the guarantee.

• r <sub>i</sub> is the current fixed rate associated with Fixed Allocations of length t <sub>i</sub> (t <sub>i</sub> is rounded to the next highest integer to determine this rate).

The formula determines, on each Valuation Day, when a transfer is required.

The formula begins by determining for each guarantee the value (Li) that, if appreciated at the current fixed rate, would equal the Principal Value on the applicable maturity date. We call the greatest of these values the "current liability (L)."

L = MAX (L<sub>i</sub>), where L<sub>i</sub> = G<sub>i</sub> / (1 + r<sub>i</sub>)<sup>ti</sup>

Next, the formula determines whether or not a transfer to or from the Fixed Allocations is needed:

A transfer into the Fixed Allocations will occur if L > (AV – 0.2 × V), and V > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(V, (V – (1 / 0.23) × (AV – L)))

A transfer from the Fixed Allocations to the Variable Options will occur if L < (AV – 0.26 × V), and F > 0.

The transfer amount is calculated by the following formula:

T = MIN(F, ((1 / 0.23) × (AV – L) – V))

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**APPENDIX F – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM**

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**PROGRAM RULES**

• Prior
 to December 5, 2005, you could elect an asset allocation program where the Variable Options for each asset class in each model Portfolio
 were designated based on an evaluation of available Variable Options. Effective December 5, 2005, you can no longer enroll in an
 asset allocation program, but you will be permitted to remain in the program if you enrolled prior to the date. These program Rules reflect
 how the asset allocation program will be administered as of December 5, 2005 for those Owners who have chosen to remain in their
 program. Asset allocation is a sophisticated method of diversification that allocates assets among asset classes in order to manage investment
 risk and potentially enhance returns over the long term. However, asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against
 a loss.

**HOW THE ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM WORKS**

• Amounts
 will automatically be allocated in accordance with the percentages and to Variable Options indicated for the model Portfolio that you
 previously chose. If you allocate your Account Value or transfer your Account Value among any Variable Options that are outside of your
 model Portfolio, we will allocate these amounts according to the allocation percentages of the applicable model Portfolio upon the next
 rebalancing. You will not be permitted to change from one model Portfolio to another. Upon each rebalance, 100% of your Account Value
 allocated to the variable Variable Options will be allocated to the asset allocation program. Any Account Value not invested in the Variable
 Options will not be part of the program.

• **Additional Purchase Payments:** Unless otherwise requested, any additional Purchase Payments applied to the variable Variable Options
 in the Annuity will be allocated to the Variable Options according to the allocation percentages for the model Portfolio you chose. Allocation
 of additional Purchase Payments outside of your model Portfolio but into a Variable Option will be reallocated according to the allocation
 percentages of the applicable model Portfolio upon the next rebalancing.

• **Rebalancing Your Model Portfolio:** Changes in the value of the Variable Option will cause your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options
 to vary from the percentage allocations of the model Portfolio you select. By selecting the asset allocation program, you have directed
 us to periodically (e.g., quarterly) rebalance your Account Value allocated to the Variable Options in accordance with the percentage
 allocations assigned to each Variable Option within your model Portfolio at the time you elected the program or had later been modified
 with your consent. Some asset allocation programs will only require that a rebalancing occur when the percent of your Account Value
 allocated to the Variable Options are outside of the acceptable range permitted under such asset allocation program. Note – Any Account Value not
 invested in the Variable Options will not be affected by any rebalance.

• **Variable Option Changes Within the Model Portfolios:** From time to time there may be a change in a Variable Option within your model Portfolio.
 Unless directed by you or your financial professional to reallocate to the new Variable Option, rebalancing will continue in accordance
 with your unchanged model Portfolio, unless the Variable Option is no longer available under your Annuity. If the Variable Option
 is no longer available we will notify you. If you do not consent to the new Variable Option, your lack of consent will be deemed a request
 to terminate the asset allocation program and the provisions under "Termination or Modification of the Asset Allocation Program" will apply.

• **Owner Changes in Choice of Model Portfolio:** You may not change from the model Portfolio that you have elected to any other model Portfolio.

**TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF THE ASSET ALLOCATION PROGRAM:**

• You
 may request to terminate your asset allocation program at any time. Once you terminate your asset allocation program, you will not be
 permitted to re-enroll in the program. Any termination will be effective on the date that we receive your termination request in Good Order. If you are
 enrolled in certain optional benefits, termination of your asset allocation program must coincide with (i) the enrollment in a
 then currently available and approved asset allocation program or other approved option, or (ii) the allocation of your entire Account Value to the then
 required investment option(s) available with these benefits. However, if you are enrolled in certain optional benefits, you may
 terminate the benefit in order to then terminate your asset allocation program. We reserve the right to terminate or modify the asset allocation program
 at any time.

**RESTRICTIONS ON ELECTING THE ASSET ALLOCATION:**

• You
 cannot participate in automatic rebalancing or a DCA program while enrolled in an asset allocation program and Systematic Withdrawals
 can only be made as flat dollar amounts.

------

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**Mailing**

------

This prospectus describes the important features of the Annuity and provides information about Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("we," "our," "us," "FLIAC," or "the Company") and Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B ("the Registered Separate Account").

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Statement of Additional Information (SAI), dated May 1, 2026 that includes additional information about the Annuity and the Registered Separate Account, and the Company. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The SAI is available from us, without charge, upon request. To request a copy of the SAI, to ask about your Annuity, or to make other investor inquiries, please call 1-800-879-7012.

Reports and other information about the Contract, Registered Separate Account, and the Company are available on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>, and copies of reports and other information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

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![](pr928img001.jpg)<br>Ten Exchange Place<br>Suite 2210<br>Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

Edgar Contract Identifier: C000010696; C000267647 FUSIASAPIIPROS

------

**Advanced Series Advisor Plan II**<br>**Advanced Series Advisor Plan II Premier**<br>**Harvester Variable Annuity**<br>("Contracts" or "Annuities")<br>**Statement of Additional Information:** **MAY 1, 2026**

<br>**FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY**<br>("we", "our", the "Company", or "us")<br>**FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY VARIABLE ACCOUNT B**<br>(the "Registered Separate Account")

THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS. THE PROSPECTUS(ES) DATED MAY 1, 2026 CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE INVESTING. FOR A COPY OF THE PROSPECTUS(ES) SEND A WRITTEN REQUEST TO ANNUITIES SERVICE CENTER, P.O. BOX 7960, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19176 OR TELEPHONE 1-800-879-7012. YOU MAY ACCESS THE PROSPECTUS(ES) AT THE LINK(S) BELOW.

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **PAGE** |
| [GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY](#chapter_2_893) | [2](#chapter_2_893) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company](#chapter_2-sect1_1_893) | [2](#chapter_2-sect1_1_893) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B](#chapter_2-sect1_2_893) | [2](#chapter_2-sect1_2_893) |
| [SERVICE PROVIDERS](#chapter_3_893) | [2](#chapter_3_893) |
| [CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS](#chapter_4_893) | [3](#chapter_4_893) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Market Value Adjustment Formula & Examples](#chapter_4-sect1_1_893) | [3](#chapter_4-sect1_1_893) |
| [PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER/DISTRIBUTOR - PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES DISTRIBUTORS, INC.](#chapter_5_893) | [4](#chapter_5_893) |
| [MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX](#chapter_6_893) | [5](#chapter_6_893) |
| [FINANCIAL STATEMENTS](#chapter_7_893) | [6](#chapter_7_893) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Advanced Series Advisor Plan II: C000003475, C000267645 | www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2-STAT |
| Advanced Series Advisor Plan II Premier: C000010696, C000267647 | www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-ASAP2PREMIER-STAT |
| Harvester Variable Annuity: C000010699, C000267646 | www.prudential.com/regdocs/FLIAC-HARVESTERVA-STAT |

---

------

**GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY**

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company**

Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC" or the "Company") is a stock life insurance company incorporated under the laws of Arizona as of August 31, 2013, formerly incorporated in Connecticut. FLIAC was formerly Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation ("PALAC" or "Former Company"). On April 1, 2022, Prudential Financial, Inc., the parent of PALAC, completed its sale of PALAC to Fortitude Group Holdings, LLC (the "Transaction"). As a result of the Transaction, PALAC changed its name to FLIAC. FLIAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortitude Group Holdings, LLC.

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B**

Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B (formerly Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation Variable Account B), also referred to as "Separate Account B," was established by us pursuant to Connecticut law on November 25, 1987.

Effective August 31, 2013, the state of domicile was changed from Connecticut to Arizona. On April 1, 2022, as a result of the Transaction noted above, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation Variable Account B changed its name to Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B.

Separate Account B is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act") as a unit investment trust, which is a type of investment company. Separate Account B consists of multiple Sub-accounts, each investing in a single Portfolio. Values and benefits based on allocations to the Sub-accounts within Separate Account B will vary with the investment performance of the Portfolios, as applicable. We do not guarantee the investment results of any Sub-account. You bear the entire investment risk.

We reserve the right to do any or all of the following: (a) offer new Sub-accounts, eliminate Sub-accounts, combine two or more Sub-accounts, or substitute Sub-accounts; (b) combine Separate Account B or a portion of it with other "unitized" separate accounts; (c) deregister Separate Account B under the Investment Company Act; (d) operate Separate Account B as a management investment company under the Investment Company Act or in any other form permitted by law; (e) make changes required by any change in the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the Investment Company Act; (f) make changes that are necessary to maintain the tax status of your Annuity under the Code; and (g) make changes required by any change in other Federal or state laws relating to retirement annuities or annuity contracts.

We reserve the right to transfer assets of Separate Account B, which we determine to be associated with the class of contracts to which your Annuity belongs, to another "unitized" separate account. We will notify you (and/or any payee during the payout phase) of any modification to your Annuity. We may endorse your Annuity to reflect the change.

**SERVICE PROVIDERS**

The Company conducts the bulk of its annuity operations through The Prudential Insurance Company of America (together with certain of its affiliates, the "Administrator") and other third-party service providers, subject to the Company's oversight. The entities engaged directly or indirectly by the Company to provide services may change over time.

The Administrator services and administers the Annuity on behalf of the Company through one or more third party administrator, administrative services or other similar agreements. The Administrator's principal executive offices are located at One Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484. The Administrator is an affiliate of Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., the distributor of the Annuity, but is not otherwise an affiliate of the Company.

As of December 31, 2025, the following non-affiliated entities could be deemed service providers to the Company in connection with the Annuity.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Service Provider** | **Services Provided** | **Address** |
| Broadridge Investor Communication | Proxy services and regulatory mailings | 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY, 11717 |
| CFGI (A Portfolio Company of Caryle & CVC) | TPA Cybersecurity Auditing | 1 Lincoln Street, Suite 1301, Boston, MA, 02111 |
| DFIN Donnelley Financial Solutions | N-CEN filings | 35 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601 |
| Docufree Corporation | Records management and administration of annuity contracts Mail receipt / Imaging, check deposits, pricing, ahoc mailings. | 10 Ed Preate Drive, Moosic, PA, 18507 |
| EXL Service Holdings, Inc | Administration of annuity contracts | 350 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10022 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Service Provider** | **Services Provided** | **Address** |
| FTI Consulting Inc. | TPA Audits | 555 12th Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC, 20004 |
| Grant Thornton | TPA Audits | 2001 Market Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
| Guidehouse | Claim related services | 1676 International Drive, Suite 800, McLean, VA, 22102 |
| National Financial Services | Clearing and settlement services for Distributors and Carriers. | 900 Salem St. Smithfield, RI, 02917 |
| Open Text, Inc | Fax Services | 2440 Sand Hill Rd. Suite 302, Menlo Park, CA, 94025 |
| PERSHING LLC | Clearing and settlement services for Distributors and Carriers. | One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ, 07399 |
| Prudential Insurance Company of America ("PICA") | Third party administration and processing for Annuity contracts | 213 Washington Street, Newark, NJ, 07102- 2992 |
| The Depository Trust Clearinghouse Corporation | Clearing and settlement services for Distributors and Carriers. | 570 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ, 07310 |
| Thomson Reuters | Tax reporting services | 3 Times Square, New York, NY, 10036 |
| Universal Wilde | Composition, printing, and mailing of contracts and benefit documents | 135 Will Drive, Canton, MA 02021 |

---

**CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS**

**Market Value Adjustment Formula ("MVA Formula") & Examples**

The Market Value Adjustment formula is applied separately to each Market Value Adjustment Fixed Allocation to determine the Account Value of the Fixed Allocation on a particular date. The formula is as follows:

[(1+I)/(1+J+K)]<sup>(N/12)</sup>

where:

**I** is the fixed interest rate we guaranteed to credit to the Fixed Allocation as of its starting date;

**J** is the fixed interest rate for your class of annuities at the time of the withdrawal for a new Fixed Allocation with a Guarantee Period equal to the remaining number of years in your original Guarantee Period;

**N** is the number of months remaining in the original Guarantee Period.

**K** is the Liquidity Factor, currently equal to 0.0010; or 0.10%

If you surrender your Annuity under the right to cancel provision, the MVA formula is [(1 + I)/(1 + J)]<sup>N/12</sup>.

If the transfer or withdrawal does not occur on the yearly or monthly anniversary of the beginning of the Fixed Allocation, the numbers used in 'J' and 'N' will be rounded to the next highest integer.

**Market Value Adjustment Examples**

The following hypothetical examples show the effect of the MVA in determining Account Value. Assume the following:

• You
 allocate $50,000 into a Fixed Allocation with a Guarantee Period of 5 years.

• The
 interest rate for your Fixed Allocation is 3.0% (I = 3.0%).

• You
 make no withdrawals or transfers until you decided to withdraw the entire Fixed Allocation after exactly three (3) years, therefore 24 months remain before
 the Maturity Date (N = 24).

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**Example of Positive Market Value Adjustment**

Assume that at the time you request the withdrawal, the fixed interest rate for a new Fixed Allocation with a Guarantee Period of 24 months is 2% (J = 2%). Based on these assumptions, the MVA would be calculated as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Market Value Adjustment Factor | [(1+I)/(1+J+K)]<sup>(N/12)</sup> = [1.03/1.021]<sup>2</sup> = 1.017707  |
| Interim Value | $54636.35 |
| Account Value after Market Value Adjustment | Interim Value X Market Value Adjustment Factor = $55,603.82 |

---

**Example of Negative Market Value Adjustment**

Assume that at the time you request the withdrawal, the fixed interest rate for a new Fixed Allocation with a Guarantee Period of 24 months is 4.0% (J = 4.0%). Based on these assumptions, the MVA would be calculated as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Market Value Adjustment Factor | [(1+I)/(1+J+K)]<sup>(N/12)</sup> = [1.03/1.041]<sup>2</sup> = 0.978978  |
| Interim Value | $54636.35 |
| Account Value after Market Value Adjustment | Interim Value X Market Value Adjustment Factor = $53,487.79 |

---

**PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER/DISTRIBUTOR - PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES DISTRIBUTORS, INC.**

Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. ("PAD"), is the distributor and principal underwriter of the Annuity offered through this prospectus. PAD acts as the distributor of several annuity and life insurance products and the AST Portfolios. Other than in its role as distributor and principal underwriter of the Annuity, PAD is not affiliated with the Company. Prior to the Transaction, the Company and PAD were affiliates by virtue of common control. PAD's principal business address is One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484. PAD is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").

The Contract is no longer sold but Owners may make additional Purchase Payments and transfer Account Value in accordance with the Annuity. PAD enters into distribution agreements with unaffiliated broker-dealers who are registered under the Exchange Act ("Firms"). Applications for annuity products are solicited by registered representatives of those firms. PAD utilizes a network of its own registered representatives to wholesale annuity products to Firms. Because a variable annuity contract is an insurance product as well as a security, all registered representatives who sell variable annuity contracts are also appointed as insurance agents of ours.

We sell our annuity products through multiple distribution channels, including (1) independent broker-dealer firms and financial planners; (2) broker-dealers that are members of the New York Stock Exchange, including "wirehouse" and regional broker-dealer firms; and (3) broker-dealers affiliated with banks or that specialize in marketing to customers of banks. Although we are active in each of those distribution channels, the majority of our sales have come from the independent broker-dealer firms and financial planners.

Under the selling agreements, cash compensation in the form of commissions is paid to firms on sales according to one or more schedules. The registered representative will receive a portion of the compensation, depending on the practice of his or her firm. Commissions are generally based on a percentage of Purchase Payments made. Alternative compensation schedules are available that generally provide a lower initial commission plus ongoing quarterly compensation based on all or a portion of the Account Value. We may also provide cash compensation to the distributing firm for providing ongoing service to you in relation to your Annuity. These payments may be made in the form of percentage payments based upon "Assets under Management" or "AUM," (total assets), subject to certain criteria in certain of our products. These payments may also be made in the form of percentage payments based upon the total amount of money received as Purchase Payments under our annuity products sold through the firm. Commissions and other cash compensation paid in relation to your Annuity do not result in any additional charge to you or to the Separate Account.

In connection with the sale and servicing of the Annuity, Firms may receive cash compensation and/or non-cash compensation. Cash compensation includes discounts, concessions, fees, service fees, commissions, asset-based sales charges, loans, overrides, or any cash employee benefit received in connection with the sale and distribution of variable contracts. Non-cash compensation includes any form of compensation received in connection with the sale and distribution of variable contracts that is not cash compensation, including but not limited to merchandise, gifts, travel expenses, meals and lodging.

We may also provide cash compensation to the distributing Firm for providing ongoing service to you in relation to the Annuity. These payments may be made in the form of percentage payments based upon "Assets under Management" or "AUM," (total assets), subject to certain criteria in certain of our products. These payments may also be made in the form of percentage payments based upon the total amount of money received as Purchase Payments under our annuity products sold through the Firm.

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In addition, in an effort to promote the sale of our products (which may include the placement of the Annuity on a preferred or recommended company or product list and/or access to the Firm's registered representatives), we, or PAD, may enter into non-cash compensation arrangements with certain Firms with respect to certain or all registered representatives of such Firms under which such Firms may receive fixed payments or reimbursement. These types of fixed payments are made directly to or in sponsorship of the Firm and may include, but are not limited to payment for: training of sales personnel; marketing and/or administrative services and/or other services they provide to us or our affiliates; educating customers of the firm on the Annuity's features; conducting due diligence and analysis; providing office access, operations, systems and other support; holding seminars intended to educate registered representatives and make them more knowledgeable about the Annuities; conferences (national, regional and top producer); sponsorships; speaker fees; promotional items; a dedicated marketing coordinator; priority sales desk support; expedited marketing compliance approval and preferred programs to PAD; and reimbursements to Firms for marketing activities or other services provided by third-party vendors to the Firms and/or their registered representatives. To the extent permitted by FINRA rules and other applicable laws and regulations, we or PAD may also pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments in other forms of non-cash compensation (*e.g*., gifts, occasional meals and entertainment, sponsorship of due diligence events). Under certain circumstances, Portfolio advisors/subadvisors or other organizations with which we do business ("Entities") may also receive incidental non-cash compensation, such as occasional meals and nominal gifts. The amount of this non-cash compensation varies widely because some may encompass only a single event, such as a conference, and others have a much broader scope.

Cash and/or non-cash compensation may not be offered to all Firms and Entities and the terms of such compensation may differ between Firms and Entities. In addition, we or our affiliates may provide such compensation, payments and/or incentives to Firms or Entities arising out of the marketing, sale and/or servicing of variable annuities or life insurance offered by us.

A list of the firms to whom we pay an amount under these arrangements is provided below. You should note that firms and individual registered representatives and branch managers within some firms participating in one of these compensation arrangements might receive greater compensation for selling one annuity than for selling a different annuity that is not eligible for these compensation arrangements. While compensation is generally considered as an expense in considering the charges applicable to an annuity product, any such compensation will be paid by us or PAD and will not result in any additional charge to you. Your registered representative can provide you with more information about the compensation arrangements that apply to your Annuity. Further information about the firms that are part of these compensation arrangements appears in the Statement of Additional Information, which is available without charge upon request.

With respect to all individual annuities issued by the Company (or its affiliates as of the time periods indicated), PAD received commissions as follows: 2025: $93,371,339.40; 2024: $104,252,728.14 and 2023: $98,619,373.99. PAD retained none of those commissions.

The list below includes the names of the firms that we are aware as of December 31, 2025 received cash compensation with respect to our annuity business during 2025 (or as to which a payment amount was accrued during 2025). The firms listed below include those receiving payments in connection with marketing of products issued by Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company. During 2025, the least amount paid, and greatest amount paid, were $1.50 and $6,376,139.77, respectively.

**Name of Firm:**

---

| |
|:---|
| Allstate Financial Srvcs, LLC |
| Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. |
| Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. |
| Centaurus Financial, Inc. |
| Cetera Advisor Network LLC |
| Commonwealth Financial Network |
| Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc |
| Equitable Advisors, LLC |
| Equity Services, Inc. |
| Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. |
| Grove Point Investments |
| Hantz Financial Services, Inc. |

---

---

| |
|:---|
| Kestra Financial, Inc. |
| Lincoln Investment Planning |
| LPL Financial Corporation |
| M Holdings Securities, Inc |
| MML Investors Services, Inc. |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney |
| Next Financial Group, Inc. |
| Osaic Financial Advisors |
| Osaic Financial Securities |
| OSAIC Wealth |
| PNC Investments, LLC |
| Raymond James Financial Svcs |

---

---

| |
|:---|
| RBC CAPITAL MARKETS CORPORATION |
| Stifel Nicolaus & Co. |
| TFS Securities, Inc. |
| The Investment Center |
| TransAmerica Financial Advisors, Inc. |
| UBS Financial Services, Inc. |
| United Planners Fin. Serv. |
| Wells Fargo Advisors LLC |
| WELLS FARGO ADVISORS LLC – WEALTH |
| Wells Fargo Investments |

---

**MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX**

If there has been a misstatement of the age and/or sex of any person upon whose life annuity payments or the minimum death benefit is based, we make adjustments to conform to the facts. As to annuity payments: (a) any underpayments by us will be remedied on the next payment following correction; and (b) any overpayments by us will be charged against future amounts payable by us under your Annuity.

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**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The financial statements of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B are incorporated into this Statement of Additional Information by reference to the latest financial statements on [Form N-VPFS for the Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B as filed with the SEC on April 27, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000082673426000054/a2025-96701fortitudelifein.htm). The financial statements of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company are incorporated by reference to its annual report for the year ending December 31, 2025 on [Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 19, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/881453/000088145326000014/fliac-20251231.htm). Such financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC"), an independent registered public accounting firm. PwC's principal business address is 300 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017-6204.

------

PART C<br>033-87010; 333-290618<br>OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 27. EXHIBITS:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (a) | [Resolution of the board of directors of Depositor authorizing the establishment of Separate Account B filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed March 2, 1998.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-98-000009.txt) |
| (b) | Not applicable. Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company maintains custody of all assets. |
| (c)(1) | [Revised Principal Underwriting Agreement between Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation and Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to Registration Statement No. 333-96577, filed April 21, 2006.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000119312506085512/dex993a.txt) |
| (2) | [Form of Revised Dealer Agreement filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 24, 1998.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-98-000063.txt) |
| (3) | [First Amendment to Principal Underwriting Agreement between Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Company ("Company"), and Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. ("Distributor"), filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement No. 333-96577, filed September 23, 2011.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000088145311000045/underwriter_agreement.htm) |
| (d)(1) | [Copy of the Annuity filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 3 to this Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 1996.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-96-000051.txt) |
| (2) | [Copy of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Endorsement filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 1999.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-99-000027.txt) |
| (3) | [Copy of Performance-related Benefits and First Year Credits Endorsement filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 1999.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-99-000027.txt) |
| (4) | [Copy of percent Death Benefit Endorsement filed via EDGAR with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-49478, filed February 14, 2001.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000088145301000061/0000881453-01-000061-0005.htm) |
| (e) | [A copy of the application form used with the Annuity filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed March 2, 1998.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-98-000009.txt) |
| (f)(1) | [Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company, effective May 24, 2022 filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Registration Statement No. 033-87010 filed April 26, 2023.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000082673423000082/vail-palacarticlesconfor.htm) |
| (2) | [Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company, effective April 1, 2022 filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Registration Statement No. 033-87010 filed April 26, 2023.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000082673423000082/vail-amendedandrestatedb.htm) |
| (g)(1) | [Transamerica Occidental Life Assurance Company effective May 1, 1995, filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 1996.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-96-000051.txt) |
| (2) | [PaineWebber Life Insurance Company effective January 1, 1995, filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 1996.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-96-000051.txt) |
| (3) | [Connecticut General Life Insurance Company effective January 1, 1995, filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 1996.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-96-000051.txt) |
| (4) | [Service Agreement and Indemnity Combination Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement of Certain Annuity Contracts Between Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Filed Herewith.](asapii-efp23901_ex99g4.htm) |
| (h)(1) | [Advanced Series Trust Participation Agreement dated January 18, 2022 filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 19, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000082673422000066/ast-palacparticipationag.htm) |
| (2) | [The Montgomery Funds III filed via EDGAR in the Initial Registration Statement to Registration Statement No. 333-08853, filed July 25, 1996.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/916725/0000881453-96-000116.txt) |
| (3) | [Rydex Variable Trust filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 1999.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/0000881453-99-000027.txt) |
| (4) | [First Defined Portfolio Fund LLC filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registration Statement No. 33-86866, filed April 26, 2000.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/933426/000088145300000110/0000881453-00-000110.txt) |
| (5) | [Evergreen Variable Annuity Trust filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 2000.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000088145300000108/0000881453-00-000108.txt) |

---

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (6) | [INVESCO Variable Investment Funds, Inc. filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 2000.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000088145300000108/0000881453-00-000108.txt) |
| (7) | [ProFunds VP filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 26, 2000.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000088145300000108/0000881453-00-000108.txt) |
| (8) | [The Prudential Series Fund Participation Agreement dated January 18, 2022 filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 19, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000082673422000066/psf-palacparticipationag.htm) |
| (9) | [ProFunds VP Amendment No. 2 filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement No. 333-96577, filed April 20, 2007.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000119312507086454/dex998j.txt) |
| (10) | [Rule 22c-2 Agreement via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement No. 333-96577, filed April 20, 2007.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000119312507086454/dex998k.txt) |
| (11) | [Notice re change of Depositor name to Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation filed via EDGAR to Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to Registration Statement No. 333-96577, filed April 17, 2008.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000119312508083485/dex998l.txt) |
| (i)(1) | [Third Party Administration Agreement by and between Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation and The Prudential Insurance Company of America effective as of April 1, 2022 filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 19, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000082673422000066/projectvail-thirdpartyad.htm) |
| (2) | [109 Plan Third Party Administration Agreement by and between Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation and The Prudential Insurance Company of America effective as of April 1, 2022 filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement No. 33-87010, filed April 19, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826734/000082673422000066/projectvail-109tpa.htm) |
| (j) | Not Applicable |
| (k) | [Opinion and Consent of Counsel Filed Herewith.](asapii-efp23901_ex99k.htm) |
| (l) | [Written Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Filed Herewith](asapii-efp23901_ex99l.htm) |
| (m) | Not Applicable |
| (n) | Not Applicable |
| (o) | Not Applicable |
| (p) | [Powers of Attorney: Ciara A. Burnham. Jeffrey T. Condit, Douglas A. French, Dan Guilbert, Greta Hager, Alon Neches, Brian T. Schreiber, and Samuel J. Weinhoff. Filed Herewith.](asapii-efp23901_ex99p.htm) |
| (q) | Not Applicable |
| (r) | Not Applicable |

---

------

ITEM 28. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME AND PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS** **\*** | **POSITION AND OFFICES WITH INSURANCE COMPANY** |
| Jeffrey S. Burman | Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary |
| Ciara A. Burnham | Director |
| Jeffrey Condit | Principal Accounting Officer |
| Sean F. Coyle | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
| Dan Guilbert | Director |
| Douglas A. French | Director |
| Greta Hager | Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer, Director |
| Alon Neches | President and Chief Executive Officer, Director |
| Richard Patching | Director |
| Brian T. Schreiber | Chairman, and Director |
| Samuel J. Weinhoff | Director |

---

\* The address of each Director and Officer named is Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302.

ITEM 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT:

---

| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FGH Parent, L.P. (Bermuda)<sup>(1)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortitude Group Holdings, LLC (Delaware) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortitude U.S. Reinsurance Company (Arizona)<br>Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Bermuda) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortitude Re Investments, LLC (Delaware) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortitude Group Services, Inc. (Delaware)<br>Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions, Inc. (Delaware)<br>Fortitude P&C Solutions, Inc. (Delaware)<br>Fortitude Casualty Insurance Company (Arizona)<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company (Arizona) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B (Arizona)<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account E (Arizona)<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account F (Arizona)<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Index Strategies Separate Account (Arizona)<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account D (Arizona)<br>Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account Q (Arizona) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortitude International Ltd. (Bermuda) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortitude International Reinsurance Ltd. (Bermuda)<br>Fortitude Group Services Ltd. (Bermuda) |

---

1. This
 organizational chart is presented on the basis of FGH Parent, L.P. being the ultimate controlling party of the Fortitude Re group of companies.
 This organizational chart does not include
 limited partners of limited partnerships and non-managing members of limited liability companies and wholly owned investment subsidiary
 subcompanies. The general partner of
 FGH Parent, L.P. does not have control over FGH Parent, L.P. and is therefore excluded from this organizational chart. This organizational
 chart does not include other Carlyle portfolio
 company investments or other entities through which such investments are made.

ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION:

Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company (the Company), in conjunction with certain of its affiliates, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a trustee, director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company, or who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of such other affiliated trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against and incurred by him or her arising out of his or her position with such trust or corporation.

Arizona, the state of organization of the Company, permits entities organized under its jurisdiction to indemnify directors and officers with certain limitations. The relevant provisions of Arizona law permitting indemnification can be found in Section 10-850 et. seq. of the Arizona Statutes Annotated. The text of the Company's By-law, Article VI relates to indemnification of officers and directors.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or

------

paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

ITEM 31. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (PAD)

PAD serves as principal underwriter for variable annuities issued by the Company, among other insurers. The separate account, through which the variable annuities are issued, is the Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B. In addition, PAD serves as principal underwriter for variable annuities issued by Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. The separate accounts of those insurance companies are the Pruco Life Flexible Premium Variable Annuity Account, the Pruco Life of New Jersey Flexible Premium Variable Annuity Account, The Prudential Qualified Individual Variable Contract Account, The Prudential Individual Variable Contract Account, Prudential's Annuity Plan Account, Prudential's Investment Plan Account, and Prudential's Annuity Plan Account-2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Information concerning the directors and officers of PAD is set forth below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME** | **POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER** |
| Suzanne Amari<br>One Corporate Drive<br>Shelton, Connecticut 06484 | Director |
| Kevin M. Brayton<br>280 Trumbull Street<br>Hartford, Connecticut 06103 | Senior Vice President and Director |
| Tracey Carroll<br>One Corporate Drive<br>Shelton, CT 06484 | President and Director |
| Jessica Conley<br>600 Office Center Drive Apex Office Park<br> Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034 | Vice President |
| Markus Coombs<br>655 Broad Street<br>Newark, New Jersey 07102 | Director |
| Scott P. Haggerty<br>One Corporate Drive<br>Shelton, CT 06484 | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| Tiffany Khan<br>751 Broad Street<br>Newark, New Jersey 07102 | Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
| Donald Mallavia<br>One Corporate Drive<br>Shelton, Connecticut 06484 | Director |
| Shane T. McGrath<br>One Corporate Drive<br>Shelton, Connecticut 06484 | Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President |
| Frank Papasavas<br>655 Broad Street<br>Newark, New Jersey 07102 | Treasurer |
| Robert P. Smit<br>751 Broad Street<br>Newark, New Jersey 07102 | Chief Financial Officer and Controller |
| Jordan Thomsen<br>751 Broad Street<br>Newark, New Jersey 07102 | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |

---

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(c) Commissions received by PAD during 2025 with respect to all individual annuities issued by the Company.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| NAME OF PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER | NET UNDERWRITING<br>DISCOUNTS AND<br>COMMISSIONS | COMPENSATION ON<br>REDEMPTION | BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS | OTHER<br>COMPENSATION |
| Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.\* | $93371339.40 | $-0- | $-0- | $-0- |

---

\* PAD did not retain any of these commissions.

ITEM 31A. INFORMATION ABOUT CONTRACTS WITH INDEX-LINKED OPTIONS AND FIXED OPTIONS SUBJECT TO A CONTRACT ADJUSTMENT:

(a) As of December 31, 2025:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of the Contract** | **Number of** **Contracts** **Outstanding** | **Total Value** **Attributable to** **the** **Index-Linked** **Option and/or** **Fixed Option** **subject to an** **Adjustment** | **Number of** **Contracts Sold** **During the Prior** **Calendar Year** | **Gross** **Premiums** **Received** **During the Prior** **Calendar Year** | **Amount of** **Contract Value** **Redeemed** **During the Prior** **Calendar Year** | **Combination** **Contract** |
|  Advanced Series Advisor Plan II | 11378 | $8288809.95 | 0 | $548643.00 | $-59130283.00 | Yes |
|  Advanced Series Advisor Plan II Premier | 30 | $0.00 | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Yes |
|  Harvester Variable Annuity | 48 | $138209.00 | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Yes |

---

(b) Not Applicable

ITEM 32. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS:

Provided in the Registered Separate Account's most recent report on Form N-CEN.

ITEM 33. MANAGEMENT SERVICES:

None.

ITEM 34. FEE REPRESENTATION AND UNDERTAKINGS:

(a) With regard to the offering of the Variable Options, the Company hereby represents that the fees and charges deducted under the contracts described in this registration statement, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by the Company.

(b) With regard to the offering of the MVA Fixed Allocation under this registration statement, the Company undertakes:

○ To
 file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any
 prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; and

○ That,
 for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
 registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
 be the initial bona
 fide offering thereof.

------

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Jersey City and State of New Jersey on this 27th day of April 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY VARIABLE ACCOUNT B<br>(REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT) | FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY VARIABLE ACCOUNT B<br>(REGISTERED SEPARATE ACCOUNT) |
| By: | Alon Neches\* |
|  | Alon Neches |
|  | President and Chief Executive Officer, Director |
| FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY<br>(INSURANCE COMPANY) | FORTITUDE LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY<br>(INSURANCE COMPANY) |
| By: | Alon Neches\* |
|  | Alon Neches |
|  | President and Chief Executive Officer, Director |

---

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  SIGNATURE | TITLE |  |
|  Ciara A. Burnham\*<br> Ciara A. Burnham | Director | April 27, 2026 |
|  Jeffrey T. Condit\*<br> Jeffrey T. Condit | Principal Accounting Officer | April 27, 2026 |
|  Douglas A. French\*<br> Douglas A. French | Director | April 27, 2026 |
|  Dan Guilbert\*<br> Dan Guilbert | Director | April 27, 2026 |
|  Greta Hager\*<br> Greta Hager | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Director<br>(Principal Financial Officer) | April 27, 2026 |
|  Alon Neches\*<br> Alon Neches | President and Chief Executive Officer, Director<br>(Principal Executive Officer) | April 27, 2026 |
|  Richard Patching | Director |  |
|  Brian T. Schreiber\*<br> Brian T. Schreiber | Chairman, Director | April 27, 2026 |
|  Samuel J. Weinhoff\*<br> Samuel J. Weinhoff | Director | April 27, 2026 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Richard E. Buckley |
|  | Richard E. Buckley |

---

\* Executed by Richard E. Buckley on behalf of those indicated pursuant to Power of Attorney.

------

## Ex-99.(G)(4)

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## Ex-99.(K)

April 27, 2026

VIA EDGAR

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20549

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **RE:** | **Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** |
|  | **Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** |
|  | **Registration Statements on Form N-4** |
|  | **File Nos. 333-290618; 033-87010 and 811-05438** |

---

Members of the Commission:

I have acted as counsel to Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company (the "Company") in connection with the above-referenced Registration Statements on Form N-4. Such Registration Statements relate to the contracts, riders, and endorsements (collectively, the "Contracts") for the variable annuity contracts and related Market Value Adjusted Fixed Allocation Investment Option described therein.

I have examined or caused to be examined such corporate records and other documents, and reviewed or caused to be reviewed such questions of law, as I considered necessary and appropriate for the purpose of rendering this opinion. In connection therewith, I have reviewed the establishment and continued existence of the Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Account (the "MVA Account"), an unregistered non-unitized separate account for assets applicable to the Market Value Adjusted Fixed Allocation Investment Option under the Contracts, and the establishment and continued existence of the Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B (the "Variable Separate Account"), a registered unitized separate account for assets applicable to the variable investment options under the Contracts.

On the basis of such examination and review, it is my opinion that:

(1) the Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing as a stock life insurance company under the laws of the State of Arizona and is duly authorized by the Insurance Department of that state to issue the Contracts;

(2) the MVA Account has been duly created and is a validly existing non-unitized separate account of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the State of Arizona law;

(3) the Variable Separate Account has been duly created and is a validly existing unitized separate account of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the State of Arizona law;

(4) to the extent so provided under the Contracts, that portion of the assets of the Variable Separate Account equal to the reserves and other contract liabilities with respect to the Variable Separate Account, will not be chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that the Company may conduct; and

(5) the Contracts and interests therein when issued in accordance with the Registration Statements will, when sold, constitute legally-issued and binding obligations of the Company.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statements. In giving this opinion and consent, I am not admitting that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933.

Sincerely,

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Richard E. Buckley |
| Richard E. Buckley |

---

**Richard E. Buckley**

Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel

Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company

Ten Exchange Place, Suite 2210

Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

T +1 (615) 981 8801

richard.buckley@fortitude-re.com

## Ex-99.(L)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 (No. 033-87010) (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated March 19, 2026 relating to the financial statements of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company and consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of our report dated April 27, 2026 relating to the financial statements of each of the subaccounts of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B indicated in our report. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Financial Statements" in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

April 27, 2026

## Ex-99.(P)

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 29, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Ciara A. Burnham |
| Ciara A. Burnham |
| Director |

---

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 16, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Jeffrey T. Condit |
| Jeffrey T. Condit |
| Principal Accounting Officer |

---

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 16, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Douglas A. French |
| Douglas A. French |
| Director |

---

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 16, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Daniel Guilbert |
| Daniel Guilbert |
| Director |

---

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 16, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Greta Hager |
| Greta Hager |
| Director, Executive Vice President and |
| Chief Financial Officer |

---

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 17, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Alon Neches |
| Alon Neches |
| Director, President and |
| Chief Executive Officer |

---

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 23, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Brian T. Schreiber |
| Brian T. Schreiber |
| Director and Chairman |

---

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY</u>**

The undersigned, being a director or officer of Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company ("FLIAC"), constitutes and appoints Richard Buckley and Jeffrey Burman, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, and to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with where applicable: Registration statements of the appropriate forms prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other periodic documents and reports required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all amendments thereto executed on behalf of FLIAC filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Registrations listed below:

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company** Registration Nos.:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 333-274022 | 333-290618 |
| 333-274023 | 333-290619 |
| 333-274024 | 333-290620 |
| 333-274025 | 333-290621 |
| 333-274026 | 333-290622 |
| 333-274027 | 333-290623 |
| 333-290617 | 333-290624 |

---

**Fortitude Life Insurance & Annuity Company Variable Account B** Registration No.: 811-05438

and its **Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts** Registration Nos.:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 033-62793 | 033-87010 | 333-08853 |
| 333-71654 | 333-71672 | 333-71834 |
| 333-96577 | 333-150220 | 333-152411 |
| 333-236099 | 333-252773 |  |

---

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 16, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Samuel J. Weinhoff |
| Samuel J. Weinhoff |
| Director |

---