<PAGE>
THE AARP VARIABLE ANNUITY
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
P.O. BOX 7005
PASADENA, CA 91109-7005
TELEPHONE: 1-800-923-3334
This Prospectus describes the AARP Variable Annuity, a group flexible premium
variable annuity contract. American Maturity Life Insurance Company ("American
Maturity" or "Company" or "We" or "Us") offers the AARP Variable Annuity by
issuing you a Certificate or Contract ("Certificate") if you are eligible. We
offer the Certificate to members of the American Association of Retired Persons
("AARP") for retirement planning purposes. We allocate premium payments for each
Certificate to Sub-Accounts of American Maturity's Separate Account AMLVA
("Separate Account"), or American Maturity's General Account. The following
Sub-Accounts are currently available:
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO of the Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund
BOND PORTFOLIO of the Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund
BALANCED PORTFOLIO of the Janus Aspen Series
CAPITAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO of the Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO of the Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund
PARTNERS PORTFOLIO OF Neuberger&Berman Advisers Management Trust
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO of the Janus Aspen Series
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This Prospectus provides information you should know before purchasing a
Certificate. You should read this Prospectus carefully and keep it for future
reference. We sent additional information about the Separate Account to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. It is called the Statement of Additional
Information, and we will send a copy to you without charge if you write or call
Us at the address or telephone number listed above. The Table of Contents for
the Statement of Additional Information is reproduced on page 30 of this
Prospectus. The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference
to this Prospectus.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE CERTIFICATE IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY,
ANY BANK. IT IS NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
INVESTMENT IN A CERTIFICATE INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
THE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES AND THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH AN OFFER MAY NOT BE MADE
LAWFULLY. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS OTHER THAN
THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE RELATED STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION (OR ANY SALES LITERATURE APPROVED BY AMERICAN MATURITY), AND ANY
SUCH UNAUTHORIZED INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SHOULD NOT BE
RELIED UPON.
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PROSPECTUS DATED: MAY 1, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED: MAY 1, 1998
<PAGE>
2 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
DEFINITIONS........................................................... 3
SUMMARY............................................................... 5
FEE TABLE............................................................. 6
AMERICAN MATURITY, THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT, THE FUNDS AND THE GENERAL
ACCOUNT.............................................................. 10
American Maturity Life Insurance Company............................ 10
Separate Account AMLVA.............................................. 10
The Funds........................................................... 11
Investment Advisers to the Funds.................................... 12
The General Account................................................. 12
Performance Related Information..................................... 12
THE CERTIFICATE....................................................... 13
What is the Certificate?............................................ 13
How to Apply for Your Certificate................................... 13
Making Your Premium Payments........................................ 13
How Your Payments are Invested...................................... 13
Certificate Value................................................... 14
Transfers Between the Sub-Accounts/Fixed Account.................... 14
Charges Under the Certificates...................................... 15
Death Benefits...................................................... 17
Surrenders.......................................................... 17
Annuity Benefits.................................................... 18
Annuity Options..................................................... 19
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS............................................ 20
MISCELLANEOUS......................................................... 24
Voting Rights....................................................... 24
How the Certificates are Sold....................................... 25
Custodian of Separate Account Assets................................ 25
Assignment.......................................................... 25
Rights of Annuitant and Certificate Owner(s)........................ 25
Modification of Group Contract and Certificates Thereunder.......... 25
Change in the Operation of the Separate Account..................... 26
Legal Matters and Experts........................................... 26
Additional Information.............................................. 26
APPENDIX I -- INFORMATION REGARDING TAX-QUALIFIED PLANS............... 27
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............. 30
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 3
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DEFINITIONS
In this Prospectus, "We," "Our," "Us," or "the Company" refers to American
Maturity Life Insurance Company ("American Maturity"). "You" and "your" refer to
the Certificate Owner.
ACCUMULATION UNIT -- A unit of measure used to calculate the value of a
Sub-Account of a Certificate before the Annuity Commencement Date.
ADMINISTRATION CHARGE -- A dollar amount We deduct to cover administrative
expenses. This charge is an annual percentage. It will be shown on your
Certificate on the page entitled "Certificate Specifications."
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COMPANY -- See "Miscellaneous -- Additional
Information," page 26, for address information.
ANNUAL FEE -- An amount that is deducted from your Certificate at the end of
each Certificate Year before the Annuity Commencement Date, or on the date of
full surrender of the Certificate, if earlier.
ANNUITANT -- The person on whose life an annuity is purchased.
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE -- The date on which your selected annuity option, to
receive regular annuity payments, becomes effective.
ANNUITY UNIT -- A unit of measure used to calculate the value of annuity
payments under the variable annuity option.
BENEFICIARY -- The person entitled to receive benefits according to the terms of
the Contract in case of the death of a Certificate Owner or Annuitant, as
applicable.
BUSINESS DAY -- Every day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The
end of the Business Day is the close of the New York Stock Exchange. The New
York Stock Exchange normally closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.
CERTIFICATE -- Your annuity policy. The Certificate is issued by Us to you. It
is evidence that you, or someone on your behalf, made a premium payment under
the group contract issued by Us to the AARP Group Annuity Trust.
CERTIFICATE ANNIVERSARY -- An anniversary of the Certificate Date. Similarly,
Certificate Years are measured from the Certificate Date. The Certificate Date
will be shown on your Certificate on the page entitled "Certificate
Specifications."
CERTIFICATE DATE -- The effective date of the Certificate (the date on which
your annuity takes effect).
CERTIFICATE OWNER -- The owner(s) of the Certificate, sometimes referred to as
"you."
CERTIFICATE VALUE -- The value of the Sub-Account(s) plus the value of the Fixed
Account on any Business Day.
CERTIFICATE YEAR -- Each 12-month period starting on the Certificate Date and
ending the day before each Certificate Anniversary.
CODE -- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
COMPANY -- American Maturity Life Insurance Company, sometimes referred to as
"We" or "Us."
CONTINGENT ANNUITANT -- The person designated by you who, upon the Annuitant's
death prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, becomes the Annuitant.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- A charge that may be deducted from Your
Certificate Value if you make withdrawals from your Certificate within a certain
number of years.
CONTRACT OWNER -- The AARP Group Annuity Trust.
DUE PROOF OF DEATH -- A certified copy of the death certificate, an order of a
court of competent jurisdiction, a statement from a physician who attended the
deceased, or any other proof acceptable to Us.
ENROLLMENT FORM -- A form you completed in order to purchase a Certificate.
FIXED ACCOUNT -- An investment option that earns a rate of interest of at least
3% per year. Amounts invested in the Fixed Account become part of Our General
Account.
FUND(S) -- The underlying investments contained in each Sub-Account of the
Separate Account.
GENERAL ACCOUNT -- All assets of the Company other than those allocated to the
Separate Accounts of the Company.
GROSS SURRENDER VALUE -- The Certificate Value (dollar amount) to be deducted
from your Certificate when you make a full or partial surrender.
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE -- A dollar amount we deduct from the
Sub-Accounts to cover risks of administrative expenses and mortality. This
charge is an annual percentage.
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR -- A factor used to determine the value of Accumulation
Units or Annuity Units each day.
NET SURRENDER VALUE -- The amount payable to you on a full or partial surrender
after the deduction for any unpaid Taxes, Annual Fee (for full surrenders only),
and any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.
NON-QUALIFIED CERTIFICATE -- A Certificate other than a Qualified Certificate.
QUALIFIED CERTIFICATE -- A Certificate that qualifies under the Code as an
Individual Retirement Annuity ("IRA"), or a Certificate purchased by a Qualified
Plan, qualifying for special tax treatment under the Code.
<PAGE>
4 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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QUALIFIED PLAN -- A retirement plan that receives favorable tax treatment under
Section 401, 403(a), 403(b), 408 or 547 of the Code.
SEC -- Securities and Exchange Commission, which is a federal regulatory body
authorized by Congress.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT -- An account established by Us to separate the assets funding
the variable benefits for the class of contracts to which this Certificate
belongs from the other assets of the Company. The assets in the Separate Account
are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business We may
conduct.
SUB-ACCOUNT -- The subdivisions of the Separate Account. You purchase units of
the Sub-Accounts to participate in the investment experience of the underlying
Funds.
SURRENDER -- A full or partial withdrawal from your Certificate.
TAXES -- The amount of tax, if any, charged by a federal, state or municipal
entity on premium payments or Certificate Values. Premium taxes imposed by some
states currently range up to 3.5%.
VALUATION PERIOD -- The period between the close of business on successive
Business Days.
WE, OUR, US -- American Maturity Life Insurance Company.
YOU, YOUR -- The Certificate Owner(s).
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 5
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SUMMARY
THIS BRIEF DESCRIPTION IS ONLY AN OVERVIEW OF THE MORE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF
THE CERTIFICATE. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND IN SUBSEQUENT SECTIONS
OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFICATE? The AARP Variable Annuity (the "Certificate") is a
long-term financial planning device offered to eligible members of the American
Association of Retired Persons. The Certificate permits you to invest on a
tax-deferred basis for retirement or other long-range goals, and to receive a
series of regular payments for life or a period of years. The Certificate is
also available for Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs). (See "The
Certificate," page 13.)
HOW DO I PURCHASE A CERTIFICATE? Generally, you may purchase a Certificate
by completing an Enrollment Form and submitting it with your initial premium
payment to Us for approval. Initially you must invest at least $5,000 (or $2,500
if you enroll in our pre-authorized checking plan with scheduled contributions
of $100 per month). If you wish, you may make additional investments of at least
$250 (or $100 if enrolled in our pre-authorized checking plan).
For a limited time, usually ten days after you receive it, you may cancel
your Certificate without withdrawal charges. (See "The Certificate -- Making
Your Premium Payments," page 13.)
WHAT ARE MY INVESTMENT OPTIONS? You select your own investment options. The
underlying investments for the Certificate are certain shares of the Dreyfus
Variable Investment Fund, the Janus Aspen Series, Neuberger&Berman Advisers
Management Trust, and the Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund, all which are
series investment companies with multiple portfolios ("the Funds") and the Fixed
Account. The available Funds are listed on page 11.
WHAT CHARGES WILL I PAY? We charge an Administrative Fee of 0.20% per year,
and a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge of 0.65% per year against amounts held
in the Separate Account. Amounts held in the Separate Account are also subject
to the fees and expenses imposed on the corresponding Funds. Before the Annuity
Commencement Date, or at the time of a full withdrawal, if your Certificate
Value is less than $50,000, We charge an Annual Fee of $25. Withdrawals of
premium payments may be subject to a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge if you
withdraw money before your Certificate has been in effect for five years. This
Charge is determined by the amount of your withdrawal and declines over time
from your original purchase date of the Certificate. We may waive the Charge
under certain circumstances. You may also be subject to other fees. (See "The
Certificate -- Charges Under the Certificates," page 15.)
CAN I WITHDRAW MY CERTIFICATE VALUE? Subject to any applicable charges, you
may withdraw all or part of your Certificate at any time on or prior to your
Annuity Commencement Date starting 30 days after your Certificate is issued.
Withdrawals may be subject to tax and, in certain circumstances, a tax penalty.
Each year you may withdraw up to 10% of remaining premium payments without the
assessment of a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. (See "The Certificate --
Surrenders," page 17.)
DOES THE CERTIFICATE HAVE A DEATH BENEFIT? There is a Death Benefit if the
Annuitant or Certificate Owner or Joint Certificate Owner dies before the
Annuity Commencement Date. (See "The Certificate -- Death Benefits," page 17.)
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE ANNUITY OPTIONS UNDER THE CERTIFICATE? There are five
Annuity Options described on page 19. You may not defer the Annuity Commencement
Date beyond the Annuitant's 90th birthday (or earlier in some states). If you do
not tell Us otherwise, We will elect the Fifth Annuity Option to provide a
Payment for a Designated Period for 5 years on the Annuity Commencement Date for
you.
HOW DO I REACH AMERICAN MATURITY? You can reach our service representatives
at 1-800-923-3334. See "Miscellaneous -- Additional Information," page 26, for
address information.
<PAGE>
6 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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FEE TABLE
CERTIFICATE OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of premium
payments)....................................................... None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of premium
payments).......................................................
First Year (1).................................................. 5%
Second Year (1)................................................. 4%
Third Year (1).................................................. 3%
Fourth Year (1)................................................. 2%
Fifth Year (1).................................................. 1%
Sixth Year (1).................................................. 0%
Transfer Fee (2)................................................ None
Withdrawal Fee (3).............................................. None
Annual Maintenance Fee (4)...................................... $25
</TABLE>
- ---------
(1) Length of time from purchase date in years.
(2) We reserve the right to impose a transaction fee in the future of up to
$15.00 per transfer in excess of 12 in any Certificate Year. See "The
Contract -- Transfers Between the Sub-Accounts/Fixed Account," page 14.
(3) We reserve the right to impose a withdrawal fee in the future of up to
$15.00 per withdrawal on withdrawals in excess of 12 in any Certificate
Year. See "The Certificate -- Surrenders," page 17.
(4) This fee will be charged at the end of each Certificate Year prior to your
Annuity Commencement Date and at the time of a full withdrawal unless your
Certificate Value is at least $50,000 on that date.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average account value)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.................................................................... 0.65%
Administration Fee................................................................................... 0.20%
---
Total Separate Account Expenses...................................................................... 0.85%
---
---
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 7
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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets
after any Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL FUND
MANAGEMENT OTHER OPERATING
FEE EXPENSES EXPENSES
---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Money Market Portfolio (Scudder VLIF)........... 0.370% 0.090% 0.460%
Bond Portfolio (Scudder VLIF)................... 0.480% 0.140% 0.620%
Balanced Portfolio (Janus) (1).................. 0.760% 0.070% 0.830%
Capital Growth Portfolio (Scudder VLIF)*........ 0.470% 0.040% 0.510%
Growth & Income Portfolio (Scudder VLIF)........ 0.480% 0.100% 0.580%
AMT Partners Portfolio (Neuberger&Berman
Management) (2)............................... 0.800% 0.060% 0.860%
Capital Appreciation Portfolio (Dreyfus)........ 0.750% 0.050% 0.800%
Small Cap Portfolio (Dreyfus)................... 0.750% 0.030% 0.780%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio (Janus) (1).......... 0.660% 0.080% 0.740%
</TABLE>
Other expenses are based on amounts incurred during the most recent fiscal
year or based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
The purpose of the foregoing table (Annual Fund Operating Expenses) is to
assist Certificate Owners in understanding the expenses of the Funds that they
bear directly or indirectly. The expenses relating to the Funds have been
provided to American Maturity by the Funds, and have not been independently
verified by American Maturity. See the sections on charges in the Fund
prospectuses.
- ---------
(1) Janus Aspen Series. The management fees in the table are based on a reduced
fee schedule effective July 1, 1997, as applied to net assets as of December
31, 1997. Other expenses in the table above are based on gross expenses
before expense offset arrangements for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997. The information for the Worldwide Growth and Balanced Portfolios is
net of fee reductions from Janus Capital. Fee reductions for the Worldwide
Growth and Balanced Portfolios reduce the management fee to the level of the
corresponding Janus retail fund. Without such reductions, the Management
Fee, Other Expenses and Total Operating Expenses would have been,
respectively, 0.72%, 0.09% and 0.81% for the Worldwide Growth Portfolio and
0.77%, 0.06% and 0.83% for the Balanced Portfolio. Janus Capital may modify
or terminate the reductions at any time upon at least 90 days notice to the
Trustees of Janus Aspen Series.
(2) Neuberger&Berman Advisers Management Trust. The fees and expenses are based
on fees and expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. The
figures reported under "Management Fees" include the aggregate of the
administration fees paid by the Partners Portfolio and the management fees
paid by the Series of Advisers Managers Trust in which the Partners
Portfolio invests. Similarly "Other Expenses" includes all other expenses of
the Partners Portfolio and the related Series in which the Partners
Portfolio invests. (See "Expenses" in Neuberger&Berman Advisers Management
Trust's prospectus.)
* Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund. Effective August 4, 1997, for any
calendar month during which the average daily net assets of Capital Growth
Portfolio exceed $500,000,000, the fee payable for that month, with respect
to the excess over $500,000,000, is calculated at annual rate of .450%.
<PAGE>
8 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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EXAMPLE
IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD,
YOU WOULD PAY THE FOLLOWING EXPENSES ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT, ASSUMING A 5%
ANNUAL RETURN ON ASSETS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
Money Market Portfolio...................................... $ 64 $ 74
Bond Portfolio.............................................. 66 79
Balanced Portfolio.......................................... 68 86
Capital Growth Portfolio.................................... 65 76
Growth & Income Portfolio................................... 65 78
AMT Partners Portfolio...................................... 68 86
Capital Appreciation Portfolio.............................. 68 85
Small Cap Portfolio......................................... 67 84
Worldwide Growth Portfolio.................................. 67 83
</TABLE>
IF YOU ANNUITIZE YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD,
YOU WOULD PAY THE FOLLOWING EXPENSES ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT, ASSUMING A 5%
ANNUAL RETURN ON ASSETS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
Money Market Portfolio...................................... $ 13 $ 43
Bond Portfolio.............................................. 15 48
Balanced Portfolio.......................................... 17 55
Capital Growth Portfolio.................................... 14 45
Growth & Income Portfolio................................... 15 47
AMT Partners Portfolio...................................... 18 56
Capital Appreciation Portfolio.............................. 17 54
Small Cap Portfolio......................................... 17 53
Worldwide Growth Portfolio.................................. 16 52
</TABLE>
IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE, YOU WOULD PAY THE FOLLOWING
EXPENSES ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT, ASSUMING A 5% ANNUAL RETURN ON ASSETS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
Money Market Portfolio...................................... $ 14 $ 44
Bond Portfolio.............................................. 16 49
Balanced Portfolio.......................................... 18 56
Capital Growth Portfolio.................................... 15 46
Growth & Income Portfolio................................... 15 48
AMT Partners Portfolio...................................... 18 56
Capital Appreciation Portfolio.............................. 18 55
Small Cap Portfolio......................................... 17 54
Worldwide Growth Portfolio.................................. 17 53
</TABLE>
The purpose of this table is to assist you in understanding various costs
and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. The table reflects
expenses of the Separate Account and underlying Funds. For more complete
descriptions of the various costs and expenses involved, see "The Certificate --
Charges under the Certificates," page 15, and see the Fund prospectuses. Premium
taxes may also be applicable. THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. The Annual Expenses of the Funds and the Example are
based on data provided by the respective Funds. We have not independently
verified such data.
The Annual Fee is reflected in the Example, using an assumed Certificate
Value of $35,000. No Annual Fee is deducted from annuitized amounts, or if your
Certificate Value is at least $50,000, or on payment of a death benefit.
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 9
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ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES
(FOR AN ACCUMULATION UNIT OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD)
The following information has been derived from the audited financial
statements of the Separate Account, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen,
LLP, independent accountants, as indicated in their report thereto, and should
be read in conjunction with those statements which are included in the Statement
of Additional Information, which is incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
SUB-ACCOUNTS 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
<S> <C>
SCUDDER MONEY MARKET FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17, 1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $10.348
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 33
SCUDDER BOND FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17, 1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $10.820
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 52
JANUS BALANCED FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17, 1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $11.535
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 26
SCUDDER CAPITAL GROWTH FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17, 1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $12.483
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 45
SCUDDER GROWTH AND INCOME FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17,
1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $12.121
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 170
NEUBERGER&BERMAN PARTNERS FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17,
1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $12.334
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 71
DREYFUS CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17,
1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $11.787
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 110
DREYFUS SMALL CAPITAL FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17, 1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $11.833
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 35
JANUS WORLD WIDE GROWTH FUND (INCEPTION DATE MARCH 17, 1997)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period.............. $ 1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................... $11.406
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of period (in
thousands)................................................. 116
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
10 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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AMERICAN MATURITY, THE SEPARATE
ACCOUNT, THE FUNDS, AND THE
GENERAL ACCOUNT
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
We are American Maturity Life Insurance Company ("American Maturity" or "We"
or "Us"), domiciled in Connecticut. Our principal office is at 200 Hopmeadow
Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06089. However our mailing address is 700 Newport
Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660.
American Maturity is a stock insurance company engaged in the business of
writing annuities. American Maturity was originally incorporated under the name
of First Equicor Life Insurance Company under the laws of California on October
24, 1972. On July 29, 1994 First Equicor Life Insurance Company redomesticated
to Connecticut and changed its name to American Maturity Life Insurance Company.
American Maturity is owned 60% by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company
(domiciled in Connecticut) and 40% by Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
(domiciled in California). Pacific Mutual serves as the administrator of the
Certificates.
The American Association of Retired Persons ("AARP") granted American
Maturity the exclusive right to offer annuity products to the membership of AARP
pursuant to an agreement established July 6, 1994. The agreement requires
American Maturity to maintain minimum capital surplus levels, minimum ratings
from nationally recognized rating services, and generally to obtain AARP's
consent in all matters relating to the offering of annuities to AARP members.
The agreement also includes a shareholder's agreement of American Maturity's
shareholders. In return for the right to use the AARP name, logo and symbol,
American Maturity pays AARP a royalty fee. The royalty fee paid by American
Maturity to AARP is calculated monthly and depends on the average aggregate
value of the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account. The fee decreases as the
average aggregate value in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed Account increases. The
monthly fee for each level of average aggregate value is one twelfth of 0.07 of
1% for the first $6 billion of average aggregate value, 0.06 of 1% for the next
$10 billion and 0.05 of 1% thereafter. The royalty fee is paid by American
Maturity and is not charged against the separate account or otherwise paid
directly by the Certificate Owner. The agreement is effective until December 31,
2004, at which time AARP and American Maturity may or may not renew the
agreement.
Based on its financial soundness and operating performance, American
Maturity has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best Company, Inc., and an
(AA) (Excellent) rating from Standard & Poor's. Based on claims paying ability,
American Maturity has earned an (AA+) (Very High) rating from Duff and Phelps.
These ratings do not apply to the performance of the Separate Account.
However, the contractual obligations under this variable annuity are the general
corporate obligations of American Maturity. These ratings do apply to American
Maturity's ability to meet its insurance obligations under the Certificate.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT AMLVA
Separate Account AMLVA (the "Separate Account") was established on February
28, 1996, in accordance with authorization by Our Board of Directors. It is the
Separate Account in which We set aside and invest the assets attributable to the
Certificates described in this Prospectus. Although the Separate Account is an
integral part of American Maturity, it is registered as a unit investment trust
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This registration does not, however,
involve SEC supervision of the management or the investment practices or
policies of the Separate Account or American Maturity. The Separate Account
meets the definition of "separate account" under federal securities law.
Under Connecticut law, the assets of the Separate Account attributable to
the Certificates offered under this Prospectus are held for the benefit of the
owners of, and the persons entitled to payments under, those Certificates.
Income, gains, and losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated to the
Separate Account, are, in accordance with the Certificates, credited to or
charged against the Separate Account. Also, the assets in the Separate Account
are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business American
Maturity may conduct. So, Certificate Values allocated to the Sub-Accounts will
not be affected by the rate of return of American Maturity's General Account,
nor by the investment performance of any of American Maturity's other separate
accounts. However, all obligations arising under the Certificates are general
corporate obligations of American Maturity.
Your investment in the Separate Account is allocated to one or more
Sub-Accounts as per your specifications. Each Sub-Account is invested
exclusively in the assets of a Fund. Premium payments and proceeds of transfers
between Sub-Accounts are applied to purchase shares in the appropriate Funds at
net asset values determined as of the end of the Business Day during which the
payments were received or the transfer made. All distributions from the Fund are
reinvested at net asset value. The value of your investment will therefore vary
in accordance with the net income and fluctuation in the individual investments
within the underlying Fund. During the variable annuity payout period, both your
annuity payments and reserve values will vary in accordance with these factors.
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Maturity does not guarantee the investment results of the
Sub-Accounts or any of the underlying investments. There is no assurance that
the value of a Certificate during the years prior to retirement or the aggregate
amount of the variable annuity payments will equal the total of premium payments
made under the Certificate. Since each underlying Fund has different investment
objectives, each is subject to different risks. These risks are more fully
described in the accompanying prospectus for each of the Funds.
American Maturity reserves the right to substitute the shares of any other
registered investment company for the shares of any Fund already purchased or to
be purchased in the future by the Separate Account provided that the
substitution has been approved by the SEC.
The investment portfolios of the Funds are available to registered separate
accounts offering variable annuity and variable life products of other
participating insurance companies. Although we do not anticipate any
disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise
between the interest of the Separate Account and one or more of the other
separate accounts participating in the Funds. A conflict may occur due to a
change in law affecting the operations of variable life and variable annuity
separate accounts, differences in voting instructions of our Certifi-
cate Owners and those of other companies, or some other reason. In the event of
a conflict, we will take any steps necessary to protect Certificate Owners. See
the accompanying prospectuses for the Funds for more information.
THE FUNDS
The underlying variable investments for the Certificates are certain shares
of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund, Janus Aspen Series, Neuberger&Berman
Advisers Management Trust, and Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund, all
diversified series investment companies with multiple portfolios. We reserve the
right, subject to compliance with the law, to offer additional funds with
differing investment objectives. The Funds may not be available in all states.
A full description of the Funds, their investment policies and restrictions,
risks, charges and expenses and all other aspects of their operation is
contained in separate prospectuses. Each prospectus should be read in
conjunction with this Prospectus before investing.
The investment objectives of each of the Funds are summarized below. There
is, of course, no assurance that any Fund will meet its objective:
THESE FUNDS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND: INVESTMENT STRATEGY: ADVISER:
------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current Income MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO Seeks stability and current income from a Scudder
portfolio of money market instruments. The Money
Market Portfolio will maintain a dollar-weighted
average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less in
an effort to maintain a constant net asset value
of $1.00 per share.
BOND PORTFOLIO Seeks high income from a high quality portfolio of Scudder
bonds.
Balanced BALANCED PORTFOLIO Seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with Janus
preservation of capital balanced by current
income.
Stock Growth CAPITAL GROWTH Seeks to maximize long-term capital Portfolio Scudder
growth from a portfolio consisting primarily of
equity securities.
GROWTH & INCOME Seeks long-term growth of capital, Portfolio Scudder
current income and growth of income from a
portfolio consisting primarily of common stocks
and securities convertible into common stocks.
PARTNERS PORTFOLIO Seeks capital growth, through an approach that is Neuberger&
designed to increase capital with reasonable risk. Berman
Its investment program seeks securities believed Mgmt. Inc.
to be under-valued based on strong fundamentals
such as low price-to-earnings ratios, consistent
cash flow, and the company's track record through
all parts of the market cycle.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION Seeks to provide long-term capital Portfolio Dreyfus
growth consistent with the preservation of capital
through investments in common stocks of domestic
and foreign issuers; current income is a secondary
investment objective.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
12 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND: INVESTMENT STRATEGY: ADVISER:
------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO Seeks maximum capital appreciation through Dreyfus
investments in common stocks of domestic and
foreign issuers that the investment adviser
considers to be emerging smaller-sized companies.
Global WORLDWIDE GROWTH Seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner Janus
PORTFOLIO consistent with preservation of capital. Pursues
this objective by investing primarily in common
stocks of foreign and domestic issuers.
<CAPTION>
GENERAL ACCOUNT:
-------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Rate FIXED ACCOUNT Seeks guaranteed current interest income. n/a
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT ADVISERS TO THE FUNDS
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Investment adviser for the Capital Appreciation
Portfolio and the Small Cap Portfolio.
JANUS CAPITAL
100 Filmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4923
Investment adviser for the Balanced Portfolio and
the Worldwide Growth Portfolio.
NEUBERGER&BERMAN MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, New York 10158-0180
Investment adviser for the AMT Partners Portfolio.
SCUDDER KEMPER INVESTMENT, INC.
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103
Investment adviser for the Money Market Portfolio,
the Bond Portfolio, the Growth & Income Portfolio,
and Capital Growth Portfolio.
Please see the prospectuses for the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund, Janus
Aspen Series, Neuberger&Berman Advisers Management Trust and Scudder Variable
Life Investment Fund for more information on each investment adviser.
THE GENERAL ACCOUNT
THAT PORTION OF THE CERTIFICATE RELATING TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IS NOT
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ("1933 ACT") AND THE FIXED ACCOUNT
IS NOT REGISTERED AS AN INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF
1940 ("1940 ACT"). ACCORDINGLY, NEITHER THE FIXED ACCOUNT NOR ANY INTERESTS
THEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF THE 1933 ACT OR THE
1940 ACT, AND THE DISCLOSURE REGARDING THE FIXED ACCOUNT HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED
BY THE STAFF OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURE
ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN GENERALLY APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS REGARDING THE ACCURACY AND
COMPLETENESS OF DISCLOSURE.
Premium payments and Certificate Values allocated to the Fixed Account
become a part of Our general assets. We invest the assets of the General Account
in accordance with applicable law governing the investments of insurance company
general accounts.
Currently, We guarantee interest at a rate of not less than 3.0% per year,
compounded annually, to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account. However, We
reserve the right to change the rate according to state insurance law. We may
credit interest at a rate in excess of 3.0% per year; however, We are not
obligated to credit any interest in excess of 3.0% per year. There is no
specific formula for the determination of excess interest credits. Some of the
factors that We may consider in determining whether to credit excess interest to
amounts allocated to the Fixed Account and the amount thereof, are general
economic trends, rates of return currently available and anticipated on Our
investments, regulatory and tax requirements and competitive factors. ANY
INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3% PER
YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF AMERICAN MATURITY. THE OWNER
ACCEPTS THAT INTEREST CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE
MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF 3% FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR.
PERFORMANCE RELATED INFORMATION
The Separate Account may advertise certain performance related information
concerning its Sub-Accounts. Performance information about a Sub-Account is
based on the Sub-Account's past performance only and is no indication of future
performance.
Historical performance information can help you understand how investment
performance can affect your investment in the Sub-Accounts. Although the Sub-
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts are newly-established and have no historical performance, each
Sub-Account will be investing in shares of a Fund that does have historical
performance data. Performance data include total returns for each Sub-Account,
current and effective yields for the Money Market Sub-Account, and yields for
the other fixed income Sub-Accounts. Calculations are in accordance with
standard formulas prescribed by the SEC. Yields do not reflect any charge for
premium taxes and/or other taxes; this exclusion may cause yields to show more
favorable performance. Total returns may or may not reflect withdrawal charges,
Annual Fees or any charge for premium and/or other taxes; data that do not
reflect these charges may have more favorable performance.
The Statement of Additional Information presents some hypothetical
performance data, showing what the performance of each Sub-Account would have
been if it had been investing in the corresponding Fund since that Fund's
inception. The Statement of Additional Information also presents some
performance benchmarks, based on unmanaged market indices, such as the S&P 500,
and on "peer groups," which use other managed funds with similar investment
objectives. These benchmarks may give you a broader perspective when you examine
hypothetical or actual Sub-Account performance.
THE CERTIFICATE
WHAT IS THE CERTIFICATE?
Your AARP Variable Annuity (your "Certificate") provides you with
flexibility in tax-deferred retirement planning or other long-term financial
planning. You may select among the Funds and the Fixed Account. You may add to
your Certificate Value at any time, and your additional investments may be in
any amount you choose (subject to certain limitations). When you annuitize, the
Annuitant will receive a series of variable and/or fixed payments for life or
for a specified period of years.
If you purchase a Certificate with after-tax dollars, your Certificate is
called a "Non-Qualified" Certificate. If your Certificate is purchased through a
Qualified Plan, it is called a "Qualified Certificate". Either way, your
earnings on your Certificate are not subject to tax until amounts are withdrawn
or distributed (including annuity payments).
HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR CERTIFICATE
To purchase a Certificate, fill out an Enrollment Form and submit it along
with your initial Premium payment to American Maturity Life Insurance Company at
P.O. Box 100194, Pasadena, CA 91189-0194. If your Enrollment Form and payment
are complete when received, or once they have been complete, We will issue your
Certificate within the next two Business Days. If some information is missing
from your Enrollment Form, We may delay issuing your Certificate while we obtain
the missing information, however, we will not hold your initial Premium payment
for more than five Business Days without your permission.
If you already own a variable annuity contract, you may purchase a
Certificate by exchanging your existing contract(s). If you are interested in
this option, call Us for more information.
We reserve the right to reject any Enrollment Form or premium payment for
any reason, subject to any applicable state nondiscrimination laws and to our
own standards and guidelines. You must be age 90 or under (85 or under in
Pennsylvania) to purchase a Certificate.
MAKING YOUR PREMIUM PAYMENTS
PREMIUM PAYMENTS -- Your initial premium payment must be at least $5,000.
You may pay this entire amount when you submit your Enrollment Form, or you may
choose our pre-authorized checking plan. If you choose the preauthorized
checking plan, you must make your first installment payment of at least $2,500
when you submit your Enrollment Form, and you must schedule to contribute at
least $100 per month. You must obtain our consent before making an initial or
additional premium payment that will bring your aggregate premium payments over
$1,000,000. You may choose to invest additional amounts in your Certificate at
any time. Each additional premium payment must be at least $250 (or $100 if
enrolled in the preauthorized checking plan).
SHORT TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT ("RIGHT TO EXAMINE") -- If you are not
satisfied with your purchase you may cancel the Certificate by returning it
within ten days (or longer in some states) after you receive it. Your
cancellation request must be in writing. If you choose to cancel, We will pay
you an amount equal to the Certificate Value on the date we receive your
request, without any deduction for the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. You
bear the investment risk of the Certificate before We receive your request for
cancellation. However, in those states where required by law, and for Individual
Retirement Annuities (IRAs), We will refund the premium you paid (rather than
the Certificate Value).
HOW YOUR PAYMENTS ARE INVESTED
Each initial premium payment is credited to your Certificate within two
business days of receipt of a properly completed Enrollment Form by American
Maturity at its Administrative Office. It will be credited to the Sub-Account(s)
and/or the Fixed Account in accordance with your election. If the Enrollment
Form is incomplete when received, once completed each initial premium payment
<PAGE>
14 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
will be credited to the Sub-Account(s) or the Fixed Account within five business
days of receipt. If the initial premium payment is not credited within five
business days, the premium payment will be immediately returned unless you have
been informed of the delay and request that the premium payment not be returned.
Any additional premium payments are credited to your Certificate on the Business
Day We receive your completed request.
If your Certificate is issued in a state which requires the return of
premium upon the exercise of your "Right to Examine," your initial premium
payment to be allocated to any Sub-Account will be allocated to the Money Market
Sub-Account during your "Right to Examine" period. In most cases your initial
premium payment will be allocated to your chosen Sub-Accounts at the end of the
15th calendar day after your Certificate Date. We reserve the right to extend
this period to correspond with the number of days in which your state allows you
to return your Certificate under the "Right to Examine" provision.
The number of Accumulation Units in each Sub-Account to be credited to a
Certificate is determined by dividing the portion of the premium payment being
credited to each Sub-Account by the value of an Accumulation Unit in that
Sub-Account on that date. Subsequent premium payments are priced on the Business
Day received by American Maturity.
CERTIFICATE VALUE
The value of your Sub-Account(s) under your Certificate at any time prior to
the Annuity Commencement Date is determined by multiplying the total number of
Accumulation Units credited to your Certificate in each Sub-Account by the then
current Accumulation Unit values for the applicable Sub-Account. The value of
the Fixed Account under your Certificate will be the amount allocated to the
Fixed Account plus interest credited less withdrawals. You will be advised at
least quarterly of the number of Accumulation Units credited to each
Sub-Account, the current Accumulation Unit values, the Fixed Account value, and
the total value of your Certificate.
The Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account will vary to reflect the
investment experience of the applicable Fund. It will be determined on each
Business Day by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value of the particular
Sub-Account on the preceding Business Day by a "Net Investment Factor" for that
Sub-Account for the Business Day then ended. The "Net Investment Factor" for
each of the Sub-Accounts is equal to the net asset value per share of the
corresponding Fund at the end of the Business Day (plus the per share amount of
any dividends or capital gains distributed by that Fund if the ex-dividend date
occurs in the Business Day then ended) divided by the net asset value per share
of the corresponding Fund at the beginning of the Business Day and subtracting
from that amount the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge and the Administration
Charge. You should refer to the Fund prospectuses for a description of how the
assets of each Fund are valued since each determination has a direct bearing on
the Accumulation Unit value of the Sub-Account and therefore the value of a
Certificate. The Accumulation Unit Value is affected by the performance of the
underlying Fund(s), expenses and deduction of the charges described in this
Prospectus.
The shares of the Fund are valued at net asset value on each Business Day. A
complete description of the valuation method used in valuing Fund shares may be
found in the accompanying prospectuses for the Funds.
American Maturity will determine the value of the Fixed Account by crediting
interest to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account. The minimum Fixed Account
interest rate is 3%, compounded annually. We may not credit a lower minimum
interest rate according to state law. We also may credit interest at rates
greater than the minimum Fixed Account interest rate.
TRANSFERS BETWEEN THE SUB-ACCOUNTS/
FIXED ACCOUNT
TRANSFERS BETWEEN THE SUB-ACCOUNTS AND FIXED ACCOUNT -- You may transfer the
values among your Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account free of charge before the
Annuity Commencement Date.
If the Fixed Account contains amounts credited with different rates of
interest, any transfer from the Fixed Account will reduce each of those amounts
pro rata according to the amount transferred.
We reserve the right to limit transfers. Currently, you may make up to 12
transfers in a Certificate Year, but transfers are not allowed on consecutive
Business Days. We also reserve the right to limit the size of a transfer. We may
restrict, suspend or reject any transfer request. If We decide to allow more
than 12 transfers in a Certificate Year, We may charge a fee for the additional
transfers equal to the lesser of $15 or 2.0% of the amount transferred. This
transfer fee would be deducted from Certificate Values remaining in the
Sub-Account from which the transfer is made. Transfers from the Fixed Account
may be deferred for up to 6 months from the date We receive the request. If any
transfer from the Fixed Account would leave a balance of $500 or less, We will
distribute the entire balance of the Fixed Account to the Sub-Accounts according
to your last allocation instructions.
After the Annuity Commencement Date, you may only transfer among the
Sub-Accounts once per calendar quarter. For any transfer, the minimum allocation
to any Sub-Account may not be less than $500. No transfers may be made between
the General Account and the Sub-Accounts after the Annuity Commencement Date.
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We will send you a written confirmation of any transfer. It will be your
responsibility to verify the accuracy of all confirmations of transfers and to
advise Us of any inaccuracies within 30 days of receipt of the confirmation.
TRANSFERS BY TELEPHONE -- American Maturity may permit you to authorize
transfers among the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account over the telephone. We
will not be responsible for losses resulting from acting upon telephone requests
reasonably believed to be genuine. We will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. All transfer
instructions by telephone are tape recorded.
Transaction instructions we receive by telephone before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time (1:00 p.m. Pacific time), (or the close of the New York Stock Exchange, if
earlier), on any Business Day will normally be effective on that day, and we
will send you written confirmation of each telephone transfer. We cannot
guarantee that you will always be able to reach us to complete a telephone
transaction in the event of busy telephone lines, severe weather conditions, or
other emergencies.
The right to reallocate Certificate Values between the Sub-Accounts is
subject to modification if We determine, in our sole opinion, that the exercise
of that right by one or more Certificate Owners is, or would be, to the
disadvantage of other Certificate Owners. Any modification could be applied to
transfers to or from some or all of the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account and
could include, but not be limited to, the requirement of a minimum time period
between each transfer, not accepting transfer requests of an agent acting under
a power of attorney on behalf of more than one Certificate Owner, or limiting
the dollar amount that may be transferred between the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed
Account by a Certificate Owner at any one time. Such restrictions may be applied
in any manner reasonably designed to prevent any use of the transfer right which
is considered by American Maturity to be to the disadvantage of other
Certificate Owners.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING -- Dollar cost averaging is a method in which
investors buy securities in a series of regular purchases instead of in a single
purchase. This allows the investor to have a lower average security price over
time. This allows the investor to purchase more units in a lower price
environment, and fewer units in a higher price environment. Prior to your
Annuity Commencement Date, you may use dollar cost averaging to transfer
amounts, over time, from any Sub-Account or the Fixed Account with a Certificate
Value of at least $500 to one or more other Sub-Accounts.
FUND REBALANCING -- You may instruct us to maintain a specific balance of
Sub-Accounts under your Certificate (e.g., 30% in one Sub-Account, 40% in
another Sub-Account, and 30% in the last Sub-Account) prior to your Annuity
Commencement Date. Periodically, We will "rebalance" your investment to the
percentage you have specified. Rebalancing may result in transferring amounts
from a Sub-Account earning a relatively higher return to one earning a
relatively lower return. The Fixed Account is not available for rebalancing.
EARNINGS SWEEP -- You may instruct us to make automatic periodic transfers
of your earnings from the Fixed Account to one or more Sub-Accounts (other than
the Money Market Sub-Account).
CHARGES UNDER THE CERTIFICATES
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- There is no deduction for sales expenses
from premium payments when made. However, a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge may
be assessed against Certificate Values if they are withdrawn before the fifth
(5th) Certificate Anniversary and prior to your Annuity Commencement Date. The
length of time from your Certificate Date to the time of surrender determines
the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The charge is a percentage of the Gross
Surrender Value (the amount you withdraw) attributable to premium payments. For
purposes of calculating the charge, premium payments are deemed to be
surrendered before earnings.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CERTIFICATE
YEAR CHARGE
- -------------- ---------
<S> <C>
1 5%
2 4%
3 3%
4 2%
5 1%
6 or greater 0%
</TABLE>
The amount of any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and any charge for
premium taxes and/or other taxes is added to the amount of your withdrawal
request. For example, if you request to withdraw a net amount of $10,000, pay a
5% sales charge, and owe a 1% premium tax, your Certificate Value is reduced by
$10,638.30. Premium payments will be deemed to be surrendered in the order in
which they were received.
If, at the time of a surrender, you own another AARP Variable Annuity
Certificate(s), the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is calculated based on the
purchase date of your oldest Certificate.
Transfers between Sub-Accounts and/or the Fixed Account are not considered
withdrawals of an amount from your Certificate, so no Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge is imposed at the time of such transfers.
AMOUNTS NOT SUBJECT TO THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- No Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge is imposed on amounts withdrawn:
- at annuitization
<PAGE>
16 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- at death
- under the Annual Withdrawal Amount (see below)
- to meet IRS minimum distribution requirements on a qualified contract (see
below)
- while you are confined to a nursing home (see below)
- while your are under age 65 and totally disabled (see below)
- while you have a terminal illness (see below)
ANNUAL WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT -- No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be
assessed against any withdrawals made each Certificate Year, on a non-cumulative
basis, of up to 10% of premium payments remaining in the Certificate as of the
last Certificate Anniversary. Withdrawals in excess of this amount will be
subject to the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.
NURSING HOME WAIVER -- No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be assessed
upon surrenders that occur during your confinement in a facility certified as a
nursing home. Such confinement (1) must have been continuous for at least 90
days before the surrender request; (2) must be at the recommendation of a U.S.
licensed physician; (3) must be for medically necessary reasons and; (4) must be
in effect at the time of the surrender request. In Massachusetts, your nursing
home confinement must also be terminal. This Nursing Home Waiver is not
available in New York.
DISABILITY WAIVER -- No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be assessed
upon surrenders that occur when you are under age 65 and Totally Disabled. You
must provide written proof, satisfactory to us, that you are Totally Disabled.
Totally Disabled means a disability that: (1) results from bodily injury or
disease; (2) begins while the Certificate is in force; (3) has existed
continuously for at least 12 months; and (4) prevents you from engaging in the
substantial and material duties of your regular occupation. During the first 12
months of Total Disability, regular occupation means your usual full time (at
least 30 hours per week) work when Total Disability begins. We reserve the right
to require reasonable proof of such work. After the first 12 months of Total
Disability, regular occupation means that for which you are reasonably qualified
by education, training or experience. This Disability Waiver is not available in
Massachusetts or New York.
TERMINAL ILLNESS -- No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be assessed
upon surrenders that occur when you have been diagnosed with a medical condition
that results in a life expectancy of less than twelve months. You must provide
written proof, satisfactory to us, that you have been diagnosed by a U.S.
licensed physician with a medical determinable condition that results in a life
expectancy of less than twelve months. This Terminal Illness waiver is not
available in New York.
IRS MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS -- No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be
assessed against surrenders necessary to meet the minimum distribution
requirements set forth in Section 401(a) of the Code as such requirements apply
to amounts held under the Certificate if you so specify in writing.
PREMIUM TAXES -- A deduction is made for premium taxes or other taxes
("Taxes"), if applicable, that are imposed by some states or other governmental
entities. Premium taxes imposed by some states currently range up to 3.5%. We
will determine when taxes have resulted from the receipt of premium payments,
the commencement of annuity payments, or the investment experience of the
Separate Account. We may, at our discretion, pay taxes when due and deduct that
amount from the Certificate Value at a later date. Payment at a earlier date
does not waive any right that We may have to deduct amounts at a later date. We
reserve the right to establish a provision for federal income taxes if the
Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it will incur a tax as a result
of the operation of the Separate Account.
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE -- American Maturity will deduct an Annual Fee of $25
at the end of each Certificate year prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, or
at the time you withdraw your entire Certificate Value, if your Certificate
Value is less than $50,000 on either date. The fee is not imposed on amounts you
annuitize or on payment of a death benefit. The fee reimburses a certain number
of our costs in administering the Certificates and the Separate Account; we do
not intend to realize a profit from this fee. Your Annual Fee will be charged
proportionately according to the value in each Sub-Account and the Fixed
Account.
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE -- American Maturity assesses a charge
against the assets of the Separate Account to compensate for certain mortality
and expense risks that we assume under the Certificates (the "Risk Charge").
Mortality risk is the risk that an Annuitant will live longer (and therefore
receive more annuity payments) than we predict through our actuarial
calculations at the time the Certificate is issued. American Maturity also bears
mortality risk in connection with death benefits payable under the Certificates.
Expense risk is the risk that the expense charges and fees under the
Certificates and Separate Account are less than our actual administrative and
operating expenses.
For assuming these risks, We charge 0.65% per year against all Certificate
Values held in the Sub-Accounts during the life of the Certificate.
Risk Charges will stop at annuitization if you select a fixed annuity; Risk
Charges will continue after annuitization
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
if you choose any variable annuity, even though we do not bear mortality risk if
your Annuity Option is Period Certain Only. American Maturity will realize a
gain if the Risk Charge exceeds our actual cost of expenses and benefits, and
will suffer a loss if actual costs exceed the Risk Charge. Any gain will become
part of American Maturity's General Account; we may use it for any reason,
including covering sales expenses on the Certificates.
ADMINISTRATION CHARGE -- American Maturity charges an Administrative Fee as
compensation for costs we incur in operating the Separate Account and issuing
and administering the Certificates, including processing Enrollment Forms and
payments, and issuing reports to Certificate Owners and to regulatory
authorities.
We charge 0.20% per year against all Certificate Values held in the
Sub-Accounts during the life of the Certificate. This fee is assessed daily
during both the accumulation and the annuity periods. A relationship will not
necessarily exist between the actual administrative expenses attributable to a
particular Certificate and the Administrative Fee paid in respect of that
particular Certificate.
EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS -- Your Certificate Value will reflect advisory fees
and other expenses incurred by the Funds as the underlying investments of your
Sub-Account(s). These fees and expenses are not specified by your Certificate,
and you should refer to the Fund prospectuses for a description of the
deductions and expenses paid out of the assets of the Funds.
SALES COMMISSIONS -- American Maturity compensates its registered
representatives primarily with a base salary and offers variable performance pay
and awards in recognition of achieving quality customer service and overall
sales goals. American Maturity incurs sales expenses in the form of direct
marketing and advertising costs.
DEATH BENEFITS
WHEN A DEATH BENEFIT IS CALCULATED -- Before the Annuity Commencement Date,
a death benefit may be payable upon the death of the last surviving Annuitant or
upon the first death of any Certificate Owner. We calculate the death benefit as
of the end of the Business Day in which the Company receives written
notification of Due Proof of Death.
THE AMOUNT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT -- The death benefit amount prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date shall be the greater of (a) total Purchase Payments
less any Gross Surrenders since the Certificate Date or (b) the Certificate
Value. The death benefit shall be calculated as of the end of the Business Day
in which the Company receives Due Proof of Death. During the time period between
Our receipt of written notification of Due Proof of Death and Our receipt of the
completed settlement instructions, the calculated Death Benefit will remain
invested in the Sub-Account(s) previously elected by the Contract Owner and will
be subject to market fluctuations.
BENEFICIARY -- The death benefit is payable to your Beneficiary as described
in the Control Provisions of your Certificate. Usually the Beneficiary will be
the person you name in your Enrollment Form if you name yourself as both the
Owner and Annuitant. However, the Beneficiary of a jointly owned Certificate
will be the surviving joint owner, regardless of the beneficiary designation in
your Enrollment Form. Also, upon the death of the last Annuitant who was not a
Certificate Owner, the Beneficiary will be the surviving Certificate Owner(s),
regardless of the beneficiary designation in your Enrollment Form. If you
designate your spouse as the Beneficiary in your Enrollment Form, at your death
your spouse may become the Certificate Owner and continue the Certificate in
lieu of receiving the death benefit. The Beneficiary(s) may request a transfer
of the calculated death benefit amount to any Sub-Account(s) available under the
Certificate. The transfer request must be in writing and must be from all
Beneficiaries, if more than one.
PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT -- The death benefit may be taken in a lump sum
or under any of the settlement options then being offered by the Company,
subject however to certain required distributions that are imposed by the Code
upon the death of the Certificate Owner (See "Federal Tax Considerations --
Required Distributions," page 23). When payment of the death benefit is taken in
a lump sum, payment will be made within seven days after settlement instructions
are received, except when the Company is permitted to defer such payment under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. Payment to the Beneficiary, other than in a
lump sum, may only be elected during the sixty-day period beginning with the
date of receipt of Due Proof of Death.
In the event of the death of the Annuitant after the Annuity Commencement
Date, a death benefit, equal to the present value of any remaining payments
according to the Annuity Option in effect, will be paid in one sum to the
Beneficiary unless other provisions shall have been made and approved by the
Company.
If death proceeds are received by a Beneficiary upon the death of the
Annuitant who was not a Certificate Owner, such payment may be subject to a 10%
tax penalty.
SURRENDERS
FULL SURRENDERS -- Beginning 30 days after your Certificate Date, at any
time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, you have the right to terminate the
Certificate and take its Net Surrender Value in a lump sum. The Net Surrender
Value is equal to the Certificate Value less any
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18 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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applicable Premium Taxes, the Annual Fee and any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charges. The Net Surrender Value may be more or less than the amount of
the premium payments made to a Certificate.
PARTIAL SURRENDERS -- Beginning 30 days after your Certificate Date, you may
make a partial surrender of Certificate Values at any time prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date so long as the amount surrendered is at least $500.
Additionally, if the remaining Certificate Value following a surrender is less
than $5,000, We may terminate the Certificate and pay the Net Surrender Value.
We may permit you to pre-authorize partial surrenders subject to certain
limitations then in effect.
In requesting a partial surrender you should specify the Sub-Account(s)
and/or the Fixed Account from which the partial surrender is to be taken.
Otherwise, such surrender and any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
will be effected on a pro rata basis according to the value in the Fixed Account
and each Sub-Account under your Certificate.
No surrenders are permitted after the Annuity Commencement Date.
WITHDRAWAL TRANSACTION FEES -- There is currently no transaction fee for
partial surrenders. However, we reserve the right to impose a withdrawal
transaction fee in the future of up to $15 for each partial withdrawal in excess
of 12 in any Certificate Year. Any such fee would be charged against your
Sub-Account(s) and the Fixed Account, proportionately based on your Certificate
Value in each, immediately after the withdrawal.
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SURRENDERS -- Any surrender will generally have federal
income tax consequences, which could include tax penalties. Any surrender made
prior to the Certificate Owner's attained age 59 will generally be subject to a
10% penalty tax. You should consult with a tax adviser before making any
withdrawal. See "Federal Tax Considerations," beginning on page 20, for more
information.
SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS -- American Maturity may defer payment of any amounts
from the Fixed Account for up to six months from the date of the request for the
withdrawal. If we defer payment for more than 30 days, we will pay interest of
at least 3.0% per annum on the amount deferred.
There may be postponement of payment of a withdrawal whenever (a) the New
York Stock Exchange is closed, except for holidays or weekends, or trading on
the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; (b) the SEC
permits postponement and so orders; or (c) the SEC determines that an emergency
exists making valuation of the amounts or disposal of securities not reasonably
practicable.
ANNUITY BENEFITS
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE -- You may select an Annuity Commencement Date.
The Annuity Commencement Date selected must be at least one year after the
Certificate Date and on or before the Annuitant's attained age 90. If you do not
select an Annuity Commencement Date, the scheduled Annuity Commencement Date
will be the date of the Annuitant's attained age 90. You may change the Annuity
Commencement Date provided you notify us, in writing, 30 days before the
scheduled Annuity Commencement Date.
ANNUITY BENEFIT -- On the Annuity Commencement Date, unless directed
otherwise, We will apply the Net Surrender Value to purchase monthly income
payments payable to the Annuitant according to the Annuity Option elected. The
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will not be assessed. The Certificate may not
be surrendered after the Annuity Commencement Date.
ELECTION OF ANNUITY OPTION -- You may elect any one of the annuity options
described below or under any of the settlement options then being offered by Us.
In the absence of your election, the Net Surrender Value, without deduction for
any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, will be applied on the Annuity
Commencement Date under the fifth option to provide a Payment for a Designated
Period for 5 years. The Net Surrender Value is determined on the basis of the
Accumulation Unit value of each Sub-Account no later than the fifth Business Day
preceding the date annuity payments are to commence, plus the value of the Fixed
Account on the Annuity Commencement Date.
DATE OF PAYMENT -- The first annuity payment under the Annuity Option shall
be made one month, (or the period selected for periodic payments: annual,
semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly), following the Annuity Commencement Date.
Subsequent payments shall be made on the same calendar day of the month as was
the first payment, or the preceding day if no such day exists (e.g., September
31), in accordance with the payment period selected.
If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Commencement Date but before the
Company issues the payee's first check, the Beneficiary will be entitled to the
Net Surrender Value applied to the Annuity Option, without assessment of the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge or Annual Fee.
ALLOCATION OF ANNUITY -- The person electing an annuity option may further
elect to have the value of the Certificate applied to provide a variable
annuity, a fixed dollar annuity or a combination of both. Once every 3 months,
following the commencement of annuity payments, the Certificate Owner may elect,
in writing, to transfer among any Sub-Account(s) on which variable annuity
payments are based. No transfers may be made
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AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 19
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between the Sub-Accounts and the General Account after the Annuity Commencement
Date.
If no election is made to the contrary, the value of each Sub-Account shall
be applied to provide a variable annuity based thereon, and the value of the
Fixed Account shall be applied to provide a fixed dollar annuity.
VARIABLE ANNUITY -- A variable annuity is an annuity with payments
increasing or decreasing in amount in accordance with the net investment results
of the Sub-Account(s) of the Separate Account. After the first monthly payment
for a variable Annuity has been determined in accordance with the provisions of
the Certificate (see "Annuity Options -- Description of Tables," page 19), a
number of Annuity Units is determined by dividing that first monthly payment by
the appropriate Annuity Unit value on the effective date of the annuity
payments.
The value of an Annuity Unit for each Sub-Account of the Separate Account
will vary to reflect the investment experience of the applicable Funds and will
be determined by multiplying the value of the Annuity Unit for that Sub-Account
on the preceding business day by the product of (a) the net investment factor
for that Sub-Account for the day for which the Annuity Unit value is being
calculated, and (b) an interest factor to offset the effect of the assumed
interest rate of 5% per year, which is built into the Annuity Tables.
The number of Annuity Units remains fixed with respect to a particular
Sub-Account. If the Certificate Owner elects that continuing annuity payments be
based on different Sub-Account(s), the number will change effective with that
election but will remain constant following such election.
The dollar amount of the second and subsequent variable annuity payments is
not predetermined and may increase or decrease from month to month. The actual
amount of each variable annuity payment after the first is determined by
multiplying the number of Annuity Units by the Annuity Unit value. The Annuity
Unit value will be determined no earlier than the fifth Business Day preceding
the date the annuity payment is due.
The Company guarantees that the dollar amount of variable annuity payments
will not be adversely affected by variations in the expense results of the
Company and/or in the actual mortality experience of Annuitants from the
mortality assumptions, including any age adjustment, used in determining the
first monthly payment.
You should consider the question of allocation among the Sub-Accounts and
the General Account to make certain that annuity payments are based on the
investment alternative best suited to your needs for retirement.
FIXED DOLLAR ANNUITY -- A fixed dollar annuity is an annuity with payments
which remain fixed as to dollar amount throughout the payment period.
ANNUITY OPTIONS
FIRST OPTION: LIFE ANNUITY
An annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant, ceasing
with the last payment due prior to the death of the Annuitant. This option
offers the largest payment amount of any of the life Annuity options since there
is no guarantee of a minimum number of payments nor a provision for a death
benefit payable to a Beneficiary.
It would be possible under this option for an Annuitant to receive only one
Annuity payment if he died prior to the due date of the second Annuity payment,
two if he died before the due date of the third Annuity payment, etc.
SECOND OPTION: LIFE ANNUITY WITH 120, 180 OR 240 MONTHLY PAYMENTS CERTAIN
An annuity providing monthly income for a fixed period of 120 months, 180
months, or 240 months (as selected), and for as long thereafter as the Annuitant
shall live.
If, at the death of the Annuitant, payments have been made for less than the
minimum elected number of months, then the present value as of the date of the
Annuitant's death, of any remaining guaranteed payments will be paid in one sum
to the Beneficiary unless other provisions have been made and approved by
American Maturity.
THIRD OPTION: CASH REFUND LIFE ANNUITY
An annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant ceasing with
the last payment due prior to the death of the Annuitant provided that, at the
death of the Annuitant, the Beneficiary will receive an additional payment equal
to the excess, if any, of (a) minus (b) where: (a) is the Net Surrender Value
applied on the Annuity Commencement Date under this option: and (b) is the
dollar amount of annuity payments already paid. This option is not available for
variable payouts.
FOURTH OPTION: JOINT AND LAST SURVIVOR LIFE ANNUITY
An annuity payable monthly during the joint lifetime of the Annuitant and a
secondary Annuitant, and thereafter during the remaining lifetime of the
survivor, ceasing with the last payment prior to the death of the survivor.
It would be possible under this option for an Annuitant and designated
second person to receive only one payment in the event of the common or
simultaneous death of the parties prior to the due date for the second payment
and so on.
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20 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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FIFTH OPTION: PAYMENT FOR A DESIGNATED PERIOD
An amount payable monthly for the number of years selected which may be from
5 to 30 years.
In the event of the Annuitant's death prior to the end of the designated
period, the present value as of the date of the Annuitant's death, of any
remaining guaranteed payments will be paid in one sum to the Beneficiary unless
other provisions have been made and approved by American Maturity.
Option 5 is an option that does not involve life contingencies and thus no
mortality guarantee. Charges made for the mortality undertaking under the
Certificates thus provide no real benefit to a Certificate Owner.
American Maturity may offer other annuity options from time to time.
DESCRIPTION OF TABLES: The Certificate contains tables that show the dollar
amount of the first monthly payment for the variable annuity and the minimum
dollar amount of the monthly payments for the fixed annuity for each $1,000
applied under the Annuity Options. The variable payment annuity tables are based
on the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality Table with ages set back one year, and
an interest rate of 5% per annum. The fixed annuity payment tables are based on
the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality Table with ages set back one year, and an
interest rate of 3% per annum. Once you have elected an annuity option, that
election may not be changed with respect to any Annuitant following the
commencement of annuity payments.
MINIMUM PAYMENT: No election of any options or combination of options may
be made under the Certificate unless the first payment for each affected
Sub-Account or Fixed Account would be at least equal to the minimum payment
amount according to Company rules then in effect. If at any time, payments to be
made to any Annuitant from each Account are or become less than the minimum
payment amount, the Company shall have the right to change the frequency of
payment to such intervals as will result in a payment at least equal to the
minimum. If any amount due would be less than the minimum payment amount per
annum, the Company may make such other settlement as may be equitable to the
Annuitant.
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
What are some of the federal tax consequences which affect these Contracts?
A. GENERAL
SINCE THE TAX LAW IS COMPLEX AND SINCE TAX CONSEQUENCES WILL VARY ACCORDING
TO THE ACTUAL STATUS OF THE CONTRACT OWNER INVOLVED AND THE TYPE OF PLAN UNDER
WHICH THE CONTRACT IS PURCHASED, LEGAL AND TAX ADVICE MAY BE NEEDED BY A PERSON,
TRUSTEE OR OTHER ENTITY CONTEMPLATING THE PURCHASE OF A CONTRACT DESCRIBED
HEREIN.
It should be understood that any detailed description of the federal income
tax consequences regarding the purchase of these Contracts cannot be made in
this Prospectus and that special tax rules may be applicable with respect to
certain purchase situations not discussed herein. In addition, no attempt is
made here to consider any applicable state or other tax laws. For detailed
information, a qualified tax adviser should always be consulted. The discussion
here and in Appendix I, commencing on page 27, is based on the Company's
understanding of existing federal income tax laws as they are currently
interpreted.
B. TAXATION OF COMPANY AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
The Separate Account is taxed as part of the Company which is taxed as a
life insurance company in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). Accordingly, the Separate Account will not be taxed as a
"regulated investment company" under subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code.
Investment income and any realized capital gains on the assets of the Separate
Account are reinvested and are taken into account in determining the value of
the Accumulation and Annuity Units (See "Value of Accumulation Units" commencing
on page 14). As a result, such investment income and realized capital gains are
automatically applied to increase reserves under the Contract.
No taxes are due on interest, dividends and short-term or long-term capital
gains earned by the Separate Account with respect to Qualified or Non-Qualified
Contracts.
C. TAXATION OF ANNUITIES -- GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING PURCHASERS OTHER
THAN QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
Section 72 of the Code governs the taxation of annuities in general.
1. NON-NATURAL PERSONS, CORPORATIONS, ETC. Section 72 contains provisions
for Contract Owners which are non-natural persons. Non-natural persons
include corporations, trusts, limited liability companies and
partnerships. The annual net increase in the value of the Contract is
currently includable in the gross income of a non-natural person, unless
the non-natural person holds the Contract as an agent for a natural
person. There are additional exceptions from current inclusion for (i)
certain annuities held by structured settlement companies, (ii) certain
annuities held by an employer with respect to a terminated qualified
retirement plan and (iii) certain immediate annuities. A non-natural
person which is a tax-exempt entity for federal tax purposes will not be
subject to income tax as a result of this provision.
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AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 21
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If the Contract Owner is not an individual, the primary Annuitant shall
be treated as the Contract Owner for purposes of making distributions
which are required to be made upon the death of the Contract Owner. If
there is a change in the primary Annuitant, such change shall be treated
as the death of the Contract Owner.
2. OTHER CONTRACT OWNERS (NATURAL PERSONS). A Contract Owner is not taxed
on increases in the value of the Contract until an amount is received or
deemed received, e.g., in the form of a lump sum payment (full or
partial value of a Contract) or as Annuity payments under the settlement
option elected.
The provisions of Section 72 of the Code concerning distributions are
summarized briefly below. Also summarized are special rules affecting
distributions from Contracts obtained in a tax-free exchange for other
annuity contracts or life insurance contracts which were purchased prior
to August 14, 1982.
a. DISTRIBUTIONS PRIOR TO THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE.
i. Total premium payments less amounts received which were not
includable in gross income equal the "investment in the
contract" under Section 72 of the Code.
ii. To the extent that the value of the Contract (ignoring any
surrender charges except on a full surrender) exceeds the
"investment in the contract," such excess constitutes the
"income on the contract."
iii. Any amount received or deemed received prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date (e.g., upon a partial surrender) is deemed to
come first from any such "income on the contract" and then from
"investment in the contract," and for these purposes such
"income on the contract" shall be computed by reference to any
aggregation rule in subparagraph 2.c. below. As a result, any
such amount received or deemed received (1) shall be includable
in gross income to the extent that such amount does not exceed
any such "income on the contract," and (2) shall not be
includable in gross income to the extent that such amount does
exceed any such "income on the contract." If at the time that
any amount is received or deemed received there is no "income
on the contract" (e.g., because the gross value of the Contract
does not exceed the "investment in the contract" and no
aggregation rule applies), then such amount received or deemed
received will not be includable in gross income, and will
simply reduce the "investment in the contract."
iv. The receipt of any amount as a loan under the Contract or the
assignment or pledge of any portion of the value of the
Contract shall be treated as an amount received for purposes of
this subparagraph a. and the next subparagraph b.
v. In general, the transfer of the Contract, without full and
adequate consideration, will be treated as an amount received
for purposes of this subparagraph a. and the next subparagraph
b. This transfer rule does not apply, however, to certain
transfers of property between spouses or incident to divorce.
b. DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE. Annuity payments made
periodically after the Annuity Commencement Date are includable in
gross income to the extent the payments exceed the amount determined
by the application of the ratio of the "investment in the contract"
to the total amount of the payments to be made after the Annuity
Commencement Date (the "exclusion ratio").
i. When the total of amounts excluded from income by application of
the exclusion ratio is equal to the investment in the contract
as of the Annuity Commencement Date, any additional payments
(including surrenders) will be entirely includable in gross
income.
If the annuity payments cease by reason of the death of the
Annuitant and, as of the date of death, the amount of annuity
payments excluded from gross income by the exclusion ratio does
not exceed the investment in the contract as of the Annuity
Commencement Date, then the remaining portion of unrecovered
investment shall be allowed as a deduction for the last taxable
year of the Annuitant.
iii. Generally, nonperiodic amounts received or deemed received
after the Annuity Commencement Date are not entitled to any
exclusion ratio and shall be fully includable in gross income.
However,
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22 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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upon a full surrender after such date, only the excess of the
amount received (after any surrender charge) over the remaining
"investment in the contract" shall be includable in gross
income (except to the extent that the aggregation rule referred
to in the next subparagraph c. may apply).
c. AGGREGATION OF TWO OR MORE ANNUITY CONTRACTS. Contracts issued after
October 21, 1988 by the same insurer (or affiliated insurer) to the
same Contract Owner within the same calendar year (other than
certain contracts held in connection with a tax-qualified retirement
arrangement) will be treated as one annuity Contract for the purpose
of determining the taxation of distributions prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date. An annuity contract received in a tax-free
exchange for another annuity contract or life insurance contract may
be treated as a new Contract for this purpose. The Company believes
that for any annuity subject to such aggregation, the values under
the Contracts and the investment in the contracts will be added
together to determine the taxation under subparagraph 2.a., above,
of amounts received or deemed received prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date. Withdrawals will first be treated as withdrawals
of income until all of the income from all such Contracts is
withdrawn. As of the date of this Prospectus, there are no
regulations interpreting this provision.
d. 10% PENALTY TAX -- APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN WITHDRAWALS AND ANNUITY
PAYMENTS.
i. If any amount is received or deemed received on the Contract
(before or after the Annuity Commencement Date), the Code
applies a penalty tax equal to ten percent of the portion of the
amount includable in gross income, unless an exception applies.
ii. The 10% penalty tax will not apply to the following
distributions (exceptions vary based upon the precise plan
involved):
1. Distributions made on or after the date the recipient has
attained the age of 59 1/2.
2. Distributions made on or after the death of the holder or
where the holder is not an individual, the death of the
primary annuitant.
3. Distributions attributable to a recipient's becoming
disabled.
4. A distribution that is part of a scheduled series of
substantially equal periodic payments for the life (or life
expectancy) of the recipient (or the joint lives or life
expectancies of the recipient and the recipient's
Beneficiary).
5. Distributions of amounts which are allocable to the
"investment in the contract" prior to August 14, 1982 (see
next subparagraph e.).
e. SPECIAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING CONTRACTS OBTAINED THROUGH A TAX-FREE
EXCHANGE OF OTHER ANNUITY OR LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS PURCHASED
PRIOR TO AUGUST 14, 1982. If the Contract was obtained by a tax-free
exchange of a life insurance or annuity Contract purchased prior to
August 14, 1982, then any amount received or deemed received prior
to the Annuity Commencement Date shall be deemed to come (1) first
from the amount of the "investment in the contract" prior to August
14, 1982 ("pre-8/14/82 investment") carried over from the prior
Contract, (2) then from the portion of the "income on the contract"
(carried over to, as well as accumulating in, the successor
Contract) that is attributable to such pre-8/14/82 investment, (3)
then from the remaining "income on the contract" and (4) last from
the remaining "investment in the contract." As a result, to the
extent that such amount received or deemed received does not exceed
such pre-8/14/82 investment, such amount is not includable in gross
income., In addition, to the extent that such amount received or
deemed received does not exceed the sum of (a) such pre-8/14/82
investment and (b) the "income on the contract" attributable
thereto, such amount is not subject to the 10% penalty tax. In all
other respects, amounts received or deemed received from
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AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 23
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such post-exchange Contracts are generally subject to the rules
described in this subparagraph 3.
f. REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS
i. Death of Contract Owner or Primary Annuitant
Subject to the alternative election or spouse beneficiary
provisions in ii or iii below:
1. If any Contract Owner dies on or after the Annuity
Commencement Date and before the entire interest in the
Contract has been distributed, the remaining portion of such
interest shall be distributed at least as rapidly as under
the method of distribution being used as of the date of such
death;
2. If any Contract Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement
Date, the entire interest in the Contract will be
distributed within 5 years after such death; and
3. If the Contract Owner is not an individual, then for
purposes of 1. or 2. above, the primary annuitant under the
Contract shall be treated as the Contract Owner, and any
change in the primary annuitant shall be treated as the
death of the Contract Owner. The primary annuitant is the
individual, the events in the life of whom are of primary
importance in affecting the timing or amount of the payout
under the Contract.
ii. Alternative Election to Satisfy Distribution Requirements
If any portion of the interest of a Contract Owner described in
i. above is payable to or for the benefit of a designated
beneficiary, such beneficiary may elect to have the portion
distributed over a period that does not extend beyond the life
or life expectancy of the beneficiary. The election and payments
must begin within a year of the death.
iii. Spouse Beneficiary
If any portion of the interest of a Contract Owner is payable to
or for the benefit of his or her spouse, and the Annuitant or
Contingent Annuitant is living, such spouse shall be treated as
the Contract Owner of such portion for purposes of section i.
above.
3. DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. Section 817 of the Code provides that a
variable annuity contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for
any period during which the investments made by the separate account or
underlying fund are not adequately diversified in accordance with
regulations prescribed by the Treasury Department. If a Contract is not
treated as an annuity contract, the Contract Owner will be subject to
income tax on the annual increases in cash value.
The Treasury Department has issued diversification regulations which
generally require, among other things, that no more than 55% of the
value of the total assets of the segregated asset account underlying a
variable contract 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. In determining whether the diversification standards
are met, all securities of the same issuer, all interests in the same
real property project, and all interests in the same commodity are each
treated as a single investment. In addition, in the case of government
securities, each government agency or instrumentality shall be treated
as a separate issuer.
A separate account must be in compliance with the diversification
standards on the last day of each calendar quarter or within 30 days
after the quarter ends. If an insurance company inadvertently fails to
meet the diversification requirements, the company may comply within a
reasonable period and avoid the taxation of contract income on an
ongoing basis. However, either the company or the Contract Owner must
agree to pay the tax due for the period during which the diversification
requirements were not met.
The Company monitors the diversification of investments in the separate
accounts and tests for diversification as required by the Code. The
Company intends to administer all contracts subject to the
diversification requirements in a manner that will maintain adequate
diversification.
4. OWNERSHIP OF THE ASSETS IN THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT. In order for a variable
annuity contract to qualify for tax deferral, assets in the segregated
asset accounts supporting the variable contract must be considered to be
owned by the insurance company and not by the variable contract owner.
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued
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24 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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several rulings which discuss investor control. The IRS has ruled that
certain incidents of ownership by the contract owner, such as the
ability to select and control investments in a separate account, will
cause the contract owner to be treated as the owner of the assets for
tax purposes.
Further, in the explanation to the temporary Section 817 diversification
regulations, the Treasury Department noted that the temporary
regulations "do not provide guidance concerning the circumstances in
which investor control of the investments of a segregated asset account
may cause the investor, rather than the insurance company, to be treated
as the owner of the assets in the account." The explanation further
indicates that "the temporary regulations provide that in appropriate
cases a segregated asset account may include multiple sub-accounts, but
do not specify the extent to which policyholders may direct their
investments to particular sub-accounts without being treated as the
owners of the underlying assets. Guidance on this and other issues will
be provided in regulations or revenue rulings under Section 817(d),
relating to the definition of variable contract." The final regulations
issued under Section 817 did not provide guidance regarding investor
control, and as of the date of this prospectus, no other such guidance
has been issued. Further, the Company does not know if or in what form
such guidance will be issued. In addition, although regulations are
generally issued with prospective effect, it is possible that
regulations may be issued with retroactive effect. Due to the lack of
specific guidance regarding the issue of investor control, there is
necessarily some uncertainty regarding whether a Contract Owner could be
considered the owner of the assets for tax purposes. The Company
reserves the right to modify the contracts, as necessary, to prevent
Contract Owners from being considered the owners of the assets in the
separate accounts.
D. FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING
The portion of a distribution which is taxable income to the recipient will
be subject to federal income tax withholding, pursuant to Section 3405 of the
Code. The application of this provision is summarized below:
1. NON-PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS. The portion of a non-periodic distribution
which constitutes taxable income will be subject to federal income tax
withholding unless the recipient elects not to have taxes withheld. If
an election not to have taxes withheld is not provided, 10% of the
taxable distribution will be withheld as federal income tax. Election
forms will be provided at the time distributions are requested. If the
necessary election forms are not submitted to the Company, the Company
will automatically withhold 10% of the taxable distribution.
2. PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS (DISTRIBUTIONS PAYABLE OVER A PERIOD GREATER THAN
ONE YEAR). The portion of a periodic distribution which constitutes
taxable income will be subject to federal income tax withholding as if
the recipient were married claiming three exemptions. A recipient may
elect not to have income taxes withheld or have income taxes withheld at
a different rate by providing a completed election form. Election forms
will be provided at the time distributions are requested.
E. GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
The Contract may be used for a number of qualified retirement plans. If the
Contract is being purchased with respect to some form of qualified retirement
plan, please refer to Appendix I commencing on page 27 for information relative
to the types of plans for which it may be used and the general explanation of
the tax features of such plans.
F. ANNUITY PURCHASES BY NONRESIDENT ALIENS AND FOREIGN CORPORATIONS
The discussion above provides general information regarding U.S. federal
income tax consequences to annuity purchasers that are U.S. citizens or
residents. Purchasers that are not U.S. citizens or residents will generally be
subject to U.S. federal income tax and withholding on annuity distributions at a
30% rate, unless a lower treaty rate applies. In addition, purchasers may be
subject to state premium tax, other state and/or municipal taxes, and taxes that
may be imposed by the purchaser's country of citizenship or residence.
Prospective purchasers are advised to consult with a qualified tax adviser
regarding U.S., state, and foreign taxation with respect to an annuity purchase.
MISCELLANEOUS
VOTING RIGHTS
American Maturity is the legal owner of all Fund shares held in the Separate
Account. As the owner, American Maturity has the right to vote at the Funds'
shareholder meetings. However, to the extent required by federal securities laws
or regulations, American Maturity will:
- Vote all Fund shares attributable to a Certificate according to
instructions received from the Certificate Owner, and
- Vote shares attributable to a Certificate for which no voting instructions
are received in the same portion as shares for which instructions are
received.
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 25
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If any federal securities laws or regulations, or their present
interpretation change to permit American Maturity to vote Fund shares in its own
right, American Maturity may elect to do so.
American Maturity will notify you of any Fund shareholders' meeting if the
shares held for your account may be voted at such meetings. American Maturity
will also send proxy materials and a form of instruction by means of which you
can instruct American Maturity with respect to the voting of the Fund shares
held for your account.
In connection with the voting of Fund shares held by it, American Maturity
will arrange for the handling and tallying of proxies received from Certificate
Owners. American Maturity as such, shall have no right, except as hereinafter
provided, to vote any Fund shares held by it hereunder which may be registered
in its name or the names of its nominees. American Maturity will, however, vote
the Fund shares held by it in accordance with the instructions received from the
Certificate Owners for whose accounts the Fund shares are held. If a Certificate
Owner desires to attend any meeting at which shares held for the Certificate
Owner's benefit may be voted, the Certificate Owner may request American
Maturity to furnish a proxy or otherwise arrange for the exercise of voting
rights with respect to the Fund shares held for such Certificate Owner's
account. American Maturity will vote shares for which no instructions have been
given and shares which are not attributable to Certificate Owners (i.e., shares
owned by American Maturity) in the same proportion as it votes shares of that
Fund for which it has received instructions. During the Annuity period under a
Certificate the number of votes will decrease as the assets held to fund Annuity
benefits decrease.
HOW THE CERTIFICATES ARE SOLD
Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc. ("HSD") serves as principal
underwriter for the securities issued with respect to the Separate Account. HSD
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hartford Life Insurance Company. The principal
business address of HSD is 200 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06089. HSD is
registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a
Broker-Dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
The securities will be sold by salespersons of HSD, who represent American
Maturity as insurance and variable annuity agents and who are registered
representatives. These salespersons will be supervised by American Maturity who
will respond to telephone inquiries as a result of national advertising.
CUSTODIAN OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS
The assets of the Separate Account are held by American Maturity under a
safekeeping arrangement.
ASSIGNMENT
Ownership of a Certificate described herein is generally assignable.
However, if the Certificates are issued pursuant to some form of Qualified Plan,
it is possible that the ownership of the Certificates may not be transferred or
assigned depending on the type of qualified retirement plan involved. An
assignment of a Non-Qualified Certificate may subject the assignment proceeds to
income taxes and certain penalty taxes.
RIGHTS OF ANNUITANT AND CERTIFICATE OWNER(S)
The Certificate does not allow the Annuitant to be changed.
The designations of Certificate Owner and Contingent Annuitant will remain
in effect until changed by the Certificate Owner. Changes in the designation of
the Certificate Owner may be made during the lifetime of the Annuitant by
written notice to the Company. Changes in the designation of Contingent
Annuitant may be made at any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date by
written notice to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no Contingent
Annuitant has been named and the Certificate Owner/ Annuitant's spouse is the
Beneficiary, it will be assumed that the Certificate Owner/Annuitant's spouse is
the Contingent Annuitant.
The Certificate Owner has the sole power to exercise all the rights, options
and privileges granted by the Certificate or permitted by the Company and to
agree with the Company to any change in or amendment to the Certificate. The
rights of the Certificate Owner shall be subject to the rights of any assignee
of record with the Company and of any irrevocably designated Beneficiary. In the
case of joint Certificate Owners, each Certificate Owner alone may exercise all
rights, options and privileges, except with respect to the Surrender Provisions
and change of ownership or beneficiary.
MODIFICATION OF GROUP CONTRACT AND
CERTIFICATES THEREUNDER
American Maturity reserves the right to modify the Group Contract and
Certificates, but only if such modification: (i) is necessary to make the
Contract or the Separate Account comply with any law or regulation issued by a
governmental agency to which American Maturity is subject; (ii) is necessary to
assure continued qualification of the Contract under the Code or other federal
or state laws relating to retirement annuities or annuity Certificates;
<PAGE>
26 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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(iii) is necessary to reflect a change in the operation of the Separate Account
or the Sub-Account(s); (iv) provides additional Sub-Account or Fixed Account
options; or (v) withdraws Sub-Account or Fixed Account options. In the event of
any such modification, American Maturity will provide notice to the Contract
Owner and Certificate Owner, or to the payee(s) during the annuity period.
American Maturity may also make appropriate endorsement in the Contract and
Certificates to reflect such modification.
CHANGE IN THE OPERATION OF
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
The Company reserves the right to substitute the shares of any other
registered investment company for the shares of any Fund already purchased or to
be purchased in the future by the Separate Account provided that the
substitution has been approved by the SEC.
At the Company's election and subject to any necessary vote by persons
having the right to give instructions with respect to the voting of the Fund
shares held by the Sub-Accounts, the Separate Account may be operated as a
management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or it may be
deregistered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in the event registration
is no longer required. Deregistration of the Separate Account requires an order
by the SEC.
LEGAL MATTERS AND EXPERTS
There are no material legal proceedings affecting the Separate Account.
Counsel with respect to federal laws and regulations applicable to the issue and
sale of the Certificates and with respect to Connecticut law is Lynda Godkin,
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, American
Maturity Life Insurance Company, 200 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury Connecticut
06089.
The audited financial statements included in this prospectus and elsewhere
in the registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said reports. Reference is made to the report on the
statutory-basis financial statements of American Maturity Life Insurance Company
which states the statutory-basis financial statements are presented in
accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the State of Connecticut
Insurance Department, and are not presented in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. The principal business address of Arthur
Andersen LLP is One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You may reach our service representatives at 1-800-923-3334 between the
hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific time.
If you are submitting a payment by mail, please send it, along with your
Enrollment Form (if it is your first payment), to:
American Maturity Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 100194
Pasadena, CA 91189-0194
Please send your other forms and written requests or questions to:
American Maturity Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 7005
Pasadena, CA 91109-7005
If you are using an overnight delivery service to send payments, please send
them to:
American Maturity Life Insurance Company
c/o FCNPC
1111 South Arroyo Parkway, First Floor
Pasadena, CA 91109-7122
The effective day of your instructions to Us is determined by the date and
time on which American Maturity receives the instructions. We receive your
instructions only when it arrives, in good form, at the correct mailing address
set out above. Please call us at 1-800-923-3334 if you have any questions
regarding the address you should use.
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 27
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APPENDIX I
INFORMATION REGARDING TAX-QUALIFIED PLANS
The tax rules applicable to tax-qualified contract owners, including
restrictions on contributions and distributions, taxation of distributions and
tax penalties, vary according to the type of plan as well as the terms and
conditions of the plan itself. Various tax penalties may apply to contributions
in excess of applicable limits, distributions prior to age 59 1/2 (subject to
certain exceptions), distributions which do not conform to applicable
commencement and minimum distribution rules, and certain other transactions with
respect to tax-qualified plans. Therefore, this summary does not attempt to
provide more than general information about the tax rules associated with use of
a Contract by a tax-qualified retirement plan. Contract owners, plan
participants and beneficiaries are cautioned that the rights and benefits of any
person to benefits may be controlled by the terms and conditions of the
tax-qualified retirement plan itself, regardless of the terms and conditions of
a Contract, but that Hartford is not bound by the terms and conditions of such
plans to the extent such terms conflict with a Contract, unless Hartford
specifically consents to be bound. Additionally, some tax-qualified retirement
plans are subject to distribution and other requirements which are not
incorporated into Hartford's administrative procedures. Contract owners,
participants and beneficiaries are responsible for determining that
contributions, distributions and other transactions comply with applicable law.
Because of the complexity of these rules, owners, participants and beneficiaries
are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors as to specific tax
consequences.
A. TAX-QUALIFIED PENSION OR PROFIT-SHARING PLANS
Provisions of the Code permit eligible employers to establish tax-qualified
pension or profit sharing plans (described in Section 401(a) and 401(k), if
applicable, and exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code), and
Simplified Employee Pension Plans (described in Section 408(k)). Such plans are
subject to limitations on the amount that may be contributed, the persons who
may be eligible to participate and the time when distributions must commence.
Employers intending to use these contracts in connection with tax-qualified
pension or profit-sharing plans should seek competent tax and other legal
advice.
B. TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES UNDER SECTION 403(b)
Section 403(b) of the Code permits public school employees and employees of
certain types of charitable, educational and scientific organizations, as
specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, to purchase annuity contracts, and,
subject to certain limitations, to exclude such contributions from gross income.
Generally, such contributions may not exceed the lesser of $10,000 (indexed) or
20% of an employee's "includable compensation" for such employee's most recent
full year of employment, subject to other adjustments. Special provisions under
the Code may allow some employees to elect a different overall limitation.
Tax-sheltered annuity programs under Section 403(b) are subject to a
PROHIBITION AGAINST DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE CONTRACT ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE PURSUANT TO A SALARY REDUCTION AGREEMENT, unless such
distribution is made:
(1) after the participating employee attains age 59 1/2;
(2) upon separation from service;
(3) upon death or disability; or
(4) in the case of hardship (and in the case of hardship, any income
attributable to such contributions may not be distributed).
Generally, the above restrictions do not apply to distributions attributable
to cash values or other amounts held under a Section 403(b) contract as of
December 31, 1988.
C. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS UNDER SECTION 457
Employees and independent contractors performing services for eligible
employers may have contributions made to an Eligible Deferred Compensation Plan
of their employer in accordance with the employer's plan and Section 457 of the
Code. Section 457 places limitations on contributions to Eligible Deferred
Compensation Plans maintained by a State or other tax-exempt organization. For
these purposes, the term "State" means a State, a political sub-division of a
State, and an agency or instrumentality of a State or political sub-division of
a State. Generally, the limitation is 33 1/3% of includable compensation
(typically 25% of gross compensation) or, for 1998, $8,000 (indexed), whichever
is less. Such a plan may also provide for additional "catch-up" deferrals during
the three taxable years ending before a Participant attains normal retirement
age.
An employee electing to participate in an Eligible Deferred Compensation
Plan should understand that his or her rights and benefits are governed strictly
by the terms of the plan and that the employer is the legal owner of any
contract issued with respect to the plan. The employer, as owner of the
contract(s), retains all voting and redemption rights which may accrue to the
contract(s) issued with respect to the plan. The participating employee should
look to the terms of his or her plan for any charges in regard to participating
therein other than those disclosed in this Prospectus. Participants should also
be aware that effective
<PAGE>
28 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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August 20, 1996, the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 requires that all
assets and income of an Eligible Deferred Compensation Plan established by a
governmental employer which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, or
any agency or instrumentality of a State or political subdivision of a State,
must be held in trust (or under certain specified annuity contracts or custodial
accounts) for the exclusive benefit of participants and their beneficiaries.
Special transition rules apply to such Eligible governmental Deferred
Compensation Plans already in existence on August 20, 1996, and provide that
such plans need not establish a trust before January 1, 1999. However, this
requirement of a trust does not apply to amounts under an Eligible Deferred
Compensation Plan of a tax-exempt (non-governmental) organization, and such
amounts will be subject to the claims of such tax-exempt employer's general
creditors.
In general, distributions from an Eligible Deferred Compensation Plan are
prohibited under Section 457 of the Code unless made after the participating
employee attains age 70 1/2, separates from service, dies, or suffers an
unforeseeable financial emergency. Present federal tax law does not allow
tax-free transfers or rollovers for amounts accumulated in a Section 457 plan
except for transfers to other Section 457 plans in limited cases.
D. INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES UNDER SECTION 408
Section 408 of the Code permits eligible individuals to establish individual
retirement programs through the purchase of Individual Retirement Annuities
("IRAs"). IRAs are subject to limitations on the amount that may be contributed,
the contributions that may be deducted from taxable income, the persons who may
be eligible and the time when distributions may commence. Also, distributions
from certain qualified plans may be "rolled-over" on a tax-deferred basis into
an IRA.
The Contracts may be offered as SIMPLE IRAs in connection with a SIMPLE IRA
plan of an employer. Special rollover rules apply to SIMPLE IRAs. Amounts can be
rolled over from one SIMPLE IRA to another SIMPLE IRA. However, amounts can be
rolled over from a SIMPLE IRA to a regular IRA only after two years have expired
since the participant first commenced participation in your employer's SIMPLE
IRA plan. Amounts cannot be rolled over to a SIMPLE IRA from a qualified plan or
a regular IRA. Hartford is a non-designated financial institution.
Beginning in 1998, the Contracts may be offered as ROTH IRAs under Section
408A of the Code. Contributions to a ROTH IRA are not deductible. Subject to
special limitations, a regular IRA may be converted into a ROTH IRA or a
distribution from a regular IRA may be rolled over to a ROTH IRA. However, a
conversion or a rollover from a regular IRA to a ROTH IRA is not excludable from
gross income. If certain conditions are met, qualified distributions from a ROTH
IRA are tax-free.
E. FEDERAL TAX PENALTIES AND WITHHOLDING
Distributions from retirement plans are generally taxed under Section 72 of
the Code. Under these rules, a portion of each distribution may be excludable
from income. The excludable amount is the portion of the distribution which
bears the same ratio as the after-tax contributions bear to the expected return.
1. PREMATURE DISTRIBUTION
Distributions from a tax-qualified plan before the Participant attains
age 59 1/2 are generally subject to an additional penalty tax equal to
10% of the taxable portion of the distribution. The 10% penalty does not
apply to distributions made after the employee's death, on account of
disability, for eligible medical expenses and distributions in the form
of a life annuity and, except in the case of an IRA, certain
distributions after separation from service after age 55. For these
purposes, a life annuity means a scheduled series of substantially equal
periodic payments for the life or life expectancy of the Participant (or
the joint lives or life expectancies of the Participant and
Beneficiary).
In addition, effective for distributions made from an IRA after December
31, 1997, there is no such penalty tax on distributions that do not
exceed the amount of certain qualifying higher education expenses, as
defined by Section 72(t)(7) of the Code, or which are qualified
first-time homebuyer distributions meeting the requirements of Section
72(t)(8) of the Code.
If you are a participant in a SIMPLE IRA plan, you should be aware that
the 10% penalty tax discussed above is increased to 25% with respect to
non-exempt premature distributions made from your SIMPLE IRA during the
first two years following the date you first commenced participation in
any SIMPLE IRA plan of your employer.
2. MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION TAX
If the amount distributed is less than the minimum required distribution
for the year, the Participant is subject to a 50% tax on the amount that
was not properly distributed.
An individual's interest in a tax-qualified retirement plan generally
must be distributed, or begin to be distributed, not later than April 1
of the calendar year following the later of (i) the calendar year in
which the individual attains age 70 1/2 or (ii) the calendar year in
which the individual retires from service with the employer sponsoring
the plan ("required beginning date").
<PAGE>
AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 29
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However, the required beginning date for an individual who is a five (5)
percent owner (as defined in the Code), or who is the owner of an IRA,
is April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
individual attains age 70 1/2. The entire interest of the Participant
must be distributed beginning no later than the required beginning date
over a period which may not extend beyond a maximum of the life
expectancy of the Participant and a designated Beneficiary. Each annual
distribution must equal or exceed a "minimum distribution amount" which
is determined by dividing the account balance by the applicable life
expectancy. This account balance is generally based upon the account
value as of the close of business on the last day of the previous
calendar year. In addition, minimum distribution incidental benefit
rules may require a larger annual distribution.
If an individual dies before reaching his or her required beginning
date, the individual's entire interest must generally be distributed
within five years of the individual's death. However, this rule will be
deemed satisfied, if distributions begin before the close of the
calendar year following the individual's death to a designated
Beneficiary (or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy
of the beneficiary). If the Beneficiary is the individual's surviving
spouse, distributions may be delayed until the individual would have
attained age 70 1/2.
If an individual dies after reaching his or her required beginning date
or after distributions have commenced, the individual's interest must
generally be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of
distribution in effect at the time of the individual's death.
3. WITHHOLDING
In general, distributions from IRAs and plans described in Section 457
of the Code are subject to regular wage withholding rules. Periodic
distributions from other tax-qualified retirement plans that are made
for a specified period of 10 or more years or for the life or life
expectancy of the participant (or the joint lives or life expectancies
of the participant and beneficiary) are generally subject to federal
income tax withholding as if the recipient were married claiming three
exemptions. The recipient of periodic distributions may generally elect
not to have withholding apply or to have income taxes withheld at a
different rate by providing a completed election form.
Other distributions from such other tax-qualified retirement plans are
generally subject to mandatory income tax withholding at the flat rate
of 20% unless such distributions are:
a) the non-taxable portion of the distribution;
b) required minimum distributions; or
c) direct transfer distributions.
Direct transfer distributions are direct payments to an IRA or to
another eligible retirement plan under Code section 401(a)(31).
<PAGE>
30 AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INTRODUCTION..........................................................
DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN MATURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY...............
SAFEKEEPING OF ASSETS.................................................
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS........................................
DISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES......................................
ANNUITY PERIOD........................................................
A. Annuity Payments.................................................
B. Electing the Annuity Commencement Date and Form of Annuity.......
C.Optional Annuity Forms............................................
Option 1: Life Annuity............................................
Option 2: Life Annuity with 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments
Certain...........................................................
Option 3: Cash Refund Life Annuity................................
Option 4: Joint and Last Survivor Annuity.........................
Option 5: Payments for a Designated Period........................
D. The Annuity Unit and Valuation...................................
E. Determination of Amount of First Monthly Annuity Payment -- Fixed
and Variable.......................................................
F. Amount of Second and Subsequent Monthly Annuity Payments.........
G. Date and Time of Annuity Payments................................
CALCULATION OF YIELD AND RETURN.......................................
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS...............................................
FINANCIAL STATEMENT...................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
To obtain a Statement of Additional Information, please
complete the form below and mail to:
American Maturity Life Insurance Company
700 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Please send a Statement of Additional Information for
Separate Account AMLVA to me at the following address:
- ----------------------------------------------------
Name
- ----------------------------------------
Address
- ----------------------------------------
City/State Zip
Code
