Case Summary:
Debtors claimed exemptions in three annuity accounts pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 815.18(3)(j). The Trustee objected, relying on Wis. Stat. § 815.18(3)(f). The only issue before the Court was the interpretation of § 815.18(3)(j), in particular the phrase “the plan or contract complies with the provisions of the internal revenue code.” The prevailing view is that compliance with the IRC is accomplished by meeting the tax-deferral provision of IRC § 72. However, the Trustee argued that compliance with the IRC is accomplished by meeting the retirement plan provisions of IRC §§ 401-409 because a broader interpretation makes the amendment to Wis. Stat. § 815.18(3)(f) redundant. The Court found that the amendment of § 815.18(3)(f) did not change the prevailing statutory interpretation of § 815.18(3)(j). Thus, debtors only need to comply with IRC § 72 to exempt a retirement annuity under Wis. Stat. § 815.18(3)(j).