Annuity plan cost at start date?

[wearin-thegreen-]

This Annuity began being paid in 1981, when husband retired.
He passed in 2015, and I now receive a portion of his annuity.
Does start date mean his or mine?
And it wasn't a 'purchased' plan to begin with.........
Thanks for any help..........

[DianeW · Accepted solution]

The questions are trying to determine if there was an "after tax" cost of the plan.  If your husband did not purchase this plan with his money, then the cost will be zero and all of the money you received from the plan in 2016 would be taxable.

You can use your start date and zero for the cost if asked.