Lincoln National Variable Annuity Acct L

04/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2026 13:25

Post-Effective Amendment to Registration Statement by Investment Company (Form 485BPOS)

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2026
1933 Act Registration No. 333-187069
1940 Act Registration No. 811-07645
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 17
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 189
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L
(Exact Name of Registered Separate Account)
Lincoln PathBuilderSM Income Version 2
THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Name of Insurance Company)
1301 South Harrison Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
(Address of Insurance Company's Principal Executive Offices)
Insurance Company's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (260) 455-2000 Craig T. Beazer, Esquire
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
150 North Radnor Chester Road
Radnor, PA 19087 (Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Scott C. Durocher, Esquire
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
1301 South Harrison Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Continuous
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/X/ on May 1, 2026, pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/ / on __________, pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485 under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act").
If appropriate, check the following box:
/ / This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:
/ / New Registrant (as applicable, a Registered Separate Account or Insurance Company that has not filed a Securities Act registration statement or amendment thereto within 3 years preceding this filing)
/ / Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"))
/ / If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act
/ / Insurance Company relying on Rule 12h-7 under the Exchange Act
/ / Smaller reporting company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act)
Lincoln PathBuilderSM Income Version 2 
Group Variable Annuity Contract
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L 
May 1, 2026
Home Office:
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
1301 South Harrison Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
1-800-234-3500
This prospectus describes a group variable annuity contract with a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit for covered Participants issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln Life or Company). This prospectus is for use with certain qualified retirement plans. Generally, you do not pay federal income tax on the Contract's growth until it is paid out. Qualified retirement plans already provide for tax deferral. Therefore, there should be reasons other than tax deferral for acquiring the Contract within a qualified plan. The Contract is designed to accumulate Participant Account Value and to provide retirement income over a certain period of time, or for life, subject to certain conditions. If the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, a Death Benefit may be payable.
This Contract is sold to qualified retirement plans to provide Participants with guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals.
This Contract is a complex investment and involves risks, including potential loss of principal.
This contract is not designed for short-term investing and is not appropriate for the investor who needs ready access to cash. Withdrawals could result in taxes and tax penalties.
All Purchase Payments will be placed in Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L (Variable Annuity Account (VAA)). The VAA is a segregated investment account of Lincoln Life. You take all the investment risk on the Contract Value derived from Purchase Payments. If the Subaccount makes money, your Contract Value goes up; if the Subaccount loses money, it goes down. How much it goes up or down depends on the performance of the fund. See Appendix A - Investment Options Available Under The Contract. We do not guarantee how the Subaccount or its fund will perform.
If you are a new investor in the Contract, you may cancel your Contract within ten days of receiving it without paying fees or penalties. In some states, or if you are replacing an existing contract, this free look or cancellation period may be longer. Upon cancellation, you will receive either a full refund of the amount you paid with your application or your total Contract Value. You should review this prospectus and consult with your financial professional for additional information about the specific cancellation terms that may apply.
Investors should consult a financial professional about the Contract's features, benefits, risks, and fees, and whether the Contract is appropriate for them based upon their financial situation and objectives. We do not guarantee that all of the Subaccounts will always be available. Our obligations under the Contract are subject to our financial strength and claims-paying ability. All prospectuses and other shareholder reports will be made available on www.lfg.com/VAprospectus. This prospectus gives you information about the Contract that you should know before you decide to buy a Contract and make a Purchase Payment. You should also review the prospectus for the funds and keep all prospectuses for future reference.
Neither the U.S. Government nor any federal agency insures or guarantees your investment in the Contract. The Contracts are not bank deposits and are not endorsed by any bank or government agency. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Additional information about certain investment products, including variable annuities, has been prepared by the SEC's staff and is available online at Investor.gov.
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Table of Contents 
Item
Page
Special Terms
3
Overview of the Contract
5
Important Information You Should Consider About the Lincoln PathBuilderSMIncome Version 2 Variable Annuity Contract
6
Fee Tables
9
Principal Risks
10
Charges, Other Deductions, and Adjustments
13
The Contract
14
Lincoln Life and the Variable Annuity Account (VAA)
14
Benefits Available Under the Contract
15
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit
16
Surrenders and Withdrawals
21
Annuity Payouts
22
Federal Tax Matters
23
Voting Rights
27
Distribution of the Contracts
27
Return Privilege
28
State Regulation
28
Other Information
28
Legal Proceedings
28
Appendix A - Investment Options Available Under The Contract
A-1
2
Special Terms
In this prospectus, the following terms have the indicated meanings:
Account or Variable Annuity Account (VAA)-The segregated investment account, Account L, into which we set aside and invest the assets of the Contract offered in this prospectus.
Accumulation Unit-A measure used to calculate Contract Value for the Contract before the Annuity Commencement Date.
Additional Plan Expenses-The maximum amount of Plan expenses that can be deducted from the Contract on an annual basis that will not reduce the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. The annual maximum amount is specified in the Contract.
Annuitant-The person upon whose life the annuity payments are based.
Annuity Commencement Date-The Valuation Date when funds are withdrawn to provide a fixed dollar payout for payment of annuity benefits under the Annuity Payout option you select.
Annuity Payout- An amount paid at regular intervals after the Annuity Commencement Date under one of several options available to the Annuitant and/or any other payee. This amount is paid on a fixed basis.
Automatic Annual Step-up-A feature that provides an automatic step-up of the Protected Income Base to the Participant Account Value, subject to certain conditions.
Benefit Year-For each Participant, the 12-month period starting with the date the initial contribution is made to the group annuity contract for a Participant, and starting with each anniversary of the date of the initial contribution after that.
Beneficiary-The person or entity designated by the Participant to receive any Death Benefit paid if the Participant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date.
Contract-The variable annuity contract between the Plan and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln Life or Company).
Contractowner (you, your, owner)-An employer or a Plan sponsor, a trustee of a trust or a custodian of: (1) a qualified pension or profit sharing plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or "tax code"; (2) an Individual Retirement Annuity under Section 408 of the tax code; (3) a tax deferred annuity under Section 403(b) of the tax code; or (4) a governmental deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the tax code. Additional Contractowners may be allowed upon approval by us.
Contract Value-At a given time before the Annuity Commencement Date, the total value of all Accumulation Units for a Contract.
Contract Year-Each 12-month period starting with the effective date of the Contract and starting with each contract anniversary after that.
Death Benefit-Before the Annuity Commencement Date, the amount payable to your designated Beneficiary if the Participant dies.
Excess Withdrawals-Amounts withdrawn from the Contract which may decrease or eliminate guarantees under the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. All withdrawals are Excess Withdrawals except withdrawals to provide the Guaranteed Annual Income, the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge and the Additional Plan Expenses..
Good Order-The actual receipt at our Home Office of the requested transaction in writing or by other means we accept, along with all information and supporting legal documentation necessary to complete the transaction. The forms we provide will identify the necessary documentation. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in Good Order, and we reserve the right to change or waive any Good Order requirements at any time.
Guaranteed Annual Income (GAI)-The guaranteed periodic withdrawal amount available from the Participant Account Value each Benefit Year for the life of a Participant and spouse (if applicable).
Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date-The Valuation Date the request to receive Guaranteed Annual Income amounts for a Participant is approved by the Home Office.
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit or Benefit-The feature of this Contract that provides guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals called GAI that may increase based on Automatic Annual Step-ups and also age-based increases to the withdrawal amount, regardless of investment performance of the Contract and provided certain conditions are met.
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Effective Date (GWB Effective Date)-The date of the first Purchase Payment into the VAA by the Contractowner on behalf of the Participant.
Income Base-A value used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. The amount of the Income Base varies for each Participant and is adjusted as set forth in this prospectus.
Lincoln Life (we, us, our, Company)-The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
Participant-A person defined as a Participant in the Plan, who has enrolled under a Contract, on whose behalf Lincoln Life maintains a Participant Account Value. This individual is also the Annuitant.
Participant Account Value-The Participant's share of the Contract Value.
Plan-The retirement program that an employer offers to its employees for which a Contract is used to accumulate funds.
3
Purchase Payments-The sum of all amounts paid into the Contract. Purchase Payments are allocated to the VAA's Subaccounts and are used to fund the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefits under the Contract.
Subaccount-The portion of the VAA that reflects investments in Accumulation Units of the fund available under the Contract.
Valuation Date-Each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading.
Valuation Period-The period starting at the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day that the NYSE is open for trading (Valuation Date) and ending at the close of such trading on the next Valuation Date.
4
Overview of the Contract
Purpose of the Contract
The Lincoln PathBuilderSM Income Version 2 is designed for you to accumulate assets through investments in a variety of investment options during the accumulation phase. Then, during the annuity phase, the Contract is designed to supplement your retirement income by providing a stream of income payments. The Contract also offers a death benefit to protect your designated beneficiaries.
This Contract may be appropriate if you have a long-term investment horizon. It is not intended for people who may need to make early or frequent withdrawals or intend to engage in frequent trading in the Subaccounts.
Phases of the Contract
The Contract has two phases: (1) an accumulation phase (for savings) and (2) an annuity phase (for income).
Accumulation (Savings) Phase. To help you accumulate assets during the accumulation phase, you can invest your payments and earnings in the variable options available under the Contract, each of which has an underlying mutual fund with its own investment objective, strategies, and risks; investment adviser(s); expense ratio; and performance history.
Additional information about each investment option is provided in Appendix A - Investment Options Available Under The Contract. The Contractowner has decided which funds are available for Participant allocations.
Annuity (Income) Phase. You can end the accumulation phase and enter the annuity phase by electing to annuitize your Contract, turning your Contract Value into a stream of income payments from us (sometimes called annuity payments). These payments may continue for a set period of years, for as long as you live, or for the longer of the two. The payments may be fixed or variable. Variable payments will vary based on the performance of the investment options you select.
In general, if you elect to annuitize, your investments will be converted to annuity payments. You will no longer be able to withdraw money from your Contract and there won't be a death benefit. However, please note that certain annuity payout options make an amount payable upon death.
Primary Features and Options of the Contract
Accessing Your Money. Before you annuitize, you can withdraw money from your Contract at any time. We have designed the Contract for use in connection with certain types of retirement plans that receive favorable treatment under the tax code. The Federal income tax treatment of the Contract is complex and sometimes uncertain. The Federal income tax rules may vary with your particular circumstances.
Tax Treatment. You can transfer money between investment options without tax implications, and earnings (if any) on your investments are generally tax-deferred. You may be taxed only upon: (1) making a withdrawal; (2) receiving a payment from us; or (3) payment of a death benefit.
Death Benefits. The Contract includes a return of premium death benefit that will pay a Death Benefit to your designated beneficiaries at the time of your death.
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. The Contract includes a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit that provides guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals, regardless of investment performance of the Contract. This guarantee is subject to certain conditions, as set forth elsewhere in the prospectus.
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Important Information You Should Consider About the Lincoln PathBuilderSM Income Version 2 Variable Annuity Contract 
FEES, EXPENSES, AND ADJUSTMENTS
Location in
Prospectus
Are There
Charges or
Adjustments for
Early
Withdrawals?
No:
There are no surrender charges associated with this Contract, however a withdrawal
may have a negative impact on certain optional benefits that you may elect.
●N/A
Are There
Transaction
Charges?
No:
There are no transaction charges associated with this Contract.
●N/A
Are There
Ongoing Fees and
Expenses?
Yes:
Minimum and Maximum Annual Fee Table. The table below describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay each year, depending on the investment options and
optional benefits you choose. Please refer to your contract specifications page in your
Contract for information about the specific fees and expenses you will pay each year
based on the options you have elected.
●Fee Tables
●Fee Tables -
Examples
●Charges, Other
Deductions,
and
Adjustments
●Appendix A -
Investment
Options
Available
Under the
Contract
Annual Fee
Minimum
Maximum
Base Contract
0.25%1
0.25%1
Base Contract - Guaranteed Withdrawal
Benefit
0.90%2
2.00%2
Fund fees and expenses
0.59%3
0.82%3
1 As a percentage of average Contract Value. For the base contract, also includes an amount attributable
to the Annual Account Fee.
2As a percentage of the Income Base.
3As a percentage of fund net assets, before expense reimbursements or fee waiver arrangements.
Lowest and Highest Annual Cost Table. Because your Contract is customizable, the
choices you make affect how much you will pay. To help you understand the cost of
owning your Contract, the following table shows the lowest and highest cost you could
pay each year, based on current charges. This estimate assumes that you do not take
withdrawals from the Contract.
Lowest Annual Cost: $1,037
Highest Annual Cost: $3,358
Assumes:
Assumes:
●Investment of $100,000
●5% annual appreciation
●Least expensive fund fees and
expenses
●No additional Purchase Payments,
transfers, or withdrawals
●Investment of $100,000
●5% annual appreciation
●Most expensive fund fees and expenses
●No additional Purchase Payments,
transfers, or withdrawals
6
RISKS
Location in
Prospectus
Is There a Risk of
Loss From Poor
Performance?
Yes:
●You can lose money by investing in this Contract, including loss of principal.
●Principal Risks
●Investments of
the Variable
Annuity
Account
Is This a Short-
Term Investment?
No:
●This Contract is not designed for short-term investing and is not appropriate for the
investor who needs ready access to cash.
●The benefits of tax deferral, long-term income, and living benefit protections mean
the Contract is more beneficial to investors with a long-term investment horizon.
●Surrenders and withdrawals may be subject to ordinary income tax and/or tax
penalties.
●Fee Tables
●Principal Risks
●Surrenders and
Withdrawals
What are the
Risks Associated
With the
Investment
Options?
●An investment in this Contract is subject to the risk of poor investment performance
of the investment options you choose. Performance can vary depending on the
performance of the investment options available under the Contract.
●Each investment option has its own unique risks.
●You should review the available investment options before making an investment
decision.
●Principal Risks
●Investments of
the Variable
Annuity
Account
What are the
Risks Related to
the Insurance
Company?
●An investment in the Contract is subject to the risks related to Lincoln Life. Any
obligations, guarantees, or benefits of the Contract are subject to our claims-paying
ability. If we experience financial distress, we may not be able to meet our obligations
to you. More information about Lincoln Life, including our financial strength ratings,
is available upon request by calling 1-800-454-6265 or visiting
www.LincolnFinancial.com.
●Principal Risks
RESTRICTIONS
Location in
Prospectus
Are There
Restrictions on
the Investment
Options?
●Not all investment options may be available for investment under your Contract.
●The availability of investment options may vary depending on the broker-dealer
through which the Contract is sold.
●We reserve the right to remove or substitute any funds as investment options that
are available under the Contract.
●You may be limited in the number of transfers between investment options per
Contract Year.
●Principal Risks
●Investments of
the Variable
Annuity
Account
●Appendix A -
Investment
Options
Available
Under the
Contract
●Appendix B -
Broker-Dealer
Material
Variations
TAXES
Location in
Prospectus
What are the
Contract's Tax
Implications?
●Consult with a tax professional to determine the tax implications of an investment in
and payments received under this Contract.
●If you purchase the Contract through a tax-qualified plan or IRA, you do not get any
additional tax benefit under the Contract.
●Depending on the source of your Purchase Payments, earnings on your Contract may
be taxed at ordinary income tax rates when you withdraw them, and you may have to
pay a penalty if you take a withdrawal before age 59½.
●Federal Tax
Matters
7
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Location in
Prospectus
How are
Investment
Professionals
Compensated?
●Financial professionals may receive compensation for selling this Contract, in the
form of commissions, additional cash benefits (e.g., bonuses), and non-cash
compensation. We may share the revenue we earn on this Contract with investment
firms.
●This potential conflict of interest may influence a financial professional to
recommend this Contract over another investment for which the investment
professional is not compensated or compensated less.
●Distribution of
the Contracts
Should I
Exchange My
Contract?
●You should only exchange your Contract if you determine, after comparing the
features, fees, and risks of both Contracts, that it is better for you to purchase the
new Contract rather than continue to own your existing contract.
●N/A
8
Fee Tables
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering or making withdrawals from the Contract. Please refer to your Contract Specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected.
The first table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you buy the Contract, surrender or make withdrawals from the Contract.
  TRANSACTION EXPENSES
  
There are no sales charges, deferred sales charges, or surrender charges associated with this Contract.
 
The next table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay each year during the time that you own the Contract (not including fund fees and expenses).
  ANNUAL CONTRACT EXPENSES
  
Base Contract Expense (as a percentage of average Contract Value)
Base Contract Expense
0.25%
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit:1
Guaranteed Maximum Annual Charge
2.00%
Current Annual Charge
0.90%
1
As percentage of the Income Base (initial Purchase Payment), as increased for subsequent Purchase Payments, Automatic Annual Step-ups and decreased upon an Excess Withdrawal. The current monthly charge is 0.075%, not to exceed the guaranteed maximum monthly percentage charge of 0.17%. This charge is
deducted from the Participant Account Value on a monthly basis. 
The next item shows the minimum and maximum total annual operating expenses charged by the funds that you may pay periodically during the time that you own the Contract. Expenses shown may change over time and may be higher or lower in the future. A complete list of funds available under the Contract, including their annual expenses, may be found in an appendix to this prospectus. See Appendix A - Investment Options Available Under the Contract. 
Annual Fund Expenses
Minimum
Maximum
Expenses that are deducted from the fund assets, including
management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other
expenses before any fee waivers or expense reimbursements.
0.59
%
0.82
%
Expenses that are deducted from the fund assets, including
management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other
expenses after any fee waivers or expense reimbursements.1
0.59
%
0.80
%
1
Any fee waivers or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until at least April 30, 2027, and can only be terminated early with approval by the fund's board of directors.
9
EXAMPLES
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the variable options with the cost of investing in other annuity contracts that offer variable options. These costs include separate account annual expenses, benefit charges and fund fees and expenses.
The examples assume that you invest $100,000 in the variable options for the time periods indicated, and that your investment has a 5% annual return on assets and the maximum fees and expenses of the fund. The examples also assume that the guaranteed maximum contract charges are in effect. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1) If you surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: 
1 year
3 years
5 years
10 years
$3,081
$9,419
$16,000
$33,573
2) If you annuitize or do not surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period: 
1 year
3 years
5 years
10 years
$3,081
$9,419
$16,000
$33,573
For more information - See Charges, Other Deductions, and Adjustments in this prospectus. These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be more or less than those shown.
Principal Risks
The principal risks of investing in the Contract include:
Risk of Loss. You can lose money by investing in this Contract, including loss of principal. Neither the U.S. Government nor any federal agency insures or guarantees your investment in the Contract.
Short-Term Investment Risk. This Contract is not designed for short-term investing and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. The benefits of tax deferral and long-term income also mean that the Contract is more beneficial to investors with a long-term horizon.
Variable Option Risk. You take all the investment risk on the Contract Value and the retirement income for amounts placed into one or more of the Subaccounts, which invest in corresponding underlying funds. If the Subaccounts you select make money, your Contract Value goes up; if they lose money, your Contract Value goes down. How much it goes up or down depends on the performance of the Subaccounts you select. Each underlying fund is subject to its own investment risks. When you invest in a Subaccount, you are exposed to the investment risks of the underlying fund. We reserve the right to remove or substitute any funds as investment options that are available under the Contract.
Managed Volatility Fund Risk. Certain underlying funds may employ risk management strategies to provide for downside protection during sharp downward movements in equity markets. These funds usually, but not always, have "Managed Risk" or "Managed Volatility" in the name of the fund. These strategies could limit the upside participation of the fund in rising equity markets relative to other funds. Risk management strategies, in periods of high market volatility, could limit your participation in market gains. This may conflict with your investment objectives by limiting your ability to maximize potential growth of your Contract Value and the value of your guaranteed benefits. For more information on these funds and their risk management strategies, please see the funds' prospectuses.
Withdrawal Risk (Illiquidity Risk). You should carefully consider the risks associated with taking a withdrawal or surrender under the Contract. The proceeds of your withdrawal or surrender may be subject to ordinary income taxes, including a tax penalty if you are younger than age 59½.
You should also consider the impact that a withdrawal may have on the standard and optional benefits under your Contract.
Transfer Risk. Your ability to transfer between investment options may be restricted under the Contract. If permitted by your Contract, we may discontinue accepting transfers into the fixed side of the contract at any time.
Fee and Expense Risk. You are subject to the risk that we may increase certain contract fees and charges, and that underlying fund expenses may increase.
Financial Strength and Claims-Paying Ability Risk. An investment in the Contract is subject to the risks related to us, Lincoln Life. Any obligations, guarantees, or benefits of the Contract are subject to our claims-paying ability. If we experience financial distress, we may not be able to meet our obligations to you.
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Cybersecurity and Business Interruption Risks. We rely heavily on our computer systems and those of our business partners and service providers to conduct our business. As such, our business is vulnerable to cybersecurity risks and business interruption risks. These risks include, among other things, the theft, loss, misuse, corruption and destruction of data; interference with or denial of service; attacks on websites or systems; operational disruptions; and unauthorized release of confidential customer or business information. Cybersecurity risks affecting us, any third-party administrators, underlying funds, index providers, intermediaries, and service providers may adversely affect us and/or your Contract. For instance, systems failures and cyberattacks may interfere with our processing of Contract transactions, including order processing; impact our ability to calculate Accumulation Unit values or other Contract values; cause the release and possible destruction of confidential customer or business information; and/or subject us to regulatory fines, litigation, financial losses or reputational damage. Cybersecurity risks may also impact the issuers of securities in which the underlying funds invest (or the securities that compose an Index), which may cause your Contract to lose value. There can be no assurance that systems disruptions, cyberattacks and information security breaches will always be detected, prevented, or avoided in the future.
In addition to cybersecurity risks, we are exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters, such as (but not limited to) storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, public health crises, malicious acts, and terrorist acts. Any such disasters could interfere with our business and our ability to administer the Contract. For example, they could lead to delays in our processing of Contract transactions, including orders from Contractowners, or could negatively impact our ability to calculate Accumulation Unit values or other Contract Values. They may also impact the issuers of securities in which the underlying funds invest (or the securities that compose an Index), which may cause your Contract to lose value. There can be no assurance that negative impacts associated with natural and man-made disasters will always be avoided.
Financial Statements
The December 31, 2025 financial statements of the VAA and the December 31, 2025 consolidated financial statements of Lincoln Life are located in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). Instructions on how to obtain a free copy of the SAI are provided on the last page of this prospectus.
Investments of the Variable Annuity Account
Any Purchase Payments that you or the Participant, if authorized by the Contractowner, allocate to the Subaccount will be allocated to the Standard Class of the fund. Shares of the fund will be sold at net asset value with no initial sales charge to the VAA in order to fund the contracts. The fund is required to redeem fund shares at net asset value upon our request.
Investment Adviser
Lincoln Financial Investments Corporation (LFI) is the investment adviser for the fund. LFI is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. As compensation for its services to the fund, the investment adviser receives a fee from the fund which is accrued daily and paid monthly. This fee is based on the net assets of the fund, as defined in the prospectus for the fund.
Descriptions of the Funds
Information regarding each fund, including (1) its name, (2) its type or investment objective, (3) its investment adviser and any sub-investment adviser, (4) current expenses, and (5) performance is available in Appendix A - Investment Options Available Under the Contract. Each fund has issued a prospectus that contains more detailed information about the fund. Paper or electronic copies of the fund prospectuses may be obtained by contacting our Home Office or visiting www.lfg.com/VAprospectus.
Certain Payments We Receive with Regard to the Funds
We (or our affiliates) incur expenses in promoting, marketing, and administering the contracts and the funds. With respect to the fund, the adviser and/or distributor, or an affiliate thereof, may make payments to us (or an affiliate) for certain services we provide on behalf of the funds. Such services include, but are not limited to, recordkeeping; aggregating and processing purchase and redemption orders; providing Contractowners with statements showing their positions within the funds; processing dividend payments; providing subaccounting services for shares held by Contractowners; and forwarding shareholder communications, such as proxies, shareholder reports, dividend and tax notices, and printing and delivering prospectuses and updates to Contractowners. It is anticipated that such payments will be based on a percentage of assets of the fund attributable to the contracts along with certain other variable contracts issued or administered by us (or an affiliate). These percentages are negotiated and the amount we receive may be substantial. We (or our affiliates) may profit from these payments. These payments may be derived, in whole or in part, from the investment advisory fee deducted from fund assets. Contractowners and Participants, through their indirect investment in the funds, bear the costs of these investment advisory fees (see the fund's prospectus for more information). Additionally, a fund's adviser
11
and/or distributor or its affiliates may provide us with certain services that assist us in the distribution of the contracts and may pay us and/or certain affiliates amounts for marketing programs and sales support, as well as amounts to participate in training and sales meetings.
Selection of the Funds
The Subaccounts of the VAA are invested solely in shares of one of the funds available under the Contract.
The funds offered as part of this Contract may have similar investment objectives and policies to other portfolios managed by the adviser. The investment results of the fund, however, may be higher or lower than the other portfolios that are managed by the adviser or sub-adviser. There can be no assurance, and no representation is made, that the investment results of the funds will be comparable to the investment results of any other portfolio managed by the adviser or sub-adviser, if applicable.
The funds invests substantially all of its assets in other funds. As a result, you will pay fees and expenses at both funds levels. This will reduce your investment return. This arrangement is referred to as funds of funds. Funds of funds structures may have higher expenses than funds that invest directly in debt or equity securities.
These funds may employ a risk management strategy to provide for downside protection during sharp downward movements in equity markets. For more information about the funds and the investment strategies it employs, please refer to the fund's current prospectuses. Fund prospectuses are available by contacting us.
These funds are included as an investment option in part, to reduce the risk of investment losses that may require us to use our own assets to make guaranteed payments under the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. Our financial interest in reducing loss and the volatility of overall Contract Values, in light of our obligations to provide benefits under the rider, may be deemed to present a potential conflict of interest with respect to the interests of the Contractowner and/or Annuitants. In addition, any negative impact to the underlying fund as a result of the risk management strategies may limit your Participant Account Values, which in turn may limit your ability to achieve step-ups of the benefit base under the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit.
Fund Shares
We will purchase shares of the fund at net asset value and direct them to the Subaccount of the VAA. We will redeem sufficient shares of the fund to pay Annuity Payouts, Death Benefits, surrender/withdrawal proceeds or for other purposes described in the Contract. Redeemed shares are retired, but they may be reissued later.
Shares of the fund are not sold directly to the general public. They are sold to us, and may be sold to other insurance companies, for investment of the assets of the Subaccount established by those insurance companies to fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
When a fund sells any of its shares both to variable annuity and to variable life insurance separate accounts, it is said to engage in mixed funding. When a fund sells any of its shares to separate accounts of unaffiliated life insurance companies, it is said to engage in shared funding.
The fund currently engages in mixed and shared funding. Therefore, due to differences in redemption rates or tax treatment, or other considerations, the interest of various Contractowners participating in a fund could conflict. The fund's Board of Directors will monitor for the existence of any material conflicts, and determine what action, if any, should be taken. The fund does not foresee any disadvantage to Contractowners arising out of mixed or shared funding. If such a conflict were to occur, one of the separate accounts might withdraw its investment in a fund. This might force a fund to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. See the prospectuses for the funds.
Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions
All dividends and capital gain distributions of the fund are automatically reinvested in shares of the distributing funds at their net asset value on the date of distribution. Dividends are not paid out to Contractowners as additional units, but are reflected as changes in unit values.
Addition, Deletion or Substitution of Investments
We reserve the right, within the law, to make certain changes to the structure and operation of the VAA at our discretion and without your consent. We may add, delete, or substitute the fund for all Contractowners or only for certain classes of Contractowners. New or substitute funds may have different fees and expenses, and may only be offered to certain classes of Contractowners.
Substitutions may be made with respect to existing investments or the investment of future Purchase Payments, or both. We may close the Subaccount to allocations of Purchase Payments or Contract Value, or both, at any time in our sole discretion. The fund, which sells shares to the Subaccount pursuant to a participation agreement, also may terminate the agreement and discontinue offering its shares to the Subaccount. A substitution might also occur if shares of a fund should no longer be available, or if investment in
12
the fund's shares should become inappropriate, in the judgment of our management, for the purposes of the Contract, or for any other reason in our sole discretion.
If the Subaccount or fund is closed to future Purchase Payments, we may add a new investment option to the Contract. As an alternative, we may substitute a new fund for the prior fund option, after obtaining any necessary approval of the SEC and upon written notice to you. At least one variable investment option will be available at all times.
We also may:
●
remove, combine, or add Subaccounts and make the new Subaccounts available to you at our discretion;
●
transfer assets supporting the Contract from one Subaccount to another or from the VAA to another separate account;
●
combine the VAA with other separate accounts and/or create new separate accounts;
●
deregister the VAA under the 1940 Act; and
●
operate the VAA as a management investment company under the 1940 Act or as any other form permitted by law.
We may modify the provisions of the Contract to reflect changes to the Subaccount and the VAA and to comply with applicable law. We will not make any changes without any necessary approval by the SEC. We will also provide you written notice.
Charges, Other Deductions, and Adjustments
We will deduct the charges described below to cover our costs and expenses, services provided and risks assumed under the contracts. We incur certain costs and expenses for the distribution and administration of the contracts and for paying the benefits under the contracts.
Our administrative services include:
●
processing applications for and issuing the contracts;
●
processing purchases and redemptions of fund shares as required;
●
maintaining records;
●
administering Annuity Payouts;
●
furnishing accounting and valuation services (including the calculation and monitoring of daily Subaccount values);
●
reconciling and depositing cash receipts;
●
providing contract confirmations; and
●
providing toll-free and website inquiry services.
The benefits we provide include:
●
a Death Benefit;
●
a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit;
●
Annuity Payout benefits; and
●
cash surrender value benefits.
The risks we assume include:
●
the risk that Annuitants receiving Annuity Payouts live longer than we assumed when we calculated our guaranteed rates (these rates are incorporated in the Contract and cannot be changed);
●
the risk that lifetime payments from the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will exceed the Contract Value;
●
the risk that the Death Benefits paid will exceed the actual Contract Value; and
●
the risk that our costs in providing the services will exceed our revenues from contract charges (which we cannot change).
The amount of a charge may not necessarily correspond to the costs associated with providing the services or benefits indicated by the description of the charge. Any remaining expenses will be paid from our general account which may consist, among other things, of proceeds derived from mortality and expense risk charges deducted from the VAA. We may profit from one or more of the fees and charges deducted under the Contract. We may use these profits for any corporate purpose, including financing the distribution of the contracts.
Obligations under the contracts that are funded by our general account (rather than the Variable Annuity Account) include 1) the obligation to pay Death Benefits that exceed the Contract Value; and 2) the obligation to pay Annuity Payouts that exceed the Contract Value. Payment of these benefits and obligations is subject to our claims-paying ability and financial strength. We are also responsible for providing for all administrative services necessary in connection with the contracts (and bearing all of the associated expenses).
Deductions from the VAA
A charge is applied to the daily net asset value of the Subaccount, equal to an annual rate of: 
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Base Contract Expense
0.25
%
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge: The annual charge for this feature is currently 0.90% (0.075% monthly). This charge is applied to the Income Base (initial Purchase Payment), as increased for subsequent Purchase Payments, Automatic Annual Step-ups, and decreased for Excess Withdrawals. We will deduct the cost of this benefit from the Participant Account Value on a monthly basis, with the first deduction occurring on the Valuation Date on or next following the one-month anniversary of the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Effective Date. The amount we deduct will increase or decrease as the Income Base increases or decreases, because the charge is based on the Income Base. See Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit - Income Base section for a discussion and example of the impact of the changes to the Income Base.
The percentage charge may increase no more frequently than once in a 12-month period and we will notify you in advance of the effective date of the change. The charge will not exceed the guaranteed maximum annual percentage charge of 2.00%. The guaranteed maximum monthly percentage charge is 0.17%.
If the Participant Account Value is reduced to zero while the Participant is receiving a Guaranteed Annual Income, this charge will not be deducted.
Other Charges and Deductions
There are additional deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying fund that are more fully described in the prospectus for the fund.
Additional Information
The sales and administrative charges described previously may be reduced or eliminated for any particular contract. However, these charges will be reduced only to the extent that we anticipate lower distribution and/or administrative expenses, or that we perform fewer sales or administrative services than those originally contemplated in establishing the level of those charges. Lower distribution and administrative expenses may be the result of economies associated with:
●
the use of mass enrollment procedures;
●
the performance of administrative or sales functions by the employer;
●
the use by an employer of automated techniques in submitting deposits or information related to deposits on behalf of its employees; or
●
any other circumstances which reduce distribution or administrative expenses.
The exact amount of sales and administrative charges applicable to a particular contract will be stated in that Contract.
The Contract
Lincoln Life and the Variable Annuity Account (VAA)
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln Life or Company), organized in 1905, is an Indiana-domiciled insurance company, engaged primarily in the direct issuance of life insurance contracts and annuities. The address of Lincoln Life's Home Office is 1301 South Harrison Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Lincoln Life is wholly owned by Lincoln National Corporation (LNC), a publicly held insurance and financial services holding company incorporated in Indiana. Lincoln Life is obligated to pay all amounts promised to Contractowners under the contracts, subject to its financial strength and claims-paying ability.
On November 3, 1997, the VAA was established as an insurance company separate account under Indiana law. It is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust under the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). The VAA is a segregated investment account. Income, gains and losses credited to, or charged against, the VAA reflect the VAA's own investment experience and not the investment experience of Lincoln Life's other assets. The assets of the VAA may not be used to pay any liabilities of Lincoln Life other than those arising from the contracts supported by the VAA.
Purchase of Contract
This prospectus describes the group variable annuity contract under which we allocate payments to the accounts of individual Participants and provide a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit if all conditions are met. Each Participant under the group variable annuity contract receives a certificate which summarizes the provisions of the group contract and is proof of participation. The Participant's share of the Contract Value is called the Participant Account Value.
Purchase Payments
Periodic Purchase Payments are payable to us at a frequency and in an amount specified by the Plan sponsor. Purchase Payments are allocated to the LVIP American Global Balanced Allocation Managed Risk Fund and LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk
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Fund, and are used to fund the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. If Purchase Payments are discontinued, the Contract will remain in force as a paid-up contract. If you submit a Purchase Payment to your agent, we will not begin processing the Purchase Payment until we receive it from your agent's broker-dealer in Good Order.
The maximum annual Purchase Payment into the Contract for a Participant will be limited to $500,000 without the Home Office approval. Purchase Payments from a Participant which originate from other investment options available under the Plan and are made within 180 days of a withdrawal from the Participant Account Value may be limited to $25,000 in the future. In addition we may further limit or decline future Purchase Payments into the Contract as long as we provide you 180 days notice. It is possible that we could refuse any or all future Purchase Payments. If future Purchase Payments cannot be made into this Contract, Participant Account Values and Income Bases will no longer be increased by additional Purchase Payments. Participants should consider these Purchase Payment limitations and how they may impact their long-term investment plans, especially if the intent is to make additional Purchase Payments over a long period of time.
Valuation Date
Accumulation Units will be valued once daily at the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open (Valuation Date). On any date other than a Valuation Date, the Accumulation Unit value will not change.
Allocation of Purchase Payments
Purchase Payments are allocated to the VAA's Subaccounts and are used to fund the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. A Purchase Payment allocated to the VAA is converted into Accumulation Units and is credited to the account of each Participant. The number of Accumulation Units credited is determined by dividing the Purchase Payment by the value of an Accumulation Unit on the Valuation Date on which the Purchase Payment is received in Good Order at our Home Office if received before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time or the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange. Purchase Payments received in Good Order at or after 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time will be processed using the Accumulation Unit value computed on the next Valuation Date. The number of Accumulation Units determined in this way is not changed by any subsequent change in the value of an Accumulation Unit. However, the dollar value of an Accumulation Unit will vary depending not only upon how well the fund performs, but also upon the expenses of the VAA and the fund.
Valuation of Accumulation Units
Purchase Payments allocated to the VAA are converted into Accumulation Units. This is done by dividing the amount allocated by the value of an Accumulation Unit for the Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payments are allocated to the VAA. The Accumulation Unit value for the Subaccount was established at the inception of the Subaccount. It may increase or decrease from Valuation Period to Valuation Period. Accumulation Unit values are affected by investment performance of the fund, fund expenses, and the deduction of certain contract charges. We determine the value of an Accumulation Unit on the last day of any following Valuation Period as follows:
1. The total value of the fund shares held in the Subaccount is calculated by multiplying the number of fund shares owned by the Subaccount at the beginning of the Valuation Period by the net asset value per share of the fund at the end of the Valuation Period, and adding any dividend or other distribution of the fund if an ex-dividend date occurs during the Valuation Period; minus
2. The liabilities of the Subaccount at the end of the Valuation Period; these liabilities include daily charges imposed on the Subaccount, and may include a charge or credit with respect to any taxes paid or reserved for by us that we determine result from the operations of the VAA; and
3. The result is divided by the number of Subaccount units outstanding at the beginning of the Valuation Period.
The daily charges imposed on the Subaccount for any Valuation Period are equal to the daily mortality and expense risk charge multiplied by the number of calendar days in the Valuation Period. In certain circumstances (for example, when separate account assets are less than $1,000), and when permitted by law, it may be prudent for us to use a different standard industry method for this calculation, called the Net Investment Factor method. We will achieve substantially the same result using either method.
Benefits Available Under the Contract
The following table summarize information about the benefits available under the Contract. A detailed description of each benefit follows the table. 
15
Standard Benefits
Name of Benefit
Purpose
Maximum Fee
Brief Description of Restrictions /
Limitations
Guaranteed
Withdrawal Benefit
●Guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals;
●Annual step-ups of the Income Base;
●Age-based increases the Guaranteed
Annual Income amount.
●2.00%
●Excess Withdrawals could significantly
reduce or terminate the benefit.
●Any Excess Withdrawal may negatively
impact or eliminate the potential for
enhancements or step-ups.
●Subject to a $2 million maximum
Protected Income Base.
●Additional Purchase Payments may be
limited.
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit provides for each Participant (and spouse if the joint life option is elected):
●
Guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount which is based upon a guaranteed Income Base;
●
Automatic Annual Step-ups of the Income Base to the Participant Account Value if the Participant Account Value is equal to or greater than the Income Base and the maximum age(s) has not been reached;
●
Age-based increases to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (after reaching a higher age-band and after an Automatic Annual Step-up).
Please note any withdrawals made prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date or that exceed the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (referred to as Excess Withdrawals) may significantly reduce the Income Base as well as the Guaranteed Annual Income amount by an amount greater than the dollar amount of the Excess Withdrawal and will terminate the benefit if the Income Base is reduced to zero.
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit provides guaranteed, periodic withdrawals for the Participant's life or for the lives of the Participant and spouse (joint life option) regardless of the investment performance of the Contract, provided that certain conditions are met. For purposes of this Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit, spouse means an individual who would be recognized as a spouse under federal law. An Income Base is used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income payment from Participant Account Value, but is not available as a separate benefit upon death or surrender. We will calculate the Income Base based on the amount of the initial Purchase Payment made for a Participant by Plan sponsor at the time the first Participant Purchase Payment is made. The Income Base will be increased by subsequent Participant Purchase Payments from the Plan sponsor and Automatic Annual Step-ups, and decreased by Excess Withdrawals in accordance with the provisions set forth below. Limits on Purchase Payments are discussed in the Purchase Payments section of this prospectus. No additional Purchase Payments are allowed for a Participant if the Participant Account Value decreases to zero after the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date for any reason.
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit provides for guaranteed, periodic withdrawals up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount commencing after the Participant (single life option) or younger of the Participant or spouse (joint life option) reach age 55. The Guaranteed Annual Income payments are based upon specified percentages of the Income Base. The specified withdrawal percentages of the Income Base are age based and may increase over time. With the single life option, the Participant may receive Guaranteed Annual Income payments for life. Under the joint life option, Guaranteed Annual Income amounts for the lifetimes of the Participant and spouse will be available.
Income Base. The Income Base is a value used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. The Income Base is not available as a lump sum withdrawal or as a Death Benefit. The initial Income Base equals the amount of the Participant's share of Purchase Payments into the Contract. The maximum Income Base is $2,000,000 for each Participant. This maximum takes into consideration the total guaranteed amounts under the living benefit riders of all Lincoln Life contracts (or contracts issued by our affiliates) in which the Participant (and/or spouse if joint life option) are the covered lives.
Each additional Purchase Payment automatically increases the Income Base by the amount of the Purchase Payment (not to exceed the maximum Income Base). Additional Purchase Payments will not be allowed after the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date if the Participant Account Value decreases to zero for any reason including market loss.
Excess Withdrawals reduce the Income Base as discussed below. Withdrawals less than or equal to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount and amounts deducted for the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge and Additional Plan Expenses will not reduce the Income Base. All withdrawals prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date are considered Excess Withdrawals.
Automatic Annual Step-ups of the Income Base. The Income Base will automatically step-up to the Participant Account Value on the Valuation Date immediately prior to each Benefit Year anniversary if:
16
a.)
the Participant (single life option), or the Participant or spouse (joint life option) are still living and under age 86 (if both spouses are living, they both must be under age 86); and
b.)
the Participant Account Value on that Valuation Date, after the deduction of any withdrawals (including the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge), plus any Purchase Payments made on that date, is equal to or greater than the Income Base.
The Automatic Annual Step-up is available even in those years when a withdrawal has occurred.
Following is an example of how the Automatic Annual Step-ups will work (assuming no withdrawals or additional Purchase Payments): 
Contract Value
Income Base
Initial Purchase Payment $50,000
$50,000
$50,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 1st Benefit Year anniversary
$54,000
$54,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 2nd Benefit Year anniversary
$53,900
$54,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 3rd Benefit Year anniversary
$57,000
$57,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 4th Benefit Year anniversary
$64,000
$64,000
Withdrawal Amount. Participants may request to begin Guaranteed Annual Income withdrawals by submitting a request to the Home Office. The Valuation Date the request is approved is the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date. At that time, the Participant will elect either the single life option or the joint life option of the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. After the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, periodic withdrawals up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount may be taken each Benefit Year for the lifetime of the Participant (single life option) or the lifetimes of the Participant and spouse (joint life option) as long as the Guaranteed Annual Income amount is greater than zero. Guaranteed Annual Income withdrawals may be taken once the Participant (single life option) or the younger of the Participant and spouse (joint life option) turn age 55.
Upon the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, the Guaranteed Annual Income percentage is based on the age of the Participant (single life option) or the age of the younger of the Participant and spouse (joint life option) as set forth in the table below. For example, if the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date is at age 60 (single life option), the Guaranteed Annual Income percentage would be 4%. After the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, the Guaranteed Annual Income amount percentage will only increase on a Benefit Year anniversary on or after an applicable higher age band has been reached and after there has also been an Automatic Annual Step-up. The Automatic Annual Step-up must occur after the date the Participant (or spouse if applicable) reached the higher age band. If an applicable age band has been reached and there has not also been an Automatic Annual Step-up, then the Guaranteed Annual Income amount percentage will not increase until the next Automatic Annual Step-up occurs. If the entire Guaranteed Annual Income amount is not withdrawn during a Benefit Year, there is no carryover of the remaining amount into the next Benefit Year. If the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date does not occur on a Benefit Year anniversary, the Guaranteed Annual Income amount for the first year will be prorated based on the number of days remaining in that Benefit Year.
Table of Guaranteed Annual Income Percentages by Ages 
Age
Guaranteed
Annual Income amount
percentage (Single Life Option)
Guaranteed Annual Income
amount percentage
(Joint Life Option)
At Least 55 and under 65
4
%
3.5
%
65-70
5
%
4.5
%
71+
6
%
5.5
%
We may change the Table of Guaranteed Annual Income Percentages by Ages ("Table") for future Purchase Payments. We will provide you with notice of any change to the Table. If there is a change to the Table, a weighted average percentage will be used to determine the Guaranteed Annual Income. This weighted average calculation is described below.
If the Participant Account Value is reduced to zero while receiving a Guaranteed Annual Income amount because of market performance or Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charges, payments equal to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will continue automatically for the life of the Participant (and spouse's life if applicable). The remaining Income Base is not available as a lump sum withdrawal. The Participant will not be entitled to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount if the Income Base is reduced to zero as a result of an Excess Withdrawal. If the Income Base is reduced to zero due to an Excess Withdrawal the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will terminate, and the Participant will have no more rights or benefits under this Contract.
Withdrawals equal to or less than the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will not reduce the Income Base. All withdrawals will decrease the Participant Account Value.
17
The following example shows the calculation of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount and how withdrawals less than or equal to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount affect the Income Base and the Participant Account Value. The example assumes that the Participant is age 58 (4% Guaranteed Annual Income percentage for single life option) on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, and has an Income Base of $200,000: 
Participant Account Value on the Guaranteed Annual Income
Effective Date
$200,000
Income Base on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date
$200,000
Initial Guaranteed Annual Income amount on the Guaranteed
Annual Income Effective Date ($200,000 x 4%)
$8,000
Participant Account Value six months after Guaranteed Annual
Income Effective Date
$210,000
Income Base six months after Guaranteed Annual Income Effective
Date
$200,000
Withdrawal six months after Guaranteed Annual Income Effective
Date when Participant is still age 58
$8,000
Participant Account Value after withdrawal ($210,000 - $8,000)
$202,000
Income Base after withdrawal ($200,000 - $0)
$200,000
Participant Account Value on next Benefit Year anniversary
$205,000
Income Base on next Benefit Year anniversary
$205,000
Guaranteed Annual Income amount on next Benefit Year
anniversary
$8,200
The Automatic Annual Step-up was available on the first Benefit Year anniversary and increased the Income Base to the Participant Account Value of $205,000. The Guaranteed Annual Income amount also increased to $8,200 (4% x $205,000).
Purchase Payments added to the Contract subsequent to the initial Purchase Payment will increase the Guaranteed Annual Income amount by an amount equal to the applicable Guaranteed Annual Income amount percentage multiplied by the amount of the subsequent Purchase Payment. For example, assuming a Participant is age 58 (single life option), if the Guaranteed Annual Income amount of $2,000 (4% of $50,000 Income Base) is in effect and an additional Purchase Payment of $10,000 is made, the new Guaranteed Annual Income amount that Benefit Year is $2,400 ($2,000 + 4% of $10,000). The Guaranteed Annual Income payment amount will be recalculated immediately after a Purchase Payment is added to the Contract. Note that the Benefit Year does not change so all withdrawals during the Benefit Year, (withdrawals before and after the additional Purchase Payment), will count toward the Guaranteed Annual Income amount.
Purchase Payments for a Participant into the Contract cannot exceed $500,000 in a Benefit Year.
Automatic Annual Step-ups will increase the Income Base and thus the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. The Guaranteed Annual Income amount, after the Income Base is adjusted by an Automatic Annual Step-up, will be equal to the adjusted Income Base multiplied by the applicable Guaranteed Annual Income percentage.
Weighted Average Guaranteed Annual Income Percentage. If we make a change to the Table of Guaranteed Annual Income Percentages by Ages ("Table") then a weighted average guaranteed annual income ("WAGAI") percentage will be used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income. A WAGAI percentage will be calculated based on the portion of Purchase Payments, Automatic Annual Step-Ups and Excess Withdrawals that are allocated to each Table that was in effect when Purchase Payments were made. The percentage for each Table is determined according to this formula: (a) divided by (b) times (c); where
(a) is the portion of the Income Base calculated on the basis of Purchase Payments made during the time the specific Table is in effect and adjusted by Automatic Annual Step-Ups and Excess Withdrawals;
(b) is the total Income Base for all Tables;
(c) is the applicable percentage for the age and measuring life option for that Table.
The percentage for each applicable Table will be calculated according to the formula above. Then the percentages determined for each Table will be added together to determine the WAGAI percentage. The WAGAI percentage will be recalculated following the date of an additional Purchase Payment, Automatic Annual Step-Up or Excess Withdrawal. Excess Withdrawals will reduce the Participant Account Value and Income Base on a pro rata basis according to the Participant Account Value and Income Base allocated to each Table.
The following example demonstrates how the WAGAI is calculated if Purchase Payments are made while two different Tables are in effect: 
18
Total Purchase Payment during Year 1 (Table 1 in effect)
$5,000
Automatic Step-Up of Income Base to market value on Benefit Year anniversary
$5,900
Total Purchase Payments during Year 2 (Table 2 in effect)
$5,000
Market loss so no Automatic Step-Up on Benefit Year anniversary
$10,900
The Participant is age 60 on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date. The percentage rate for this Participant under Table 1 was 4% (single life). The percentage rate under Table 2 was 3.5%.
According to the formula above, at the end of year 2 the percentage attributed to the first Table is ($5,900 / $10,900 x 4%) = 2.16%. The percentage attributed to the second Table is ($5,000 / $10,900 x 3.5%) = 1.61%. Adding the two rates together results in a WAGAI of 3.77%. This rate will be applied to the Total Income Base of $10,900 to produce a Guaranteed Annual Income amount of $410.93.
Excess Withdrawals. Excess Withdrawals are the cumulative amounts withdrawn from the Contract during the Benefit Year (including the current withdrawal) that exceed the Guaranteed Annual Income amount at the time of the withdrawal, or are withdrawals made prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date. Withdrawals for the Guaranteed Withdrawal Charge and Additional Plan Expenses are not treated as Excess Withdrawals.
When an Excess Withdrawal occurs:
●
the Income Base is reduced by the same proportion that the Excess Withdrawal reduces the Participant Account Value. This means that the reduction in the Income Base could be more than the dollar amount of the withdrawal; and
●
the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will be recalculated to equal the applicable Guaranteed Annual Income amount percentage multiplied by the new (reduced) Income Base (after the pro rata reduction for the Excess Withdrawal).
We will provide the Participant quarterly statements that will include the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (as adjusted for Guaranteed Annual Income amount payments, Automatic Annual Step-ups, Excess Withdrawals and additional Purchase Payments) available for the Benefit Year, if applicable, in order to determine whether a withdrawal may be an Excess Withdrawal. Questions regarding Excess Withdrawals should be referred to the customer service number provided on the front page of this prospectus.
The following example demonstrates the impact of an Excess Withdrawal on the Income Base, the Guaranteed Annual Income amount and the Participant Account Value. The Participant who is age 58 (single life option) makes a $12,000 withdrawal which causes a $12,915.19 reduction in the Income Base.
Prior to Excess Withdrawal: Participant Account Value = $60,000 Income Base = $85,000
Guaranteed Annual Income amount = $3,400 (4% of the Income Base of $85,000)
After a $12,000 Withdrawal, $3,400 is within the Guaranteed Annual Income amount, $8,600 is the Excess Withdrawal.
The Participant Account Value is reduced by the amount of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount of $3,400 and the Income Base is not reduced: Participant Account Value = $56,600 ($60,000 - $3,400) Income Base = $85,000
The Participant Account Value is also reduced by the $8,600 Excess Withdrawal and the Income Base is reduced by 15.19435%, the same proportion that the Excess Withdrawal reduced the $56,600 Participant Account Value ($8,600 ÷ $56,600)
Participant Account Value = $48,000 ($56,600 - $8,600)
Income Base = $72,084.81 ($85,000 x 15.19435% = $12,915.19; $85,000 - $12,915.19 = $72,084.81)
On the following Benefit Year anniversary:
Participant Account Value = $43,000
Income Base = $72,084.81
Guaranteed Income amount = $2,883.39 (4% x $72,084.81 Income Base)
In a declining market, Excess Withdrawals may significantly reduce the Income Base as well as the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. If the Income Base or Participant Account Value is reduced to zero due to an Excess Withdrawal the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will terminate and the Participant will have no more rights or benefits under this Contract.
After the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, withdrawals will be treated as within the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (even if they exceed the Guaranteed Annual Income amount) only if the withdrawals are taken as systematic monthly or quarterly installments of the amount needed to satisfy the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(9). In addition, in order for this exception for RMDs to apply, the following must occur:
●
Lincoln's monthly or quarterly automatic withdrawal service is used to calculate and pay the RMD;
●
The RMD calculation must be based only on the Participant Account Value in this Contract; and
●
No withdrawals other than RMDs are made within the Benefit Year (except as described in the next paragraph).
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If RMD withdrawals during a Benefit Year are less than the Guaranteed Annual Income amount, an additional amount up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount may be withdrawn. If a withdrawal, other than an RMD is made during the Benefit Year, then all amounts withdrawn in excess of the greater of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount or RMDs, will be treated as Excess Withdrawals.
Distributions from qualified contracts are generally taxed as ordinary income. See Federal Tax Matters for a discussion of the tax consequences of withdrawals.
Death Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit has no provision for a payout of the Income Base upon death of the Participant or Annuitant. A Death Benefit may be paid to the Beneficiary if the conditions set forth below are met. Payment of a Death Benefit terminates the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit for this Participant and surviving spouse if applicable. All Death Benefit payments must be made in compliance with Internal Revenue Code Sections 72(s) or 401(a)(9) as applicable as amended from time to time.
Upon the death of the Participant prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date or upon the Participant's death with the single life option, the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will end and no further Guaranteed Annual Income amounts are available (even if there was an Income Base in effect at the time of the death). A Death Benefit as set forth below, may be available.
Upon the first death under the joint life option, the lifetime payout of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will continue for the life of the surviving spouse unless a Death Benefit is paid out if available. The Automatic Annual Step-up will continue if applicable as discussed above. Upon the death of the surviving spouse, the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will end and no further Guaranteed Annual Income amounts are available (even if there was an Income Base in effect at the time of the death). A Death Benefit, as set forth below, may be available upon the second death.
The Death Benefit is equal to the greater of:
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the current Participant Account Value as of the Valuation Date we approve the payment of the claim; or
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the sum of all Purchase Payments into the Participant Account Value decreased by withdrawals. Excess Withdrawals reduce the sum of all Purchase Payments in the same proportion that Excess Withdrawals reduced the Participant Account Value. All other withdrawals reduce the sum of all Purchase Payments by the dollar amount of the withdrawal.
The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the date on which the death claim is approved for payment. This payment will occur upon receipt of:
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proof, satisfactory to us, of the death;
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written authorization for payment; and
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our receipt of all required claim forms, fully completed.
If the Death Benefit becomes payable upon the death of the Participant, the Beneficiary may elect to receive payment either in the form of a lump sum settlement or an Annuity Payout if provided by the Plan. Federal tax law requires that an annuity election be made no later than 60 days after we receive satisfactory notice of death as discussed previously.
If a lump sum settlement is requested, the proceeds will be mailed within seven days of receipt of satisfactory claim documentation as discussed previously, subject to the laws and regulations governing payment of Death Benefits. This payment may be postponed as permitted by the 1940 Act.
All Death Benefit payments will be subject to the Plan and to the laws and regulations governing Death Benefits.
The tax code requires that any distribution be paid within five years of the death of the Participant unless the Beneficiary begins receiving, within one year of the Participant's death, the distribution in the form of a life annuity or an annuity for a designated period not exceeding the Beneficiary's life expectancy.
Termination. The Contractowner may terminate the Contract, including the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit, by notifying us in writing and surrendering the Contract without requesting to preserve the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. Under current law, if this occurs and the Participant is not eligible for a rollover distribution and the Plan sponsor does not make other arrangements to provide the benefit, the Participant may lose the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit.
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will automatically terminate for a Participant:
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on the Annuity Commencement Date; or
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upon the death of the Participant prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date; or
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upon the death of the Participant under the single life option; or
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upon the death of the survivor under the joint life option; or
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when the Income Base or Participant Account Value is reduced to zero due to an Excess Withdrawal; or
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if the Plan contains a small account payout provision and the Participant does not elect a rollover distribution (depending on a Plan's terms, a rollover may not be available for account balances less than $200).
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The termination will not result in any increase in Contract Value equal to the Income Base. Upon effective termination of the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit, the benefits and charges within the Participant Account will terminate and any Participant Account Value must be removed from this Contract.
Rollover Benefit. A Participant who is eligible for a rollover distribution from the Plan may request a rollover to another Lincoln contract to continue the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit if the following conditions are met:
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a request for direct rollover of the entire Participant Account Value is made or authorized by the Contractowner;
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the amount rolled over is eligible for distribution under the Plan;
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the Participant applies for the participation in the rollover contract in accordance with our procedures; and
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the entire Participant Account Value is transferred to the rollover contract.
The rollover contract will provide similar Guaranteed Annual Income amount calculations that the Participant received from the retirement plan contract on the day prior to the rollover. However, the new contract may have different provisions such as charges and investment options.
Surrenders and Withdrawals
Before the Annuity Commencement Date, we will allow the surrender of the Contract or a withdrawal of a portion of the Contract Value upon your written request or the written request of a Participant, if authorized by the Contractowner, subject to the conditions of the Contract discussed below. Surrender or withdrawal rights after the Annuity Commencement Date depend on the Annuity Payout option selected.
The amount available upon surrender/withdrawal is the Contract Value at the end of the Valuation Period during which the written request for surrender/withdrawal is received at the Home Office if the request is received in Good Order before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, or the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange if earlier. If we receive a surrender or withdrawal request in Good Order at or after 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, we will process the request using the Accumulation Unit value computed on the next Valuation Date. Unless prohibited, surrender/withdrawal payments will be mailed within seven days after we receive a valid written request at the Home Office. The payment may be postponed as permitted by the 1940 Act.
The tax consequences of a surrender/withdrawal are discussed later in this prospectus. See Federal Tax Matters.
Delay of Payments
Contract proceeds from the VAA will be paid within seven days, except:
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when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends and holidays);
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times when market trading is restricted or the SEC declares an emergency, and we cannot value units or the funds cannot redeem shares; or
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when the SEC so orders to protect Contractowners.
Due to federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering by criminals, we may be required to reject a Purchase Payment and/or deny payment of a request for transfers, withdrawals, surrenders, or Death Benefits, until instructions are received from the appropriate regulator. We also may be required to provide additional information about a Contractowner's account to government regulators.
Abandoned Property. Every state has unclaimed property laws which generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of three to five years from the date a benefit is due and payable. For example, if the payment of a Death Benefit has been triggered, but, if after a thorough search, we are still unable to locate the Beneficiary of the Death Benefit, or the Beneficiary does not come forward to claim the Death Benefit in a timely manner, the Death Benefit will be "escheated". This means that the Death Benefit will be paid to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property office of the state in which the Beneficiary or the Contractowner last resided, as shown on our books and records, or to our state of domicile. This escheatment is revocable and the state is obligated to pay the Death Benefit (without interest) if your Beneficiary steps forward to claim it with the proper documentation.
To prevent such escheatment, it is important that you update your Beneficiary designations, including addresses, if and as they change. You may update your Beneficiary designations by submitting a Beneficiary change form to our Home Office.
Amendment of Contract
We reserve the right to amend the Contract to meet the requirements of the 1940 Act or other applicable federal or state laws or regulations. You will be notified in writing of any changes, modifications or waivers. Any changes are subject to prior approval of your state's insurance department (if required).
Ownership
The owner on the date of issue will be the entity designated in the contract specifications.
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As Contractowner, you have all rights under the Contract. A Contractowner who is a custodian or trustee may provide certain ownership rights to the Participant/Annuitant. According to Indiana law, the assets of the VAA are held for the exclusive benefit of all Contractowners and their designated Beneficiaries; and the assets of the VAA are not chargeable with liabilities arising from any other business that we may conduct. Qualified contracts may not be assigned or transferred except as permitted by applicable law and upon written notification to us. Assignments may have an adverse impact on any Death Benefits or benefits offered under living benefit riders in this product and may be prohibited under the terms of a particular feature. We assume no responsibility for the validity or effect of any assignment. Consult your tax adviser about the tax consequences of an assignment.
Contractowner Questions
The obligations to purchasers under the contracts are those of Lincoln Life. This prospectus provides a general description of the material features of the Contract. Contracts, endorsements and riders may vary as required by state law. Questions about your Contract should be directed to us at 1-800-234-3500.
Annuity Payouts
Available Annuity Commencement Dates and Annuity Payout options are specified in the Plan or by the Plan sponsor.
The Contract provides optional forms of payouts of annuities (annuity options), each of which is payable on a fixed basis. The Contract provides that all or part of the Contract Value may be used to purchase an Annuity Payout option. The rates used to purchase any of the annuity options discussed below are shown in the Contract.
You or the Annuitant/Participant, if authorized by the Contractowner, may elect Annuity Payouts in monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual installments. If the payouts would be or become less than $50, we have the right to reduce their frequency until the payouts are at least $50 each. The amount of each Annuity Payout will depend upon the frequency of payout you select. For example, if you select frequent payments (e.g., monthly), the amount of each payout will be lower than if you choose a less frequent payout (e.g., annual installments). Also, the amount of each Annuity Payout will depend upon the duration of payout you select. For example, if you choose the Life Annuity option, the amount of each payout likely will be higher than if you choose the Joint Life Annuity since the Life Annuity assumes a shorter period of time than the Joint Life Annuity. Following are explanations of the annuity options available.
Annuity Options
Life Annuity with Guaranteed Period. This option guarantees periodic payouts during a designated period, usually 10, 15 or 20 years, and then continues throughout the lifetime of the Annuitant. The designated period is selected by the Plan.
Life Annuity. This option offers a periodic payout during the lifetime of the Annuitant and ends with the last payout before the death of the Annuitant. This option offers the highest periodic payout since there is no guarantee of a minimum number of payouts or provision for a Death Benefit for Beneficiaries. However, there is the risk under this option that the recipient would receive no payouts if the Annuitant dies before the date set for the first payout; only one payout if death occurs before the second scheduled payout, and so on. The Annuitant must be under age 81 to elect this option.
Joint Life Annuity. This option offers a periodic payout during the joint lifetime of the Annuitant and a designated joint annuitant. The payouts continue during the lifetime of the survivor.
Joint Life and Two Thirds to Survivor Annuity. This option provides a periodic payout during the joint lifetime of the Annuitant and a designated joint Annuitant. When one of the joint Annuitants dies, the survivor receives two thirds of the periodic payout made when both were alive.
If any payee dies after an Annuity Payout becomes operative, then we will pay the following to the payee's estate (unless otherwise specified in the election option):
the present value of unpaid payments under the payouts guaranteed for designated period or life annuity with payouts guaranteed for designated period;
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the amount payable at the death of the payee under the unit refund life annuity; or
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the proceeds remaining with Lincoln Life under the payouts guaranteed for designated amount or interest income, if available.
If the annuity settlement has been selected and becomes operative, when the last payee dies, we will pay the remainder of the Contract in a single sum to the last payee's estate (unless otherwise specified in the election option).
General Information
None of the options listed above currently provides withdrawal features, permitting the Contractowner or Participant to withdraw commuted values as a lump sum payment. Other options, with or without withdrawal features, may be made available by us. Options are only available to the extent they are consistent with the requirements of the Contract as well as Sections 72(s) and 401 (a)(9) of the tax code, if applicable.
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You or the Participant, if allowed, must give us at least 30 days notice before the date on which you want payouts to begin. If proceeds become available to a Beneficiary in a lump sum, the Beneficiary may choose any Annuity Payout option. We may require proof of age, sex, or survival of any payee upon whose age, sex, or survival payments depend.
Unless you select another option, the Contract automatically provides for a life annuity with Annuity Payouts guaranteed for 10 years except when a joint life payout is required by law. Under any option providing for guaranteed period payouts, the number of payouts which remain unpaid at the date of the Annuitant's death (or surviving Annuitant's death in case of joint life annuity) will be paid to the Beneficiary as payouts become due after we are in receipt of:
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proof of death, satisfactory to us;
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written authorization for payment; and
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all claim forms, fully completed.
Once you begin to receive Annuity Payouts, you cannot change the payout option, payout amount, or payout period.
Federal Tax Matters
Introduction
The Federal income tax treatment of the contract is complex and sometimes uncertain. The Federal income tax rules may vary with your particular circumstances. This discussion does not include all the Federal income tax rules that may affect you and your contract. This discussion also does not address other Federal tax consequences (including consequences of sales to foreign individuals or entities), or state or local tax consequences, associated with the contract. As a result, you should always consult a tax adviser about the application of tax rules found in the Internal Revenue Code ("Code"), Treasury Regulations and applicable IRS guidance to your individual situation.
Qualified Retirement Plans
We have designed the contracts for use in connection with certain types of retirement plans that receive favorable treatment under the tax code. Contracts issued to or in connection with a qualified retirement plan are called "qualified contracts." We issue contracts for use with various types of qualified retirement plans. The Federal income tax rules applicable to those plans are complex and varied. As a result, this prospectus does not attempt to provide more than general information about the use of the contract with the various types of qualified retirement plans. Persons planning to use the contract in connection with a qualified retirement plan should obtain advice from a competent tax adviser.
Types of Qualified Contracts and Terms of Contracts
Qualified retirement plans may include the following:
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Individual Retirement Accounts and Annuities ("Traditional IRAs")
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Roth IRAs
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Traditional IRA that is part of a Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP")
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SIMPLE 401(k) plans (Savings Incentive Matched Plan for Employees)
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401(a) / (k) plans (qualified corporate employee pension and profit-sharing plans)
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403(a) plans (qualified annuity plans)
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403(b) plans (public school system and tax-exempt organization annuity plans)
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457(b) plans (deferred compensation plans for state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations)
We will amend the contract to be used with a qualified retirement plan as generally necessary to conform to the tax law requirements for the type of Plan. However, the rights of a person to any qualified retirement plan benefits may be subject to the Plan's terms and conditions. In addition, we are not bound by the terms and conditions of qualified retirement plans to the extent such terms and conditions contradict the contract, unless we consent.
If your contract was issued pursuant to a 403(b) plan, we now are generally required to confirm, with your 403(b) plan sponsor or otherwise, that contributions (Purchase Payments), as well as surrenders, loans or transfers you request, comply with applicable tax requirements and to decline Purchase Payments or requests that are not in compliance. We will defer crediting Purchase Payments we receive or processing payments you request until all information required under the tax law has been received. By directing Purchase Payments to the contract or requesting a surrender, loan or transfer, you consent to the sharing of confidential information about you, the contract, and transactions under the contract and any other 403(b) contracts or accounts you have under the 403(b) plan among us, your employer or Plan sponsor, any Plan administrator or recordkeeper, and other product providers.
Also, for 403(b) contracts issued on or after January 1, 2009, amounts attributable to employer contributions are subject to restrictions on withdrawals specified in your employer's 403(b) plan, in order to comply with new tax regulations (previously, only amounts
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attributable to your salary-reduction contributions were subject to withdrawal restrictions). Amounts transferred to a 403(b) contract from other 403(b) contracts or accounts must generally be subject to the same restrictions on withdrawals applicable under the prior contract or account.
Tax Deferral on Earnings
The Federal income tax law generally does not tax any increase in your Contract Value until you receive a contract distribution. However, for this general rule to apply, certain requirements must be satisfied:
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An individual must own the contract (or the tax law must treat the contract as owned by an individual).
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The investments of the VAA must be "adequately diversified" in accordance with IRS regulations.
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Your right to choose particular investments for a contract must be limited.
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The Annuity Commencement Date must not occur near the end of the Annuitant's life expectancy.
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act (the "SECURE Act") was enacted on December 20, 2019. The SECURE Act made a number of significant changes to the rules that apply to qualified retirement plans and IRA's, including the following:
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Eliminated the age 70½ limit for making contributions to an IRA. Beginning in 2020, an IRA owner can make contributions to his or her IRA at any age.
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Changed the required minimum distribution rules that apply after the death of a participant or IRA owner.
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Created the "Qualified Birth or Adoption" exception to the 10% additional tax on early distributions.
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement 2.0 (SECURE 2.0)
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE 2.0) Act (the "SECURE 2.0 Act") was enacted on December 29, 2022. The SECURE 2.0 Act made specific changes to retirement plans and IRA's, including:
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Increased the required beginning date measuring age from 72 to 73 for any participant or IRA owner who did not attain age 72 prior to January 1, 2023. As a result, required minimum distributions are generally required to begin by April 1 of the year following the year in which the participant or IRA owner reached age 73.
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Further increased the required beginning date measuring age to 75 by 2033.
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Created exception to the 10% additional tax for distributions for domestic violence and emergencies.
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Added provisions that permit rollover of 529 plan amounts to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, within certain limits.
Investments in the VAA Must Be Diversified
For a contract to be treated as an annuity for Federal income tax purposes, the investments of the VAA must be "adequately diversified." Treasury regulations define standards for determining whether the investments of the VAA are adequately diversified. If the VAA fails to comply with these diversification standards, you could be required to pay tax currently on the excess of the Contract Value over the contract Purchase Payments. Although we do not control the investments of the underlying investment options, we expect that the underlying investment options will comply with the Treasury regulations so that the VAA will be considered "adequately diversified."
Restrictions
Federal income tax law limits your right to choose particular investments for the contract. Because the IRS has issued little guidance specifying those limits, the limits are uncertain and your right to allocate Contract Values among the Subaccounts may exceed those limits. If so, you would be treated as the owner of the assets of the VAA and thus subject to current taxation on the income and gains, if applicable, from those assets. We do not know what limits may be set by the IRS in any guidance that it may issue and whether any such limits will apply to existing contracts. We reserve the right to modify the contract without your consent to try to prevent the tax law from considering you as the owner of the assets of the VAA.
Tax Treatment of Qualified Contracts
The Federal income tax rules applicable to qualified retirement plans and qualified contracts vary with the type of Plan and contract. For example,
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Federal tax rules limit the amount of Purchase Payments or contributions that can be made, and the tax deduction or exclusion that may be allowed for the contributions. These limits vary depending on the type of qualified retirement plan and the participant's specific circumstances (e.g., the participant's compensation).
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Minimum annual distributions are required under some qualified retirement plans once you reach age 73 or retire, if later as described below.
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Under most qualified plans, such as a traditional IRA, the owner must begin receiving payments from the contract in certain minimum amounts by a certain age, typically age 70½. Other qualified plans may allow the participant to take required distributions upon the later of reaching age 70½ or retirement.
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Please note that qualified retirement plans such as 403(b) plans, 401(k) plans and IRAs generally defer taxation of contributions and earnings until distribution. As such, an annuity does not provide any additional tax deferral benefit beyond the qualified retirement plan itself.
Tax Treatment of Payments
The Federal income tax rules generally include distributions from a qualified contract in the participant's income as ordinary income. These taxable distributions will include contributions that were deductible or excludible from income. Thus, under many qualified contracts, the total amount received is included in income since a deduction or exclusion from income was taken for contributions to the contract. There are exceptions. For example, you do not include amounts received from a Roth IRA in income if certain conditions are satisfied.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Under most qualified plans, you must begin receiving payments from the contract in certain minimum amounts by your "required beginning date." Prior to the enactment of the SECURE 2.0 Act, the required beginning date was April 1 of the year following the year in which you would have attained age 72 or retired. If you did not attain age 72 prior to January 1, 2023, then your required beginning date will be April 1 of the year following the year in which you attain age 73 or retire. If you own a traditional IRA, your required beginning date under prior law was April 1 of the year following the year in which you attained age 72. If you did not attain age 72 prior to January 1, 2023, then your required beginning date will be April 1 of the year following the year in which you attain age 73. If you own a Roth IRA, you are not required to receive minimum distributions from your Roth IRA during your life.
Failure to comply with the minimum distribution rules applicable to certain qualified plans, such as Traditional IRAs, will result in the imposition of an excise tax. This excise tax is applied to the amount by which a minimum required distribution exceeds the actual distribution from the qualified plan.
Treasury regulations applicable to required minimum distributions include a rule that may impact the distribution method you have chosen and the amount of your distributions. Under these regulations, the presence of an enhanced Death Benefit, or other benefit, if any, may require you to take additional distributions. An enhanced Death Benefit is any Death Benefit that has the potential to pay more than the Contract Value or a return of investment in the contract. Please contact your tax adviser regarding any tax ramifications.
Additional Tax on Early Distributions from Qualified Retirement Plans
The tax code may impose a 10% additional tax on an early distribution from a qualified contract that must be included in income. The tax code does not impose the additional tax if one of several exceptions applies. The exceptions vary depending on the type of qualified contract you purchase. For example, in the case of an IRA, the 10% additional tax will not apply to any of the following withdrawals, surrenders, or Annuity Payouts:
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Distribution received on or after the Annuitant reaches 59½
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Distribution received on or after the Annuitant's death or because of the Annuitant's disability (as defined in the tax law)
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Distribution received as a series of substantially equal periodic payments based on the Annuitant's life (or life expectancy),
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Distribution received as reimbursement for certain amounts paid for medical care, or
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Distribution received for a "qualified birth or adoption" event.
These exceptions, as well as certain others not described here, generally apply to taxable distributions from other qualified retirement plans. However, the specific requirements of the exception may vary.
Unearned Income Medicare Contribution
Congress enacted the "Unearned Income Medicare Contribution" as a part of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. This tax affects individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds, is a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the individual's "unearned income," or (ii) the dollar amount by which the individual's modified adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable threshold. Distributions that you take from your contract are not included in the calculation of unearned income because your contract is a qualified plan contract. However, the amount of any such distribution is included in determining whether you exceed the modified adjusted gross income threshold. Please consult your tax advisor to determine whether your annuity distributions are subject to this tax.
Taxation of Death Benefits
We may distribute amounts from your contract because of your death. Federal tax rules may limit the payment options available to your Beneficiaries. If your spouse is your Beneficiary, your surviving spouse will generally receive special treatment and will have more available payment options. Non-spouse beneficiaries do not receive the same special treatment. Payment options may be further limited depending upon whether you reached the date upon which you were required to begin minimum distributions. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 ("PPA") permits non-spouse Beneficiary rollovers to an "inherited IRA" (effective January 1, 2007).
Transfers and Direct Rollovers
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As a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 ("EGTRRA"), you may be able to move funds between different types of qualified plans, such as 403(b) and 457(b) governmental plans, by means of a rollover or transfer. You may be able to rollover or transfer amounts between qualified plans and traditional IRAs. These rules do not apply to Roth IRAs and 457(b) non-governmental tax-exempt plans. There are special rules that apply to rollovers, direct rollovers and transfers (including rollovers or transfers or after-tax amounts). If the applicable rules are not followed, you may incur adverse Federal income tax consequences, including paying taxes which you might not otherwise have had to pay. Before we send a rollover distribution, we will provide a notice explaining tax withholding requirements (see Federal Income Tax Withholding). We are not required to send you such notice for your IRA. You should always consult your tax adviser before you move or attempt to move any funds.
The IRS issued Announcement 2014-32 confirming its intent to apply the one-rollover-per-year limitation of 408(d)(3)(B) on an aggregate basis to all IRAs that an individual owns. This means that an individual cannot make a tax-free IRA-to-IRA rollover if he or she has made such a rollover involving any of the individuals IRAs in the current tax year. If an intended rollover does not qualify for tax-free rollover treatment, contributions to your IRA may constitute excess contributions that may exceed contribution limits. This one-rollover-per-year limitation does not apply to direct trustee-to-trustee transfers.
Direct Conversions and Recharacterizations
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) permits direct conversions from certain qualified, retirement, 403(b) or 457(b) plans to Roth IRAs (effective for distributions after 2007). You are also permitted to recharacterize your traditional IRA contribution as a Roth IRA contribution, and to recharacterize your Roth IRA contribution as a traditional IRA contribution. The deadline for the recharacterization is the due date (including extensions) for your individual income tax return for the year in which the contribution was made. Upon recharacterization, you are treated as having made the contribution originally to the second IRA account. The recharacterization does not count toward the one-rollover-per-year limitation described above.
Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Pub. L. No. 115-97), recharacterizations are no longer allowed in the case of a conversion from a non-Roth account or annuity to a Roth IRA. This limitation applies to conversions made from pre-tax accounts under an IRA, qualified retirement plan, 403(b) plan, or 457(b) plan. Roth IRA conversions made in 2017 may be recharacterized as a contribution to a traditional IRA if the recharacterization is completed by October 15, 2018.
There are special rules that apply to conversions and recharacterizations, and if they are not followed, you may incur adverse Federal income tax consequences. You should consult your tax advisor before completing a conversion or recharacterization.
Federal Income Tax Withholding
We will withhold and remit to the IRS a part of the taxable portion of each distribution made under a contract unless you notify us in writing prior to the distribution that tax is not to be withheld. In certain circumstances, Federal income tax rules may require us to withhold tax. At the time a withdrawal, surrender, or Annuity Payout is requested, we will give you an explanation of the withholding requirements.
Certain payments from your contract may be considered eligible rollover distributions (even if such payments are not being rolled over). Such distributions may be subject to special tax withholding requirements. The Federal income tax withholding rules require that we withhold 20% of the eligible rollover distribution from the payment amount, unless you elect to have the amount directly transferred to certain qualified plans or contracts. The IRS requires that tax be withheld, even if you have requested otherwise. Such tax withholding requirements are generally applicable to 401(a), 403(a) or (b), HR 10, and 457(b) governmental plans and contracts used in connection with these types of plans.
Nonqualified Annuity Contracts
A nonqualified annuity is a contract not issued in connection with an IRA or a qualified retirement plan receiving special tax treatment under the tax code. These contracts are not intended for use with nonqualified annuity contracts. Different federal tax rules apply to nonqualified annuity contracts. Persons planning to use the contract in connection with a nonqualified annuity should obtain advice from a tax advisor.
Our Tax Status
Under existing Federal income tax laws, we do not pay tax on investment income and realized capital gains of the VAA. We do not expect that we will incur any Federal income tax liability on the income and gains earned by the VAA. However, the Company does expect, to the extent permitted under Federal tax law, to claim the benefit of the foreign tax credit as the owner of the assets of the VAA. Therefore, we do not impose a charge for Federal income taxes. If Federal income tax law changes and we must pay tax on some or all of the income and gains earned by the VAA, we may impose a charge against the VAA to pay the taxes.
Changes in the Law
The above discussion is based on the tax code, related regulations, and interpretations existing on the date of this prospectus. However, Congress, the IRS, and the courts may modify these authorities, sometimes retroactively.
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Voting Rights
As required by law, we will vote the fund shares held in the VAA at meetings of the shareholders of the fund. The voting will be done according to the instructions of the Contractowners who have interests in the Subaccount which invests in the fund. If the 1940 Act or any regulation under it should be amended or if present interpretations should change, and if as a result we determine that we are permitted to vote the fund shares in our own right, we may elect to do so.
The number of votes which you have the right to cast will be determined by applying your percentage interest in a Subaccount to the total number of votes attributable to the Subaccount. In determining the number of votes, fractional shares will be recognized.
The underlying fund is subject to the laws of the state in which it is organized concerning, among other things, the matters which are subject to a shareholder vote, the number of shares which must be present in person or by proxy at a meeting of shareholders (a "quorum"), and the percentage of such shares present in person or by proxy which must vote in favor of matters presented. Because shares of the underlying fund held in the VAA are owned by us, and because under the 1940 Act we will vote all such shares in the same proportion as the voting instructions which we receive, it is important that each Contractowner provide their voting instructions to us. Even though Contractowners may choose not to provide voting instruction, the shares of a fund to which such Contractowners would have been entitled to provide voting instruction will be voted by us in the same proportion as the voting instruction which we actually receive. For funds affiliated with Lincoln, shares of a fund to which such Contractowners would have been entitled to provide voting instruction will, once we receive a sufficient number of instructions we deem appropriate to ensure a fair representation of Contractowners eligible to vote, be voted by us in the same proportion as the voting instruction which we actually receive. As a result, the instruction of a small number of Contractowners could determine the outcome of matters subject to shareholder vote. All shares voted by us will be counted when the underlying fund determines whether any requirement for a minimum number of shares be present at such a meeting to satisfy a quorum requirement has been met. Voting instructions to abstain on any item to be voted on will be applied proportionately to reduce the number of votes eligible to be cast.
Whenever a shareholders meeting is called, we will provide or make available to each person having a voting interest in a Subaccount proxy voting material, reports and other materials relating to the fund. Since the fund engages in shared funding, other persons or entities besides Lincoln Life may vote fund shares. See Investments of the Variable Annuity Account - Fund Shares.
Distribution of the Contracts
Lincoln Financial Distributors (LFD) serves as Principal Underwriter of this Contract. LFD is affiliated with Lincoln Life and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). The Principal Underwriter has entered into selling agreements with broker-dealers that are unaffiliated with us. While the Principal Underwriter has the legal authority to make payments to broker-dealers which have entered into selling agreements, we will make such payments on behalf of the Principal Underwriter in compliance with appropriate regulations. We also pay on behalf of LFD certain of its operating expenses related to the distribution of this and other of our contracts. The following paragraphs describe how payments are made by us and the Principal Underwriter to various parties.
Compensation Paid to Unaffiliated Selling Firms. The maximum compensation the Principal Underwriters pays to Selling Firms is 1.00% based on assets in the retirement plan, which include assets in this Contract. Alternatively, some Selling Firms may elect to receive a lower rate of compensation. No commission is paid for the sale of this Contract. LFD also acts as wholesaler of the contracts and performs certain marketing and other functions in support of the distribution and servicing of the contracts.
LFD may pay certain Selling Firms or their affiliates additional amounts for: (1) "preferred product" treatment of the contracts in their marketing programs, which may include marketing services and increased access to sales representatives; (2) sales incentives relating to the contracts; (3) costs associated with sales conferences and educational seminars for their sales representatives; (4) other sales expenses incurred by them; and (5) inclusion in the financial products the Selling Firm offers.
Lincoln Life may provide loans to broker-dealers or their affiliates to help finance marketing and distribution of the contracts, and those loans may be forgiven if aggregate sales goals are met. In addition, we may provide staffing or other administrative support and services to broker-dealers who distribute the contracts. LFD, as wholesaler, may make bonus payments to certain Selling Firms based on aggregate sales of our variable insurance contracts (including the contracts) or persistency standards. These additional payments are not offered to all Selling Firms, and the terms of any particular agreement governing the payments may vary among Selling Firms.
These additional types of compensation are not offered to all Selling Firms. The terms of any particular agreement governing compensation may vary among Selling Firms and the amounts may be significant. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation may provide Selling Firms and/or their registered representatives with an incentive to favor sales of the contracts over other variable annuity contracts (or other investments) with respect to which a Selling Firm does not receive additional compensation, or lower levels of additional compensation. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendation relating to the contracts. Additional information relating to compensation paid in 2025 is contained in the SAI.
27
Compensation Paid to Other Parties. Depending on the particular selling arrangements, there may be others whom LFD compensates for the distribution activities. For example, LFD may compensate certain "wholesalers", who control access to certain selling offices, for access to those offices or for referrals, and that compensation may be separate from the compensation paid for sales of the contracts. LFD may compensate marketing organizations, associations, brokers or consultants which provide marketing assistance and other services to broker-dealers who distribute the contracts, and which may be affiliated with those broker-dealers. Commissions and other incentives or payments described above are not charged directly to Contractowners or the Fund. All compensation is paid from our resources, which include fees and charges imposed on your Contract.
Return Privilege
Within the free-look period after you receive the Contract, you may cancel it for any reason by sending us a letter of instruction, indicating your intent to exercise the free-look provision. A Contract canceled under this provision will be void. Except as explained in the following paragraph, we will return the Contract Value as of the Valuation Date on which we receive the cancellation request. A purchaser who participates in the VAA is subject to the risk of a market loss on the Contract Value during the free-look period.
For contracts written in those states whose laws require that we assume this market risk during the free-look period, a Contract may be canceled, subject to the conditions explained before, except that we will return the greater of the Purchase Payment(s) or Contract Value as of the Valuation Date we receive the cancellation request.
If you cancel this Contract within the free-look period, we reserve the right to accept another application for this Contract for a period of six months.
State Regulation
As a life insurance company organized and operated under Indiana law, we are subject to provisions governing life insurers and to regulation by the Indiana Commissioner of Insurance. Our books and accounts are subject to review and examination by the Indiana Department of Insurance at all times. A full examination of our operations is conducted by that Department at least every five years.
Records and Reports
As presently required by the 1940 Act and applicable regulations, we are responsible for maintaining all records and accounts relating to the VAA. We have entered into an agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company, 2323 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64108, to provide accounting services to the VAA. We will mail to you, at your last known address of record at the Home Office, at least semi-annually after the first Contract Year, reports containing information required by that Act or any other applicable law or regulation.
Other Information
You may elect to receive your prospectus, prospectus supplements, quarterly statements, and annual and semiannual reports electronically over the Internet, if you have an e-mail account and access to an Internet browser. Once you select eDelivery, via the Internet Service Center, all documents available in electronic format will no longer be sent to you in hard copy. You will receive an e-mail notification when the documents become available online. It is your responsibility to provide us with your current e-mail address. You can resume paper mailings at any time without cost, by updating your profile at the Internet Service Center, or contacting us. To learn more about this service, please log on to www.LincolnFinancial.com, select service centers and continue on through the Internet Service Center.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of its business and otherwise, the Company and its subsidiaries or its separate accounts and Principal Underwriter may become or are involved in various pending or threatened regulatory or legal proceedings, including purported class actions, arising from the conduct of its business. In some instances, the proceedings include claims for unspecified or substantial punitive damages and similar types of relief in addition to amounts for alleged contractual liability or requests for equitable relief.
After consultation with legal counsel and a review of available facts, it is management's opinion that the proceedings, after consideration of any reserves and rights to indemnification, ultimately will be resolved without any material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries, or the financial position of its separate accounts or Principal Underwriter. However, given the large and indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these proceedings and the inherent difficulty in predicting the
28
outcome of such proceedings, it is reasonably possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could be material to the Company's operating results for any particular reporting period.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for possible additional information regarding legal proceedings.
29
Appendix A - Investment Options Available Under The Contract
The following is a list of funds currently available under the Contract. Current performance of the Subaccounts can be found at www.lfg.com/VAprospectus. More information about the funds is available in the prospectuses for the Funds, which may be amended from time to time and can be found online at www.lfg.com/VAprospectus. You can also request this information and current fund performance at no cost by calling 1-800-234-3500 or by sending an email request to [email protected].
The current expenses and performance information below reflect fees and expenses of the Fund, but do not reflect the other fees and expenses that your Contract may charge. Expenses would be higher and performance would be lower if these other charges were included. Each fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance. 
Investment Objective
Fund and
Adviser/Sub-adviser1
Current
Expenses
Average Annual Total
Returns (as of 12/31/2025)
1 year
5 year
10 year
A balance between a high level of current
income and growth of capital. A fund of
funds.
LVIP American Global Balanced Allocation
Managed Risk Fund - Standard Class
advised by Lincoln Financial Investments
Corporation
0.59%
12.84%
5.06%
6.43%
A balance between a high level of current
income and growth of capital, with an
emphasis on growth of capital. A fund of
funds.
LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed
Risk Fund - Standard Class
advised by Lincoln Financial Investments
Corporation
0.80%2
11.52%
4.70%
5.65%
1
The name of the adviser or sub-adviser is not listed if the name is incorporated into the name of the fund or the fund company.
2
This fund is subject to an expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement. As a result, this fund's annual expenses reflect temporary expense reductions. See the fund prospectus for additional information.
A-1
The SAI includes additional information about the Contract, Lincoln Life, and the VAA, and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The SAI is dated the same date as this prospectus. We will provide the SAI without charge upon request. You may obtain a free copy of the SAI and submit inquiries by:
●
Mailing: The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, PO Box 2340, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2340
●
Visiting: www.lfg.com/VAprospectus
●
Emailing: [email protected]
●
Calling: 1-800-234-3500
You may also obtain reports and other information about the VAA on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: [email protected]. The SEC file numbers and the Contract's contract identifier number are listed below.
  SEC File Nos.:
333-187069; 811-07645
EDGAR Contract Identifier:
C000126534
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
Dated May 1, 2026
Relating to Prospectus Dated May 1, 2026 for
Lincoln PathBuilderSM Income Version 2
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L, Registrant
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Depositor
The SAI provides you with additional information about Lincoln Life, the VAA, and your Contract. It is not a prospectus.
A copy of the product prospectus dated May 1, 2026, may be obtained without a charge by writing to the Home Office: Lincoln Life Customer Service, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, PO Box 2340, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2340, by calling: 1-800-234-3500, or by emailing: [email protected] and requesting a copy of the Lincoln PathBuilderSM Income Version 2 product prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE SAI
 
Contents
Page
Special Terms
B-2
General Information and History
B-2
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
B-2
Variable Annuity Account (VAA)
B-2
Investment Results
B-2
Non-Principal Risks of Investing In The
Contract
B-3
Services
B-3
Contents
Page
Purchase of Securities Being Offered
B-3
Principal Underwriter
B-3
Contract Information
B-4
Other Information
B-4
Determination of Accumulation and Annuity
Unit Value
B-4
Financial Statements
B-4
 
Special Terms
The special terms used in this SAI are the ones defined in the prospectus.
General Information and History
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
Our Financial Condition. Any guarantees under the Contract that exceed your Contract Value, such as those associated with Death Benefit options and Living Benefit Riders, are paid from our general account (not the VAA). Therefore, any amounts that we may pay under the Contract in excess of Contract Value are subject to our financial strength and claims-paying ability and our long-term ability to make such payments. We issue other types of insurance policies and financial products in addition to the Contract. We also pay our obligations under these products from our assets in the general account. Moreover, unlike assets held in the VAA, the assets of the general account are subject to the general liabilities of the Company and, therefore, to the Company's general creditors. In the event of an insolvency or receivership, payments we make from our general account to satisfy claims under the Contract would generally receive the same priority as our other Contractowner obligations.
The general account is subject to regulation and supervision by the Indiana Insurance Department as well as the insurance laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which the contracts are distributed. The laws and regulations applicable to us regulate the investments we can make with assets held in our general account. In general, those laws and regulations determine the amount and type of investments which we can make with general account assets.
In addition, state insurance regulations require that insurance companies calculate and establish on their financial statements, a specified amount of reserves in order to meet the contractual obligations to pay the claims of our Contractowners. In order to meet our claims-paying obligations, we regularly monitor our reserves to ensure we hold sufficient amounts to cover actual or expected contract and claims payments. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that we will always be able to meet our claims paying obligations, and that there are risks to purchasing any insurance product.
State insurance regulators also require insurance companies to maintain a minimum amount of capital in excess of liabilities, which acts as a cushion in the event that the insurer suffers a financial impairment, based on the inherent risks in the insurer's operations. These risks include those associated with losses that we may incur as the result of defaults on the payment of interest or principal on assets held in our general account, which include bonds, mortgages, general real estate investments, and stocks, as well as the loss in value of these investments resulting from a loss in their market value.
How to Obtain More Information. We encourage both existing and prospective Contractowners to read and understand our financial statements. We prepare our financial statements on both a statutory basis and according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Our audited GAAP financial statements, as well as the financial statements of the VAA, are incorporated by reference into this SAI. See Financial Statements below. You may obtain our audited statutory financial statements and any unaudited statutory financial statements that may be available by visiting our website at www.LincolnFinancial.com.
You also will find on our website information on ratings assigned to us by one or more independent rating organizations. These ratings are opinions of an operating insurance company's financial capacity to meet the obligations of its insurance and annuity contracts based on its financial strength and/or claims-paying ability.
Variable Annuity Account (VAA)
For general information and history about the VAA, see The Contracts in the prospectus. The VAA is used to support other annuity contracts offered by us in addition to the Contracts described in this prospectus. The other annuity contracts supported by the VAA generally invest in the same funds as the Contracts described in this prospectus. These other annuity contracts may have different charges that could affect the performance of their Subaccounts, and they offer different benefits.
Investment Results
The VAA advertises the annual performance of the Subaccounts for the fund on both a standardized and non-standardized basis.
The standardized calculation measures average annual total return. This is based on a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of a one-year, a five-year and a 10-year period. This calculation reflects all fees and charges that are or could be imposed on all Contractowner accounts.
The non-standardized calculation compares changes in Accumulation Unit values from the beginning of the most recently completed calendar year to the end of that year. It may also compare changes in Accumulation Unit values over shorter or longer time periods. This calculation reflects mortality and expense risk charges. It also reflects management fees and other expenses of the fund.
B-2
Non-Principal Risks of Investing In The Contract
Opportunity Cost. Principal amounts committed to an annuity contract are only available to choose from investment options available in the Contract, potentially causing you an opportunity cost.
Dying early. If you die earlier than expected, your designated beneficiary may not receive the full benefit of the future payments.
Divorce. If you get divorced, you could forfeit some or all of the value of your annuity to your former spouse.
Affiliated Funds. We may have incentive to select affiliated funds because we receive more revenue from an affiliated fund than a non-affiliated fund.
Fund of Funds. In some fund of funds (or master-feeder) arrangements, you may pay fees and expenses at both fund levels, which can reduce your investment return.
Services
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, has audited a) the financial statements of each of the subaccounts listed in the appendix to the opinion that comprise Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L, as of December 31, 2025, the related statements of operations and the statements of changes in net assets for each of the periods indicated in the appendix to the opinion; and b) the consolidated financial statements of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025 as set forth in their reports, which are included in this SAI and Registration Statement. The aforementioned financial statements are included herein in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Keeper of Records
All accounts, books, records and other documents which are required to be maintained for the VAA are maintained by us or by third parties responsible to Lincoln Life. We have entered into an agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company, 2323 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64108, to provide accounting services to the VAA. No separate charge against the assets of the VAA is made by us for this service.
Purchase of Securities Being Offered
The variable annuity contracts are offered to the public through licensed insurance agents who specialize in selling our products; through independent insurance brokers; and through certain securities brokers/dealers selected by us whose personnel are legally authorized to sell annuity products. There are no special purchase plans for any class of prospective buyers. However, under certain limited circumstances described in the prospectus under the section Charges and Other Deductions, any applicable account fee and/or surrender charge may be reduced or waived.
Both before and after the Annuity Commencement Date, there are exchange privileges between Subaccounts, and from the VAA to the general account (if available) subject to restrictions set out in the prospectus. See The Contracts, in the prospectus. No exchanges are permitted between the VAA and other separate accounts.
The offering of the contracts is continuous.
Principal Underwriter
Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. ("LFD") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation and an affiliate of Lincoln Life as a result of common control. LFD serves as the principal underwriter (the "Principal Underwriter") for the contracts, as described in the prospectus. The Principal Underwriter currently offers, and expects to continue offering, the contracts to the public on a continuous basis, but reserves the right to discontinue offering the contracts at any time. Prior to May 6, 2024, the Principal Underwriter offered the contracts through sales representatives who were registered with either Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation ("LFA") or Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation ("LFN") (collectively "LFN"), each an affiliate of LFD. The Principal Underwriter has also entered into selling agreements with other broker-dealers ("Selling Firms") for the sale of the contracts. Sales representatives who are registered with Selling Firms are appointed as our insurance agents. LFD, in its capacity as Principal Underwriter, paid to LFN and Selling Firms, sales compensation totaling $1,220,737 in 2023, $1,192,486 in 2024 and $1,358,758 in 2025, in connection with all of the contracts offered under the VAA. The Principal Underwriter retained no underwriting commissions for the sale of the contracts. LFD maintains its principal place of business at 130 North Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087.
B-3
Contract Information
Compound Interest Illustrations-These will emphasize several advantages of the variable annuity contract. For example, but not by way of illustration, the literature may emphasize the potential tax savings through tax deferral; the potential advantage of the variable annuity account over the fixed account; and the compounding effect when a client makes regular deposits to his or her contract.
Internet-An electronic communications network which may be used to provide information regarding Lincoln Life, performance of the subaccounts and advertisement literature.
Other Information
Due to differences in redemption rates, tax treatment or other considerations, the interests of policyholders under the variable life accounts could conflict with those of Contractowners under the VAA. In those cases, where assets from variable life and variable annuity separate accounts are invested in the same fund(s) (i.e., where mixed funding occurs), the Boards of Directors of the fund involved will monitor for any material conflicts and determine what action, if any, should be taken. If it becomes necessary for any separate account to replace shares of any fund with another investment, that fund may have to liquidate securities on a disadvantageous basis. Refer to the prospectus for each fund for more information about mixed funding.
Determination of Accumulation and Annuity Unit Value
A description of the days on which Accumulation and Annuity Units will be valued is given in the prospectus. The New York Stock Exchange's (NYSE) most recent announcement (which is subject to change) states that it will be closed on weekends and on these holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If any of these holidays occurs on a weekend day, the Exchange may also be closed on the business day occurring just before or just after the holiday. It may also be closed on other days.
Since the portfolios of some of the funds and series will consist of securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges or otherwise traded outside the United States, those securities may be traded (and the net asset value of those funds and series and of the variable account could therefore be significantly affected) on days when the investor has no access to those funds and series.
Annuity Payout Illustrations. These will provide an initial benefit payment based in part on the Annuitant, the Contract Value and the fixed and/or variable Annuity Payout option elected. In addition, variable Annuity Payout illustrations may show the historical results of a variable payout in a Subaccount of the VAA.
Financial Statements
The December 31, 2025 financial statements of the VAA and the December 31, 2025 consolidated financial statements of Lincoln Life are incorporated into this SAI by reference to the VAA's most recent N-VPFS ("N-VPFS") filed with the SEC by Lincoln Life on April 15, 2026.
B-4
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 27. Exhibits
(b) Not applicable
(h) Fund Participation Agreement between The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and:
(j) Rule 22c-2 Agreement between The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and:
(l) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm filed herein.
(m) Not applicable
(n) Not applicable
(o) Not applicable
(p) Power of Attorney - Principal Officers and Directors of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company filed herein.
(q) Not applicable
(r) Not applicable
EX-101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Item 28. Directors and Officers of the Depositor
The following list contains the officers and directors of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company who are engaged directly or indirectly in activities relating to Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L as well as the contracts. The list also shows The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company's executive officers.  
Name
Positions and Offices with Depositor
Craig T. Beazer*
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Director
Adam M. Cohen*
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
Ellen G. Cooper*
President and Director
Stephen B. Harris*
Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer
John G. Morriss*
Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director
Christopher M. Neczypor*
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Nancy A. Smith*
Senior Vice President and Secretary
Joseph D. Spada**
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Separate Accounts
Eric B. Wilmer***
Assistant Vice President and Director
*Principal business address is 150 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087
**Principal business address is 350 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103
***Principal business address is 1301 South Harrison Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant
Item 30. Indemnification
a) Brief description of indemnification provisions.
In general, Article VII of the By-Laws of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company provides that Lincoln Life will indemnify certain persons against expenses, judgments and certain other specified costs incurred by any such person if he/she is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to a suit or proceeding because he/she was a director, officer, or employee of Lincoln Life, as long as he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of, or act opposed to the best interests of, Lincoln Life. Certain additional conditions apply to indemnification in criminal proceedings.
In particular, separate conditions govern indemnification of directors, officers, and employees of Lincoln Life in connection with suits by, or in the right of, Lincoln Life.
Please refer to Article VII of the By-Laws of Lincoln Life (Exhibit no. f(b) hereto) for the full text of the indemnification provisions. Indemnification is permitted by, and is subject to the requirements of, Indiana law.
B-2
b) Undertaking pursuant to Rule 484 of Regulation C under the Securities Act of 1933:
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 28(a) above or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any such action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Principal Underwriter
(a) Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. ("LFD") currently serves as Principal Underwriter for: Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account C; Lincoln National Flexible Premium Variable Life Account D; Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account E; Lincoln National Flexible Premium Variable Life Account F; Lincoln National Flexible Premium Variable Life Account G; Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account H; Lincoln Life & Annuity Variable Annuity Account H; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account J; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account K; Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L; Lincoln Life & Annuity Variable Annuity Account L; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account M; Lincoln Life & Annuity Flexible Premium Variable Life Account M; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account N; Lincoln New York Account N for Variable Annuities; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account Q; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account R; LLANY Separate Account R for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account S; LLANY Separate Account S for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account T; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account W; and Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account Y and Lincoln Life & Annuity Flexible Premium Variable Life Account Y; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account JF-H; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account JF-I; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account JF-A; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account JF-C; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account JL-A; Lincoln Life & Annuity Flexible Premium Variable Life Account JA-B; Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust; Lincoln Advisors Trust.
(b) Officers and Directors of Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc.: 
Name
Positions and Offices with Underwriter
Adam M. Cohen*
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Jason M. Gibson**
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
Claire H. Hanna*
Secretary
John C. Kennedy*
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jared M. Nepa*
Senior Vice President and Director
Timothy J. Seifert Sr*
Senior Vice President and Director
*Principal business address is 150 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087
**Principal business address is 1301 South Harrison Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(c) N/A
Item 31A. Information about Contracts with Indexed-Linked Options and Fixed Options Subject to a Contract Adjustment
Not Applicable.
Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records
This information is provided in the Registrant's most recent report on Form N-CEN.
Item 33. Management Services
Not Applicable.
Item 34. Fee Representation
Lincoln Life represents that the fees and charges deducted under the contracts, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by Lincoln Life.
B-3

SIGNATURES

(a) As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, each Registrant certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of these registration statements and has caused these Post-Effective Amendments to the registration statements to be signed on its behalf, in the City of Fort Wayne, and the State of Indiana on this 24th day of March, 2026 at 2:27 pm.
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account C
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L
Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account Q
(Registered Separate Accounts)
     By: /s/John D. Weber
John D. Weber
Vice President, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

Signed on its behalf, in the City of Hartford, and the State of Connecticut on this 24th day of March, 2026 at 1:58 pm.

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
(Insurance Company)
     By: /s/Matthew L. Condos
Matthew L. Condos
(Signature-Officer of Depositor)
Senior Vice President, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account C (File No. 811-03214; CIK: 0000353894)

033-25990 (Amendment No. 72) 333-179107 (Amendment No. 20)
333-112927 (Amendment No. 36) 333-267957 (Amendment No. 7)

Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L (File No. 811-07645; CIK: 0001015434)

333-04999 (Amendment No. 41) 333-187069 (Amendment No. 17) 333-187070 (Amendment No. 17)
333-187071 (Amendment No. 17) 333-187072 (Amendment No. 17) 333-198911 (Amendment No. 14)
333-198912 (Amendment No. 14) 333-198913 (Amendment No. 14) 333-198914 (Amendment No. 14)

Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account Q (File No. 811-08569; CIK: 0001048604)

333-43373 (Amendment No. 38)

(b) As required by the Securities Act of 1933, these Amendments to the registration statements have been signed by the following persons in their capacities indicated on March 24, 2026 at 2:27 pm.
Signature Title
*/s/ Ellen G. Cooper President and Director
Ellen G. Cooper (Principal Executive Officer)
*/s/ Christopher M. Neczypor Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Director
Christopher M. Neczypor
* /s/ Craig T. Beazer Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Director
Craig T. Beazer
* /s/ John G. Morriss Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, and Director
John G. Morriss
* /s/ Adam M. Cohen Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Accounting Officer
Adam M. Cohen (Principal Accounting Officer)
*/s/ Eric B. Wilmer Assistant Vice President and Director
Eric B. Wilmer
/s/John D. Weber
* By , Pursuant to a Power of Attorney
John D. Weber
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