A non-qualified assignment (non-personal physical injury case) completely releases the defendant/carrier from the future periodic payment obligation. Although non-qualified annuities do not qualify for tax-free periodic payments, they do offer deferral of tax liability to the plaintiff; a negotiated and flexible benefit stream to meet the individual’s specific needs; competitive rates of return; and the ability for the defendant to write off the cost of the settlement and sever all ties with the plaintiff.