A deferred annuity purchase having one lump-sum premium payment. Single-premium deferred annuities offer the tax benefit of increasing in value tax-free until distribution takes place. Thus, an investor could pay a large single premium, have the investment build up free of taxes for a period of years, and then receive partially taxable annuity payments at retirement. A single-premium deferred annuity is more flexible than an individual retirement account, but unlike contributions by some individuals to an IRA, a premium to purchase a deferred annuity is not deductible for tax purposes. Compare periodic purchase deferred contract.