Eldrazi- Annihilator question

[Myshellyness]

If I attack with a card that has Annihilator, and the target player chooses to take the damage rather than defend themselves, do they still sacrifice X amount of permanents?

[BadLuckIrish]

yes when you declare a annilator attacking they must sacrifice the given number before declare blockers even comes up

[Myshellyness]

Ok perfect that's what I thought. Thank you!