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2022 Year-End Tax Tips AT&T

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for AT&T: AT&T collaborates with multiple healthcare providers to ensure its employees receive quality health coverage. One primary partner is UnitedHealthcare, which offers health plans tailored for AT&T employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As the landscape of healthcare evolves, AT&T employees may face significant challenges with rising healthcare costs in 2026. Experts anticipate a steep surge in premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, with some states projecting increases exceeding 60%. This rise is largely attributed to the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and soaring medical expenses. Without action from Congress to extend these subsidies, over 22 million enrollees may see their out-of-pocket costs increase by more than 75%, making it imperative for workers to prepare financially for the coming changes. Click here to learn more

'For AT&T employees, proactive tax planning strategies, like deferring income and accelerating deductions, can significantly enhance retirement readiness, and working with an advisor like Kevin Landis from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, can help you make the most of these opportunities.'

'As the tax landscape evolves, it's crucial for AT&T employees to carefully weigh year-end moves such as contributing to retirement accounts or adjusting withholding, and an advisor like Brent Wolf from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, can guide you in optimizing your tax strategy for long-term financial success.'

In this article we will discuss:

  • 1. Tax strategies for employees and retirees of AT&T companies, including deferring income and accelerating deductions.

  • 2. Charitable contributions and their impact on tax returns for individuals who itemize deductions.

  • 3. The importance of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and year-end investment decisions.

  • According to a recent study by the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI), a leading financial research firm, 60% of Baby Boomers plan to continue working in some capacity during retirement. This means that for many employees and retirees of AT&T companies, tax planning strategies will continue to be relevant well beyond retirement age. It is important for this demographic to consider the impact of their retirement income on their tax liabilities, as well as the tax implications of continuing to work in retirement. With that taken into account, Here are some factors for employees and retirees of AT&T companies to consider as they evaluate potential tax moves between now and the end of the year.

  • 1. Defer income to next year

Consider opportunities to defer income until 2023, especially if you believe you will be in a reduced tax bracket in 2023. For instance, you may be able to defer an end-of-year bonus or delay the collection of business debts, rent, and service payments. As an employee of AT&T, doing so may allow you to defer income tax payment until the following year.

2. Accelerate deductions

Employees and retirees of AT&T should also seek opportunities to accelerate deductions into the current tax year. If you itemize deductions, paying medical expenses, qualifying interest, and state taxes before the end of the year (instead of paying them in early 2023) could affect your 2022 tax return.

3. Make deductible charitable contributions

Generally, if you are an employee of AT&T and itemize deductions on your federal income tax return, you can deduct charitable contributions up to 50% (currently increased to 60% for cash contributions to public charities), 30%, or 20% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), depending on the type of property you donate and the type of organization to which you donate. (Exceeding quantities may be carried forward for a maximum of five years.)

4. Bump up withholding to cover a tax shortfall

If it appears that you will incur federal income tax for the year as an employee of AT&T, consider increasing your withholding on Form W-4 for the remainder of the year to cover the shortfall. Time may be limited for AT&T employees to request a Form W-4 modification and for their employers to implement the change by 2022. The greatest benefit is that withholding is considered to have been paid equitably throughout the year, as opposed to when the dollars are actually deducted from your paycheck. This strategy can be utilized by employees of AT&T to make up for missed or insufficient quarterly estimated tax payments.

5. Save more for retirement

You can reduce your 2022 taxable income through contributions to a traditional IRA and a 401(k) sponsored by a AT&T company. If you are an employee of AT&T and have not already contributed the maximum amount, you should consider doing so. For 2022, AT&T employees can contribute up to $20,500 to a 401(k) plan ($27,000 if over 50) and up to $6,000 to traditional and Roth IRAs combined ($7,000 if over 50).* The window for 2022 contributions to a AT&T-sponsored plan typically concludes at the end of the year, whereas the deadline for 2022 IRA contributions is April 18, 2023.

Contributions to a Roth account are not tax-deductible, but qualified Roth distributions are not taxable.

6. Take the required minimum distributions

If you are 72 or older and work for AT&T, you are generally required to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and AT&T-sponsored retirement plans (exceptions apply if you are still employed and participating in AT&T's retirement plan). The deadline for withdrawals is typically the end of the year for most individuals. The penalty for noncompliance is severe: fifty percent of the quantity that was not distributed on time. As an employee of AT&T, it is imperative that you make these distributions on time to avoid the late payment penalty.

7. Weigh year-end investment moves

AT&T employees and retirees shouldn't let tax considerations dictate investment decisions. Nonetheless, you should consider the tax implications of any year-end investment decisions. If you have realized net capital gains from the sale of securities at a profit, you may be able to avoid taxation on some or all of these gains by selling negative positions. Any losses in excess of your gains as an employee of AT&T can be used to mitigate up to $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 if your filing status is married filing separately) or carried forward to reduce your tax liability in future years.

Conclusion

Preparing your taxes is like taking care of your health. Just as you need to stay on top of your physical well-being to prevent future health issues, you also need to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to ensure that you're not hit with unexpected tax liabilities in the future. By deferring income, accelerating deductions, making charitable contributions, and contributing to your retirement accounts, you can ensure that your financial health is in good shape for the years ahead. Just as you wouldn't skip your annual check-up, you shouldn't overlook the importance of taking care of your taxes.

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Sources :

1. Weltman, Barbara. '5 Tax Planning Strategies for Your Retirement Income.'  Investopedia , 3 Oct. 2022,  https://www.investopedia.com/retirement/tax-strategies-your-retirement-income/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

2. Morgan Stanley. 'Tax-Smart Strategies for Your Retirement.'  Morgan Stanley , 2023,  https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/tax-strategies-for-retirement?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

3. Vanguard. 'Tax-Efficient Retirement Strategy.'  Vanguard , 2023,  https://investor.vanguard.com/advice/tax-efficient-retirement-strategy?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

4. Thrivent. '6 Retirement Tax Planning Strategies You Should Know.'  Thrivent , 2023,  https://www.thrivent.com/insights/taxes/6-retirement-tax-planning-strategies-you-should-know?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

5. New York Life Insurance. 'Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement.'  New York Life Insurance , 2023,  https://www.newyorklife.com/articles/tax-considerations-in-retirement?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
AT&T offers a defined benefit pension plan with a cash balance component. The cash balance plan grows with annual interest credits and employer contributions. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or monthly annuities upon retirement.
Layoffs and Restructuring: AT&T is expanding its $8 billion cost-reduction program, which includes significant layoffs. The company has reduced its workforce by more than 115,000 employees over the past five years, with further cuts expected in 2024 (Sources: TechBlog, WRAL TechWire). Operational Strategy: The restructuring efforts are part of AT&T's broader strategy to improve efficiency and adapt to a maturing market. This includes collaborations with firms like Blackrock to create open-access networks, which could provide new growth opportunities (Source: TechBlog). Financial Performance: Despite these challenges, AT&T reported strong financial results in 2023, driven by growth in 5G and fiber services. Revenues from mobility and consumer wireline segments saw significant increases, reflecting the company's strategic focus on high-growth areas (Source: AT&T).
AT&T offers RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees a stake in the company's equity. They also grant stock options, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.
AT&T has consistently updated its healthcare benefits to address the dynamic healthcare landscape and ensure comprehensive coverage for its employees. In recent years, AT&T has focused on enhancing its wellness programs, introducing initiatives like virtual healthcare services and telemedicine, which have become increasingly important during and after the pandemic. These services provide employees with convenient access to healthcare, reducing the need for in-person visits and supporting overall health management. Additionally, AT&T has increased its focus on mental health resources, offering counseling services and stress management programs, reflecting the company's commitment to holistic employee wellness. For 2024, AT&T has made adjustments to its healthcare plans to better align with the rising costs of medical services and prescription drugs. The company has introduced higher contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and has implemented more robust wellness incentives to encourage proactive health management among employees. These changes are essential in the current economic and political environment, where healthcare affordability and accessibility remain critical issues. By continuously evolving its healthcare benefits, AT&T aims to support its employees' health and financial well-being, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate the complex healthcare landscape.
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If you have questions about a potential AT&T surplus or would like more information you can reach the plan administrator for AT&T at p.o. box 132160 Dallas, TX 75313-2160; or by calling them at 210-351-3333.

https://www.att.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.att.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.att.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.att.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.att.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.att.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.att.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.att.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.att.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.att.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

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