New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Euronet Worldwide Employees: Strategic Ways to Reduce Capital Gains on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical insurance, vision, and dental coverage, with additional support for parents coverage. ACA planning is recommended for employees and retirees, especially in light of potential subsidy expirations and premium hikes Click here to learn more

'Euronet Worldwide employees can benefit from understanding that strategies like a Section 351 exchange, charitable donations, and tax loss harvesting may work together to help manage appreciated stock efficiently while aligning with broader long-term financial goals.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Euronet Worldwide employees should recognize that thoughtful planning with tools such as Section 351 exchanges, gifting strategies, and tax loss harvesting can help them manage highly appreciated stock while supporting both personal and philanthropic objectives.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

How a Section 351 exchange can defer capital gains on highly appreciated stock.
Alternative tax-efficient strategies such as charitable donations, tax loss harvesting, and gifting.
The role of inheritance rules, step-up in basis, and combined approaches in long-term tax planning.

A Tax-Aware Q&A on How to Manage Highly Appreciated Stock

From the Section 351 exchange to other practical approaches, this Q&A addresses key considerations Euronet Worldwide employees may encounter when dealing with highly appreciated shares.

Section 351 Exchange: The Fundamental Approach

Q: What is an exchange under Section 351?
A: Under certain circumstances, an investor may transfer property, such as highly appreciated shares, to a company in exchange for its stock under a provision of the Internal Revenue Code that allows the deferral of capital gains or losses.

Q: What is the primary advantage of exchanging my appreciated stock through a Section 351 exchange?
A: The main advantage is tax deferral. Gains transferred to corporations may be postponed under Section 351, though this applies only if specific diversification requirements are met, especially when transferring to investment companies like exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ¹

Q: What is meant by the “Control Test”?
A: The investor or group of investors who use their portfolio assets to fund the new entity must own at least 80% of the voting power and 80% of the total number of shares of all other classes of stock in the new company immediately after the exchange. ¹

Q: When seeding an ETF, how is the Control Test usually satisfied?
A: It is typically satisfied by either a single substantial investor making a significant asset contribution or multiple investors pooling assets to create a seeding pool for the ETF’s launch.

Q: What is the ultimate tax payment date for the deferred gain?
A: The deferred gain is recognized when the ETF shares acquired through the exchange are sold; distributions from taxable funds must also be reported in the meantime.

Other Tax-Efficient Techniques

Q: What is a straightforward method, aside from a Section 351 exchange, to sell highly appreciated shares without incurring large taxes?
A: Donating shares directly to a qualified charity is one option that some Euronet Worldwide employees may benefit from.

Q: What tax advantages come with donating valuable stock to a charity?
A: Subject to holding period and adjusted gross income (AGI) limits, you can bypass capital gains taxes on the appreciation and may receive an income tax deduction for the stock’s full fair market value.

Q: What is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A: A DAF allows you to donate appreciated stock, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to charities over time, while the assets in the DAF grow without tax impact. ²

Q: Can I give a family member my appreciated stock as a gift?
A: Yes. In most cases, the cost basis from the donor carries over to the recipient.

Q: Why would I give a family member in a lower tax bracket appreciated stock?
A: If they sell the stock, the lower income could result in a reduced capital gains rate, potentially as low as 0% for long-term gains. ³

Tax Loss Harvesting and Other Approaches

Q: What is harvesting tax losses?
A: Selling investments at a loss to offset gains from other sales is known as tax loss harvesting, a strategy sometimes considered by Euronet Worldwide employees seeking opportunities to leverage bouts of market volatility.

Q: Can I deduct a certain amount of loss from my regular income?
A: Yes. If your capital losses exceed your gains, you can use up to $3,000 per year ($1,500 if married filing separately) to offset ordinary income, with remaining losses carried forward indefinitely. ⁴

Q: What is a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF)?
A: A QOF provides investors with tax incentives for investing in tracts of land designated as 'opportunity zones'. Capital gains reinvested in a QOF within 180 days of being realized can be temporarily tax deferred, while QOF investments helpd for at least 10 years may confer a permanent capital gains exclusion. ⁵ That said, 2025 legislation changes may prompt IRS updates to this rule.

Inheritance and Step-Up in Basis

Q: What is meant by a “step-up in basis”?
A: This adjusts an inherited asset’s cost basis to its fair market value at the time of the owner’s death, eliminating capital gains accumulated during their lifetime. ⁶

Q: If I gift shares while living, will I receive a step-up in basis?
A: No. The original cost basis transfers to the recipient without adjustment.

Determining the Right Strategy

Q: What is the best course of action for me?
A: The most suitable approach will depend on factors such as your gain size, income level, charitable intentions, and liquidity needs.

Q: Do any of these strategies call for professional guidance?
A: Yes. Given the complexity of the tax code, working with a qualified financial advisor and tax professional is strongly recommended before implementing these strategies.

Q: Is it possible to combine these strategies?
A: Yes. For example, you might execute a Section 351 exchange on part of your portfolio for tax-deferred rebalancing while donating another portion to a DAF for an immediate deduction.

Q: Is there a loophole in the Section 351 exchange?
A: No. This is a legitimate tax code provision designed for corporate restructuring and adapted for use in the ETF market. It is intended for tax deferral, not permanent tax elimination.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Kitces. ' Using Section 351 Exchanges to Tax-Efficiently Reallocate Portfolios With Embedded Gains ,' by Ben Henry-Moreland and Brent Sullivan. 12 Mar. 2025.

2. Kiplinger. “ A Donor-Advised Fund Can Give Your Charitable Giving a Boost ,” by Samuel Gaeta. 9 May 2024.

3. Internal Revenue Service. “ Topic No. 409, Capital Gains and Losses .” IRS.gov , 8 July 2025.

4. Wealth Enhancement. ' 6 Essential Tax-Loss Harvesting Tips ,' by Jim Wiley. 6 April 2022.

5. Congressional Research Service. ' Tax Incentives for Opportunity Zones ,' by Donald Marples. 26 Apr. 2022.

6. Investopedia. “ Carryover Basis: What It Is, How It Works, Gift Taxes ,” by Julia Kagan. 16 Jan. 2023.

What type of retirement savings plan does Euronet Worldwide offer to its employees?

Euronet Worldwide offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Euronet Worldwide enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Euronet Worldwide can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Euronet Worldwide match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Euronet Worldwide?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Euronet Worldwide is in line with the IRS limits, which may change annually.

Are there any vesting requirements for the employer match in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which employees should review in the plan documents.

Can employees of Euronet Worldwide take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s rules and regulations.

What investment options are available in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, which employees can choose from.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Employees at Euronet Worldwide can change their contribution amounts on a regular basis, typically during open enrollment or at any time as permitted by the plan.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Euronet Worldwide?

If an employee leaves Euronet Worldwide, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Euronet Worldwide plan, if allowed.

Does Euronet Worldwide provide any educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Euronet Worldwide offers a Defined Contribution Plan known as the Euronet Worldwide Inc 401(k) Plan. This plan allows employees to contribute pre-tax or after-tax funds towards their retirement, with both employer and employee contributions possible. The plan includes investment options such as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Savings Plans, and Profit Sharing Plans. Contributions are maintained in individual accounts for employees, and an alternate payee can be assigned a portion of an account balance through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This plan's flexibility in allowing transfers to tax-qualified accounts like IRAs helps avoid early withdrawal penalties. As of 2022, the plan had total assets amounting to $52,116,351 (QDRO Desk). Eligibility for the plan typically requires one year of service and reaching the age of 21, similar to standard 401(k) plans. However, the employer match rate, vesting schedules, and specific conditions for the plan vary annually. For 2022 through 2024, the employer match is expected to remain around 3%, which is aligned with industry standards (

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Euronet Worldwide announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations. This plan included layoffs primarily affecting its technology and administrative divisions. The company cited the need to improve efficiency and adapt to changing market conditions as key reasons for these changes. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to enhance profitability and operational agility in a competitive landscape. This news is particularly relevant given the current economic climate, which demands organizations to continuously optimize their operations to maintain financial stability and growth.

Euronet Worldwide offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees. The company's stock options are typically granted based on performance and tenure. Euronet Worldwide RSUs are generally provided as part of executive compensation packages and are vested over a specified period.

Healthcare Trends: There is no specific industry news that indicates substantial changes to Euronet Worldwide’s healthcare benefits. However, like many companies, they are likely adapting to broader industry trends such as increased focus on mental health support and telemedicine options. Key Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms