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IQVIA Holdings Employees: Strategic Ways to Reduce Capital Gains on Appreciated Stock

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'IQVIA Holdings 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.

'IQVIA Holdings 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 IQVIA Holdings 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 IQVIA Holdings 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 IQVIA Holdings 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.

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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 is the 401(k) plan offered by IQVIA Holdings?

The 401(k) plan at IQVIA Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary before taxes are deducted.

Does IQVIA Holdings match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for IQVIA Holdings' 401(k) plan?

Employees of IQVIA Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, usually within the first year of employment.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at IQVIA Holdings?

Employees can enroll in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan?

The IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at IQVIA Holdings?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves IQVIA Holdings?

If an employee leaves IQVIA Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, though taxes and penalties may apply.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution percentage to the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan at specified intervals, typically during open enrollment or at any time throughout the year.

Does IQVIA Holdings provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options 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.

Name of Pension Plan: IQVIA Holdings Pension Plan (confirm the exact name from the latest plan documents). Qualification Requirements: Years of Service: Typically, employees need to have completed a minimum of 5 years of service. Age: Generally, employees must reach age 55 to start receiving benefits. Pension Formula: The pension formula usually involves a calculation based on the average salary during the highest earning years and years of service. For example, it might be a percentage of the final average salary multiplied by years of service. IQVIA Holdings 401(k) Plan (verify the exact name from the latest plan documents). Qualification Requirements: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a probationary period, often around 30 to 90 days of employment.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, IQVIA Holdings announced a significant restructuring plan that involved layoffs across various departments. The company's decision to reduce its workforce was attributed to the need for increased operational efficiency and alignment with current market demands. The restructuring aimed to streamline processes and improve overall productivity.

IQVIA Holdings offers stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package to attract and retain employees. IQVIA Holdings grants are typically provided to senior executives, key employees, and high performers, with specific vesting schedules. In IQVIA Holdings' 2022 filings, RSUs were granted with a vesting schedule based on performance metrics and tenure. IQVIA Holdings continues to use these grants to align employee interests with company performance. For IQVIA Holdings in 2023 and 2024, stock options and RSUs are available with updated performance criteria and adjusted grant amounts based on market conditions and individual performance.

Health Benefits: The official IQVIA careers page or employee benefits section typically details their health benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision insurance, and possibly wellness programs. Terms and Acronyms: Common terms might include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).