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

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Employees: Strategic Ways to Reduce Capital Gains on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for J.B. Hunt Transport Services J.B. Hunt Transport Services utilizes multiple healthcare providers for its employee benefits, with the specifics often varying by the region and the type of coverage chosen. The company typically offers access to a range of insurers, aligning with industry standards for providing health care to its employees. Healthcare Cost Increases Projection for 2026 As J.B. Hunt Transport Services prepares for 2026, employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a convergence of factors. Premiums for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are projected to rise sharply, with some states reporting hikes exceeding 60% as a result of both the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and elevated medical costs. Additionally, many employers, including J.B. Hunt, are expected to shift more healthcare expenses onto employees, further straining household finances. This backdrop of rising costs highlights the importance for employees to proactively reassess their healthcare plans and budgeting strategies to mitigate the financial impact. Click here to learn more

'J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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.

'J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 type of retirement savings plan does J.B. Hunt Transport Services offer to its employees?

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?

Yes, J.B. Hunt Transport Services provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?

Employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services typically need to be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service to be eligible for the 401(k) plan.

How often can employees change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?

Employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services can change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?

Yes, J.B. Hunt Transport Services allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave J.B. Hunt Transport Services?

If an employee leaves J.B. Hunt Transport Services, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the J.B. Hunt plan if permitted.

Does J.B. Hunt Transport Services offer any financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?

Yes, J.B. Hunt Transport Services provides financial education resources and tools to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) plans effectively.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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: J.B. Hunt Transport Services does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the company primarily provides a 401(k) retirement savings plan. Eligibility Criteria: J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers a 401(k) plan to eligible employees. The eligibility for the 401(k) plan typically depends on the employee's length of service and other criteria set by the company. Pension Formula: Since J.B. Hunt does not have a defined benefit pension plan, there is no pension formula applicable. Name of 401(k) Plan: The 401(k) plan offered by J.B. Hunt Transport Services is known as the "J.B. Hunt 401(k) Plan." Eligibility Criteria: Employees typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific waiting period, which is usually outlined in the company's employee benefits documentation.

Restructuring and Layoffs: J.B. Hunt announced a restructuring plan in early 2024 aimed at improving operational efficiency. This plan included reducing its workforce by approximately 5% in response to changing market conditions and the need for operational optimization. The company indicated that the layoffs were part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance profitability. This news is particularly important to address in the current economic environment as companies navigate uncertainties and seek to adapt to market changes. Understanding these adjustments can provide insights into how businesses are managing financial pressures and restructuring to remain competitive.

2022: J.B. Hunt offered stock options and RSUs to employees as part of their compensation package. Stock options were granted primarily to executives and senior management, while RSUs were available to a broader group including mid-level managers. 2023: The company continued offering RSUs to a broader group of employees, including those in mid-level positions and above. Stock options were less commonly granted, with a focus on key executive positions. 2024: J.B. Hunt's RSU program was expanded to include more employees, reflecting a trend towards broader equity compensation. Stock options remained targeted at senior executives and key personnel.

Healthcare Benefits Page: This section often includes comprehensive details about employee benefits, including health insurance options, wellness programs, and any recent updates. Company Blog/News Section: Recent announcements or changes related to employee benefits may be highlighted here