Healthcare Provider Update: Polaris is associated with UnitedHealthcare as its primary healthcare provider. For Polaris employees, the anticipated spike in healthcare costs in 2026 is concerning. With recent projections indicating that Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums could surge by as much as 66% in certain states, many employees may face a substantial financial burden due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation. This means that individuals reliant on ACA marketplace plans could see their out-of-pocket expenses increase dramatically, complicating budgeting for healthcare needs in the upcoming year. It's crucial for these employees to take proactive measures to navigate the financial landscape they anticipate facing in 2026. Click here to learn more
'Polaris employees should view the new $10,000 auto loan interest deduction under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as an opportunity to strategically align major purchases with broader tax planning goals.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Polaris employees can use the new $10,000 auto loan interest deduction as a timely incentive to coordinate vehicle financing decisions with their long-term financial planning objectives.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
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How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) creates a new $10,000 auto loan interest deduction for qualifying vehicles.
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The eligibility rules, income phase-outs, and refinancing criteria for claiming the deduction.
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Other tax changes in the legislation that may impact Polaris employees, including expanded deductions and fresh incentives.
Polaris employees financing a car in 2025 or later could benefit from tax savings due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The legislation allows anyone purchasing qualified vehicles between 2025 and 2028 to deduct up to $10,000 in auto loan interest as an above-the-line deduction.
Although the deduction brings meaningful advantages for buyers, not all loans, vehicles, or borrowers will qualify because of strict eligibility requirements.
Key Features of the Auto Loan Interest Deduction
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- Deduction limit for loan interest is $10,000 per year.
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- Vehicle’s final assembly must occur in the United States.
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- Applies to personal-use vehicles under 14,000 pounds—including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, minivans, and motorcycles.
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- Income phase-outs: Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) over $200,000 for joint filers or $100,000 for singles.
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- Refinances may be eligible if the original loan met all criteria.
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- Excluded leases: Some commercial vehicles, fleet purchases, salvage vehicles, and auto leases do not qualify.
How Many Vehicles Qualify?
According to American Financial Services Association (AFSA) data, approximately 60% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in the first half of 2025—roughly 10 million out of 16.3 million—were assembled domestically. 1 Actual eligibility will vary depending on assembly location and trim levels. Buyers should check the Monroney sticker or U.S.-assembled vehicle databases for verification.
Potential Savings for Polaris Employees
While the deduction limit is $10,000, most borrowers are likely to save just a few hundred dollars annually. For instance, with a $41,926 auto loan over 72 months at a 7.2% APR, total interest is about $9,800—or around $1,630 per year. At an 18% marginal tax rate, that equals approximately $290 in yearly tax relief.
Refinancing Rules
According to the IRS, refinanced loans are generally eligible if the original purchase qualified under the program’s requirements. 2
How to Claim the Deduction
For tax year 2025, the IRS will provide detailed instructions. Taxpayers must include their vehicle identification number (VIN) on their return. Lenders are required to file information returns under IRC § 6050AA.
Other Highlights from the Tax Bill
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SALT Deduction Expansion : Raises the cap from $10,000 to $40,000, phasing out between $500,000 and $600,000 MAGI for joint filers.
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Extended Lower Tax Rates : Keeps the doubled standard deduction and reduced brackets beyond 2026.
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Senior Bonus Deduction : Adds $6,000 for individuals (or $12,000 for married couples) for those age 65+ through January 1, 2029.
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Tip and Overtime Deductions : Allows offsets of up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) for overtime and up to $25,000 for reported tips.
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Trump Accounts for Children : From 2025–2028, the government contributes $1,000 per newborn; parents may contribute up to $5,000 annually for home-buying, education, or job training.
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Pass-Through Business Benefits : Expands the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction by raising thresholds to broaden eligibility for small business owners.
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- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
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Sources:
1. American Financial Services Organization. ' OBBB & Moving Metal .' 10 July 2025.
2. Internal Revenue Service. One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Tax Deductions for Working Americans and Seniors (FS-2025-03) . 14 July 2025, updated 25 July 2025. U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.
Other Resources:
1. Taylor, Kelley R. “ New GOP Car Loan Tax Deduction: Which Vehicles and Buyers Qualify .” Kiplinger , 25 July 2025.
2. Schostag, Keith. “ The One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Car Loan Interest Deduction .” America’s Credit Unions , 24 July 2025.
3. Lautz, Andrew. “ How Does the 2025 Tax Law Change the SALT Deduction? ” Bipartisan Policy Center , 9 June 2025.
4. Skowronski, Jeanine. “ The ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Might Include a Tax Break on Your Auto Loan—Here’s How to Find Out if You Qualify .” Investopedia , 4 Aug. 2025.
What is the Polaris 401(k) plan?
The Polaris 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth basis.
How can I enroll in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Polaris 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.
What is the employer match for the Polaris 401(k) plan?
Polaris offers a competitive employer match for the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of your contributions up to a certain limit. Please refer to the benefits guide for specific details.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
The Polaris 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help you diversify your portfolio.
When can I start withdrawing from my Polaris 401(k) plan?
You can start withdrawing from your Polaris 401(k) plan without penalty after reaching the age of 59½, but there are also options for hardship withdrawals under certain circumstances.
Does Polaris offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Polaris offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free.
How often can I make changes to my investments in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
You can typically make changes to your investment allocations in the Polaris 401(k) plan on a regular basis, often daily, depending on the plan's rules.
What happens to my Polaris 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Polaris, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (which may incur taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Polaris plan if allowed.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
Yes, Polaris has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning you will need to work for the company for a certain period before you fully own the matched funds.