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WestRock Employees Could See Big Benefits from New $10,000 Auto Loan Interest Deduction: Here’s What to Know

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for WestRock: WestRock employees typically receive their health care benefits through various providers as part of employer-sponsored insurance plans. Specific details on the primary healthcare provider may vary, but it's known that large companies like WestRock often collaborate with major insurers. To identify the exact provider, employees should consult their HR department, which can provide the most accurate and relevant information. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As WestRock prepares for 2026, employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. With the expiration of enhanced federal ACA subsidies and rising medical costs, many workers could face steep premium hikes, potentially exceeding 75%. A recent survey indicates that nearly half of large employers, including WestRock, anticipate transferring more healthcare expenses to employees, raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. This evolving landscape highlights the importance for WestRock employees to understand their benefits and mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

'WestRock 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.

'WestRock 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:

  1. How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) creates a new $10,000 auto loan interest deduction for qualifying vehicles.

  2. The eligibility rules, income phase-outs, and refinancing criteria for claiming the deduction.

  3. Other tax changes in the legislation that may impact WestRock employees, including expanded deductions and fresh incentives.

WestRock 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

  • - Deduction limit for loan interest is $10,000 per year.

  • - Vehicle’s final assembly must occur in the United States.

  • - Applies to personal-use vehicles under 14,000 pounds—including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, minivans, and motorcycles.

  • - Income phase-outs: Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) over $200,000 for joint filers or $100,000 for singles.

  • - Refinances may be eligible if the original loan met all criteria.

  • - 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 WestRock 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

  • SALT Deduction Expansion : Raises the cap from $10,000 to $40,000, phasing out between $500,000 and $600,000 MAGI for joint filers.

  • Extended Lower Tax Rates : Keeps the doubled standard deduction and reduced brackets beyond 2026.

  • Senior Bonus Deduction : Adds $6,000 for individuals (or $12,000 for married couples) for those age 65+ through January 1, 2029.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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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.

How does the WestRock Company Consolidated Pension Plan specifically calculate the Normal Retirement Benefit for its employees, and what considerations should employees be aware of regarding the Final Average Pay calculation used by WestRock Company?

Normal Retirement Benefit Calculation: The WestRock Company calculates the Normal Retirement Benefit based on the employee's Final Average Pay. This is defined as the average of the employee's highest five years of earnings over the last ten years of employment before termination. Earnings included in the Final Average Pay are most wages, bonuses, commissions, and amounts deferred under the company’s 401(k) plan. Employees should be aware that earnings after December 31, 2015, are excluded unless they qualify under the Rule of 75​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Disability Retirement Pension under the WestRock Company plan, and how does this differ for Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants within the WestRock Company workforce?

Disability Retirement Pension Eligibility: To qualify for a Disability Retirement Pension, an employee must have earned at least five years of Vesting Service and be deemed "totally and permanently disabled" according to specific criteria. Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants are subject to special rules detailed in the Legacy Supplement. Legacy Mead employees must apply separate criteria from Legacy Westvaco employees​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

In what ways can employees at WestRock Company manage and maximize their Vesting Service to ensure they receive the full benefits from the company’s pension plan, particularly for those with interrupted service or re-employment?

Vesting Service Maximization: WestRock employees can manage their Vesting Service by ensuring that they complete at least five years of service, which guarantees their right to pension benefits. Employees with interrupted service can still receive credit for Vesting Service if they return within five years. Additionally, employees who leave and return within a year will receive credit for the time they were absent​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company handle the transition of benefits for employees who transfer between different positions within the company, and what impacts could this have on their eventual retirement benefits?

Transfer Between Positions: When WestRock employees transfer between different positions, their retirement benefit is calculated based on the greater of two methods. The first method calculates the benefit accrued at each position separately, while the second method applies the total benefit service across positions. Vesting Service is always combined, regardless of location or position​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company plan ensure that pension benefits are protected, particularly through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and what should employees know about their rights and guarantees under this insurance?

Pension Benefit Protection (PBGC): The WestRock Pension Plan is insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). This federal insurance guarantees that employees will receive their vested pension benefits even if the plan is terminated. Employees should understand that PBGC coverage has limits, and benefits might be reduced under certain circumstances​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the consequences for WestRock Company employees who choose to withdraw from their pension plan or to rollover their benefits upon retirement or termination? How can they navigate these options effectively to avoid penalties?

Withdrawals and Rollovers: Employees can withdraw or roll over their pension benefits upon retirement or termination. Lump-sum withdrawals may be subject to taxes unless rolled over into a qualifying retirement account. Employees should consult the WestRock Benefits Center to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal tax regulations​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company maintain compliance with federal regulations and best practices under ERISA, and what specific rights do employees have concerning their pension benefits?

ERISA Compliance: WestRock complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), ensuring that employees' pension rights are protected. Employees have the right to receive information about their benefits, act prudently, and enforce their rights through the claims and appeals process outlined in the plan​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What resources are available to employees of WestRock Company for understanding their benefits under the Consolidated Pension Plan, and how can they utilize these resources to ensure they make informed decisions about their retirement?

Resources for Understanding Benefits: WestRock provides employees access to the WestRock Benefits Center, where they can obtain information on their pension plan. Employees are encouraged to review the Summary Plan Description and consult with the Benefits Center for clarification on their benefits and to make informed retirement decisions​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How will the integration of employee benefits from various company acquisitions impact current staff at WestRock Company, and what steps is the company taking to communicate these changes effectively to its employees?

Impact of Acquisitions on Benefits: WestRock has acquired various companies over time, and employees from these acquisitions may have different pension rules applied to them. WestRock takes steps to integrate these employees and communicates any changes through the WestRock Benefits Center. Special rules may apply based on the previous employer’s pension plan​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How can employees of WestRock Company get in touch with the WestRock Benefits Center to seek clarification about the Summary Plan Description, and what are the best practices to follow when requesting information regarding their pension plan?

Contacting the Benefits Center: Employees can contact the WestRock Benefits Center for clarification on the Summary Plan Description. Best practices include having detailed questions prepared, reviewing the SPD in advance, and requesting copies of documents or forms that clarify specific aspects of their pension plan​(WestRock Company_Issued…).

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