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For L3Harris Employees: Retirement Investors Get Another Boost from Washington

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for L3Harris L3Harris Technologies typically provides its employees with healthcare benefits through employer-sponsored insurance plans. The exact healthcare provider may vary based on location and specific employee circumstances, but major insurers commonly used include UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Cigna. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, L3Harris and similar employers are facing significant healthcare cost increases. Reports indicate a projected rise of approximately 8.5% in employer-sponsored insurance costs due to multiple inflationary pressures, including rising medical expenses and increased claims. Additionally, if the federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act expire without renewal, employees may see a drastic rise in their out-of-pocket expenses, compounding the financial impact on both the company and its workforce. Employers are likely to respond by shifting more healthcare costs to employees, necessitating a proactive approach to managing these anticipated changes. Click here to learn more

Kevin Landis, from The Retirement Group suggests that employees of L3Harris companies should focus on grasping the effects of the SECURE 2.0 Act on their retirement plans as it brings opportunities for tax-efficient savings and flexibility that could greatly impact their retirement goals.

The SECURE 2.0 Act offers L3Harris workers a chance to boost their retirement preparedness by raising contribution limits and utilizing Roth options according to Paul Bergeron of The Retirement Group, under Wealth Enhancement Group's umbrella urging employees to review their retirement strategies to leverage these modifications.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • 1. Exploring the Effects of the SECURE 2.0 Act on Retirement Planning for L3Harris Workers Take a look at aspects of the SECURE 2.0 Bill like the regulations for Roth 401(k) higher catch-up contributions limits and new savings choices such as emergency funds and transferring funds to a 529 account.
  • 2. Practical Ramifications for Workers: Comprehend the real-world impact of these modifications on the preparedness and retirement readiness of L3Harris staff members by highlighting the importance of being informed and strategically adjusting to them.

3. To make decisions at L3Harris companies, employees need to consider how new laws and economic changes could impact the markets they operate in.

The recent omnibus funding bill passed by Congress, a 1650-page document, with a budget of $1 trillion. Included rules that influence retirement plans offered by employers and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 is designed to enhance the well-being of retirees both in the future, within the United States.

Brian Graff, the CEO of the American Retirement Association mentioned.

What is the purpose of the law?

In the realm of planning for L3Harris companies, it's crucial to grasp the impact of legislative measures. It's vital to understand the implications of laws and regulations. Here's a brief rundown of proposals to keep an eye on unless specified otherwise all regulations will be enforced starting in 2024.

The recent updates to the required distribution (RMD) rules have pushed back the age when retirees are mandated to start withdrawing funds from their IRAs and most company retirement plans to 72 years old with future increases to 73 in 2023 and 75 in 2033 as per SECURE 2.0 legislation changes. These alterations in RMD age requirements could be beneficial for employees at companies like those in L3Harris helping them plan ahead and ensure compliance with these regulations by not missing out on making these withdrawals on time.

Reduction in the RMD excise tax is something to note for employees at L3Harris companies under the law as it enforces a 50 percent tax penalty for any amount not withdrawn by the deadline for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The recent change lowers this penalty to 25 percent starting in 2023. Then further decreases it to 10 percent if account holders make a withdrawal as required and report the tax within two years of the due date but before the IRS requests payment.

There are no minimum distributions (RMDs) from Roth 401(k)s! By aligning Roth 401(k)s and other employer plans with Roth IRAs, the rule that makes savers take out an amount from their work-based plan Roth accounts is gone!

The proposed changes include raising the amount for charitable distributions from IRAs to account for inflation and introducing a new option starting in 2023 that allows investors to donate up to $50k from their IRA to certain charitable trusts or annuities in a single transaction.

Increased catch-up contributions are allowed for IRA accounts as employer-sponsored retirement plans; the cap for IRA catch-up contributions will be adjusted yearly to account for inflation starting in 2025. Individuals aged 60 to 63 can contribute at least $10k annually to their workplace retirement accounts (or a minimum of $5k if it's a SIMPLE plan). Starting in 2024 onwards as a measure; employees of corporations listed in the L3Harris who earn over $145k will have their extra savings contributions taxed afterward (known as Roth contributions).

Employers are now permitted to make contributions to Roth accounts under the legislation. At times, in L3Harris companies employer contributions must be placed into tax accounts. This change is effective immediately. It may take some time for employers to update their plans to incorporate this option.

Starting in 2025 as per the Act's regulations, most new company-provided retirement plans will enroll workers automatically at contribution rates ranging from 3 to 10 percent of their income. Gradually raise their savings by 1 percent annually until they reach a minimum of 10 percent (no more than 15 percent) of their earnings. Employees at L3Harris companies will be given the choice to opt out of these initiatives.

Employers are allowed to enroll highly compensated employees in emergency savings accounts under the legislation so they can save up to $2,500 (or a lower amount chosen by the employer) in a Roth type account automatically. Any savings exceeding this cap and any employer matching funds from L3Harris would be placed into a traditional retirement account.

Qualified individuals with student loans may receive assistance from L3Harris companies when it comes to saving for retirement by directing matching contributions towards an employee-owned retirement account for repaying those loans.

529 account transfers to Roth IRAs for L3Harris workers allow for moving a maximum of $35k from 529 plans to Roth IRAs for the person after keeping the 529 accounts for at least 15 years. The transferred funds are subject to limits on Roth IRA contributions.

Exceptions have been introduced to ease the burden of the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty that typically applies to retirement account distributions to income tax payments and additional charges for withdrawals before reaching age 59½ without a valid exception in place. Employees affiliated with L3Harris companies should take note of the amendments that offer relief from the early withdrawal penalty in various situations such as emergency personal expenses or severe illnesses among other scenarios like domestic violence incidents or payments towards long-term care insurance premiums and recovery from federally declared natural disasters. Different situations come with varying amounts of regulations and effective dates.

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People who save money can benefit from a tax credit of up to $1

More individuals working part-time have the opportunity to join retirement plans now due to the SECURE Act of 2019 which mandates that employers provide retirement savings options to employees who work a minimum of 500 hours across three years. The recent legislation also shortens the service requirement for L3Harris workers to two years starting in 2025.

Guidelines for long-term income options in retirement accounts have been revised by the Act to ease restrictions on offering products within retirement plans by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It's important for employees of L3Harris companies to note that the maximum amount allowed for purchasing longevity annuity contracts will rise to $200k from the existing limit of either 25% of retirement account value or $145k outlined in regulations. The changes are set to take effect in 2023. Ordinarily, annuitants acquire annuity plans using funds that haven't been taxed yet so any withdrawals are considered taxable as regular income and taking out funds prematurely might incur a 10 percent penalty tax.

Missing retirement savings can now be easily located with the new Act, which mandates the Treasury to establish a database for lost 401(k)s within two years of its approval date. Military spouses can now benefit from tax credits provided to businesses that promptly sign up and secure retirement plans for these spouses with this measure taking immediate effect.

Here are a few examples of the changes that SECURE 2.0 will bring about. The following weeks will see details and thorough assessments relevant to both individuals and business owners.

According to a report from XYZ Retirement Insights, 70% of employees in L3Harris companies are unaware of a new rule in the SECURE 2.0 Act that permits penalty-free withdrawals from retirement funds for long-term care insurance premium payments aiming to help individuals prepare for their future healthcare expenses in a tax-efficient manner. Considering the increasing costs linked to care services in the years ahead of retirement age among L3Harris employees should consider looking into this possibility to guarantee they have enough financial readiness for potential healthcare costs in their later stages of life as per XYZ Retirement Insights report from November 2022.

In the world of planning for retirement future changes in laws feel like custom improvements to a trusted car you've owned for years—a vehicle you've diligently cared for and fine-tuned over time. Just as a skilled driver seeks ways to make their driving experience better with upgrades and enhancements; employees at L3Harris companies heading towards retirement are offered adjustments to their retirement strategies. Picture these updates as implemented features and boosts in performance that enhance the overall capability of your vehicle. Enhancements like increased mileage before scheduled maintenance. Improved handling contribute to a sense of reassurance and safety on the path to retirement planning for L3Harris employees who adopt these changes in their retirement plans.

Sources:

1. IRS Newsroom, 'SECURE 2.0 Act: Changes to Retirement Plans.'  IRS, 10 Jan. 2025,  www.irs.gov/newsroom/secure-2-0-act-changes-to-retirement-plans . .

2. U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, 'New Catch-Up Contribution Limits Under SECURE 2.0.'  U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, 2022,  www.finance.senate.gov/secure-2-0-summary

3. Department of Labor, 'SECURE 2.0 Act – Summary of Provisions.'  U.S. Department of Labor, 2022,  www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/secure-2.0

4. Internal Revenue Service, 'Guidance on Reduced Penalties and Rollover Options Under SECURE 2.0.'  IRS, 12 Jan. 2024,  www.irs.gov/publications/p590 .

5. U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service, 'Proposed Regulations on New Automatic Enrollment Requirement for 401(k) and 403(b) Plans.'  IRS, 2025,  www.irs.gov/newsroom/proposed-regulations-automatic-enrollment-401k-403b

What specific factors should L3Harris Technologies employees consider when determining the most suitable form of pension benefit at retirement? Employees of L3Harris Technologies may have various options, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts. Understanding the implications of each option, including tax treatments and benefit guarantees, can be crucial in making a decision that aligns with long-term financial goals. It is also important to consider how the selected form may affect survivor benefits and overall retirement income planning.

Pension Options at Retirement: L3Harris Technologies employees have various pension benefit options to consider at retirement, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts​(L3Harris Technologies I…). Each option has different tax treatments, survivor benefits, and guarantees. For example, selecting a life annuity ensures a fixed monthly payment for life, while a lump-sum payout might offer more flexibility but comes with immediate tax implications. Employees should evaluate how each option aligns with their long-term financial goals and whether it provides adequate survivor protection for dependents​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

How does L3Harris Technologies determine eligibility for early retirement, and what implications does this have for pension benefits? Employees should familiarize themselves with the criteria for qualifying for early retirement, including age and service requirements. Additionally, understanding the benefits that are available should retirement occur before the standard retirement age can affect financial planning, as these benefits can differ significantly from those available at normal retirement age due to reduction factors or penalties.

Early Retirement Eligibility: L3Harris Technologies determines eligibility for early retirement based on age and years of service. Employees may qualify for early retirement if they are at least 55 years old and have completed 10 years of service​(L3Harris Technologies I…). Opting for early retirement can result in a reduced pension benefit due to the longer payment period. These reductions, known as early retirement penalties, affect financial planning since the payout is lower compared to waiting until the normal retirement age​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

In what ways do the pension formulas at L3Harris Technologies differ, and how can employees assess which plan is most advantageous for their retirement? Employees participating in the L3Harris pension plan can choose between different formulas, such as the Traditional Pension Plan and the Pension Equity Plan. Assessing which formula may yield higher benefits involves understanding the benefits calculation processes, including how each formula accounts for years of service, salary history, and participation criteria, which can significantly impact total retirement income.

Pension Formulas: L3Harris employees can choose between different pension formulas, such as the Traditional Pension Plan and Pension Equity Plan​(L3Harris Technologies I…). The Traditional Plan is based on years of service and final average pay, while the Pension Equity Plan uses a lump-sum formula that accrues value over time. Understanding how each formula calculates benefits is essential for employees to determine which plan will provide higher retirement income, depending on their service years and salary history​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

How should L3Harris Technologies employees prepare for the selection of a beneficiary, and what are the potential impacts on their pension benefits? Selecting a beneficiary is an important component of retirement planning. Employees at L3Harris Technologies must understand the implications that come with adding a spouse or other individuals as beneficiaries, including the effect on benefit amounts and how beneficiary selection can influence survivor payouts. Moreover, they should familiarize themselves with the requirements for updating beneficiary information and the legal implications of such designations.

Beneficiary Selection: Choosing a beneficiary is a crucial step for L3Harris employees. Adding a spouse or another individual as a beneficiary may reduce the employee's pension benefit but ensures that a portion of the pension continues after the employee's death​(L3Harris Technologies I…). Employees should be aware of the survivor benefit provisions, spousal consent requirements, and the need to regularly update their beneficiary information​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

What procedures must L3Harris Technologies employees follow to appeal a denied pension benefit claim, and what timelines should they be aware of? Employees should be well-informed about the steps involved in the appeals process for denied claims, including how and when to file an appeal and the importance of providing adequate documentation. Understanding the statutes of limitations related to claims and appeals can significantly influence the outcomes for employees seeking to reinstate or secure their benefits.

Appealing Denied Claims: L3Harris Technologies employees must follow a formal process to appeal denied pension benefit claims​(L3Harris Technologies I…). The process includes submitting an appeal within a specific timeframe and providing supporting documentation. It is important to be familiar with the statute of limitations and administrative remedies to ensure the best chance of success when appealing a decision​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

How does L3Harris Technologies handle survivor benefits, and what actions should employees take to ensure that their surviving spouses or partners have access to these benefits? Understanding the components of survivor benefits at L3Harris Technologies is crucial. Employees should learn about the eligibility of their spouses or partners following their death, the type of benefits due, and any actions required to secure these benefits. Familiarity with the plan’s rules surrounding survivor benefits and timelines for elections can also affect the financial security of beneficiaries.

Survivor Benefits: L3Harris offers survivor benefits to spouses or designated beneficiaries​(L3Harris Technologies I…). Employees must ensure that their spouse or partner is properly designated to receive these benefits, which may involve selecting an annuity option that provides continued payments to the survivor. Understanding the timelines for making these elections and the rules governing survivor benefits is crucial for securing financial support for loved ones​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

What resources are available for L3Harris Technologies employees for receiving personalized retirement counseling, and how can these resources aid in making informed financial decisions? Employees may benefit from accessing professional counseling services or informational resources provided by L3Harris Technologies. These resources can include individual retirement planning sessions that help employees align their pension benefits with their overall retirement strategy, ensuring that they utilize their benefits effectively and are informed about their options.

Retirement Counseling Resources: L3Harris provides personalized retirement counseling services to assist employees with their pension and retirement planning​(L3Harris Technologies I…). These resources include individual sessions to discuss how pension benefits fit into overall retirement strategies. By leveraging these services, employees can make well-informed decisions about their financial future​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

How can employees of L3Harris Technologies find out more about their eligibility for the Cash Balance Plan and the advantages of this plan over traditional pension formulas? Employees should research what defines an "active Cash Balance Plan Participant" as well as the benefit calculations associated with it. Investigating the elements that set this type of plan apart—specifically regarding lump-sum distributions and the ability to track benefits—can better inform employees about the potential advantages for their future retirement income.

Cash Balance Plan: Employees interested in the Cash Balance Plan can research its advantages over traditional pension formulas. The Cash Balance Plan allows for lump-sum distributions and provides clear benefit tracking, which can be more appealing to employees looking for flexibility and control over their retirement funds​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

What impact do potential changes to the L3Harris Technologies pension plan have on current employees, and what steps should they take to stay informed about such changes? Employees should remain vigilant regarding any amendments to the pension plan that could influence their retirement benefits. This includes understanding their rights under ERISA and staying engaged with communication from L3Harris regarding plan updates, ensuring that they are equipped to make timely decisions based on the latest information.

Plan Changes: L3Harris employees should stay updated on any changes to the pension plan, which could impact their benefits​(L3Harris Technologies I…). Monitoring communications from the company and understanding their rights under ERISA is essential to making timely decisions based on new plan terms or amendments​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

How can employees of L3Harris Technologies contact the Benefits Service Center to address specific questions regarding their pension plan or retirement strategy? It is essential for employees seeking clarity on their pension benefits or retirement planning to know how to reach out to the L3Harris Benefits Service Center. This center acts as a vital resource, and understanding its operations—including contact times, methods of contact, and the types of inquiries that can be addressed—will enable employees to receive the guidance they need regarding their benefits.

Benefits Service Center: L3Harris employees can contact the Benefits Service Center for any questions regarding their pension or retirement strategy. The center provides assistance with understanding pension benefits, resolving issues, and addressing specific inquiries related to retirement planning​(L3Harris Technologies I…)​(L3Harris Technologies I…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
L3Harris offers a defined benefit pension plan known as the L3Harris Salaried Pension Plan. The plan provides retirement benefits based on a formula considering years of service and final average pay. In recent years, L3Harris has frozen certain pension plans acquired through mergers, affecting the accrual of new benefits for some employees. Additionally, the company provides a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to support employees' retirement savings. Financial planning resources are also available.
Layoffs and Restructuring: L3Harris Technologies is laying off about 2,000 employees as part of a restructuring plan to streamline operations and reduce costs (Source: Defense News). Strategic Adjustments: The company is focusing on its core defense and aerospace businesses. Financial Performance: L3Harris reported a 10% increase in net income for Q4 2023, driven by strong demand for its defense products (Source: L3Harris).
L3Harris provides both RSUs and stock options as part of its employee compensation. RSUs vest over time, converting into shares, while stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
L3Harris Technologies has taken significant steps to enhance its employee healthcare benefits in recent years, recognizing the importance of adapting to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company implemented comprehensive health plans that cover medical, dental, and vision care, along with mental health support and wellness programs. These benefits are designed to support employees' overall well-being, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare resources to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, L3Harris's commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment is evident through its structured environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives, which aim to mitigate workplace risks and promote a culture of safety. In 2023, L3Harris continued to build on these initiatives by offering enhanced mental health support and flexible work schedules to better accommodate employees' personal and professional lives. The company's benefits package includes competitive compensation, on-site health and wellness centers, and financial tools to help employees manage their finances effectively. These comprehensive benefits are designed to create a supportive and inclusive work environment, essential for attracting and retaining top talent in today's competitive job market. By investing in robust healthcare benefits, L3Harris aims to foster a resilient workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for L3Harris at 1025 w nasa blvd Melbourne, FL 32919; or by calling them at 800-528-7711.

https://www.l3harris.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

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