RMD Roundup: A Few Key Updates About Required Minimum Distributions For Raytheon Employees

As we approach the end of 2022, now might be a good time for Raytheon employees to take a closer look at a few developments surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs) for corporate employees in the United States.

What Are RMDs?

We'd first like to ensure that our Raytheon clients understand the basics— What are RMDs? Once you reach age 72, you are required to take minimum distributions from your traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans. (RMDs are not required from an employer plan if you are still working at the company sponsoring the plan and you do not own more than 5% of the company.) You can always take more than the required amount if you choose.

The portion of an RMD representing earnings and tax-deductible contributions is taxed as ordinary income, unless the RMD is a qualified distribution from a Roth account. We'd like our clients from Raytheon to note that failing to take the full amount of an RMD could result in a penalty tax of 50% of the difference.

Generally, RMDs must be taken by December 31 each year. You can delay your first RMD until April 1 following the year in which you reach RMD age; however, it's important that these Raytheon employees be aware that you will then need to take two RMDs in one year — the first by April 1 and the second by December 31. (If you reached age 73 in the first half of 2022, different rules apply; see below.)

You may want to weigh the decision to delay your first RMD carefully. Taking two distributions in one year might bump you into a higher income tax bracket for that year.

New RMD Age and a 2020 Waiver Add Complexity

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019 raised the minimum RMD age to 72 from 70½ beginning in 2020. That means if you reached age 70½ before 2020, you are currently required to take minimum distributions.

However, there was a pandemic-related rule change in 2020 that might have affected some retirement savers who reached age 70½ in 2019. To help individuals manage financial challenges brought on by the pandemic, RMDs were waived in 2020, including any postponed from 2019. In other words, some taxpayers could have benefitted from waiving both their 2019 and 2020 RMDs.

Any of our clients from Raytheon who took advantage of the 2020 waiver should note that RMDs resumed in 2021 (and continue in 2022) and need to be taken by December 31. The option to delay to April 1, 2023, applies only to first RMDs for those who reached age 72 on or after July 1, 2022.

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New Life Expectancy Tables

The IRS publishes tables in Publication 590-B that are used to help calculate RMDs. To determine the amount of a required distribution, you would divide your account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by the appropriate age-related factor in one of three available tables.

Recognizing that life expectancies have increased, the IRS has issued new tables designed to help investors stretch their retirement savings over a longer period of time. Investors may be pleased to learn that calculations will typically result in lower annual RMD amounts and potentially lower income tax obligations as a result.

For any Raytheon employees who would like more information on RMDs, consider speaking with your financial and tax professionals.

What type of retirement savings plan does Raytheon offer to its employees?

Raytheon offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Raytheon provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Raytheon matches employee contributions to the 401(k) plan up to a certain percentage.

How can Raytheon employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Raytheon employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.

What is the minimum contribution percentage required for Raytheon employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Raytheon typically requires a minimum contribution percentage of 1% to participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan.

Can Raytheon employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at any time?

Yes, Raytheon employees can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or as allowed by the plan rules.

What investment options are available to Raytheon employees within the 401(k) plan?

Raytheon offers a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Raytheon’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Raytheon has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for a certain number of years to fully own the matched contributions.

Can Raytheon employees take loans from their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Raytheon allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.

What happens to Raytheon employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If Raytheon employees leave the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Raytheon plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with Raytheon’s 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Raytheon’s 401(k) Savings Plan, which are disclosed in plan documents.