Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sony: Sony primarily provides health benefits through employer-sponsored insurance plans, typically partnered with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. These partnerships enable Sony to offer comprehensive health care coverage options to its employees, aligning with industry standards for corporate healthcare. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we move into 2026, healthcare costs are poised for significant increases, primarily driven by the dual forces of escalating medical expenses and the potential expiration of enhanced federal ACA subsidies. Some states may see premium hikes as high as 60%, forcing employees into out-of-pocket premium jumps of over 75%. Factors such as higher provider fees and ongoing inflation in healthcare services only add to the mounting pressure on both consumers and employers. Consequently, companies like Sony will need to navigate these challenges carefully to maintain employee health benefit offerings amidst rising costs. Click here to learn more
As we approach the end of 2022, now might be a good time for Sony 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 Sony 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 Sony 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 Sony 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
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 Sony 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
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 Sony employees who would like more information on RMDs, consider speaking with your financial and tax professionals.
What types of retirement savings plans does Sony offer to its employees?
Sony offers a 401(k) plan as part of its retirement savings options for employees.
How can Sony employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Sony employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the enrollment period.
Does Sony match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sony offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for Sony's 401(k) matching contributions?
Sony follows a specific vesting schedule for matching contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
Can Sony employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sony employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the benefits portal.
What investment options are available in Sony's 401(k) plan?
Sony's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a loan option available for Sony employees under the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sony allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions.
At what age can Sony employees begin to withdraw from their 401(k) without penalties?
Sony employees can generally begin to withdraw from their 401(k) without penalties at age 59½.
What happens to a Sony employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?
If a Sony employee leaves the company, they can roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or leave it in the Sony plan, subject to certain conditions.
Does Sony provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?
Yes, Sony offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.