New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Are Ghost Taxes Creeping Into Your Avery Dennison Retirement Plan?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Avery Dennison Avery Dennison has partnered with various healthcare providers for employee health benefits; however, specific provider affiliations may vary by region and specific employee health plans. To obtain the most accurate and relevant information regarding Avery Dennison's current healthcare provider, it is advisable for employees to consult their Human Resources department or employee benefits documentation. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Avery Dennison in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs for Avery Dennison employees utilizing Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans may soar as premium hikes are projected to exceed 60% in some states. This stark increase is driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical costs. As many as 92% of marketplace enrollees could face an average out-of-pocket premium increase of over 75%. Employees should proactively assess their health plan options now to mitigate financial impacts and explore available employer-sponsored alternatives. Click here to learn more

'Many Avery Dennison employees underestimate how much “ghost taxes” can erode retirement income. Understanding these hidden thresholds today can help you make more thoughtful decisions for tomorrow’s financial well-being,' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Many Avery Dennison employees are surprised by how quickly hidden taxes like AMT, NIIT, and IRMAA can reduce retirement income, making it important for retirees to stay informed and thoughtfully plan so these costs don’t catch them off guard.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

The five “ghost taxes” that may unexpectedly impact retirement income.
How these taxes can affect Avery Dennison employees and retirees.
Strategies to better understand and prepare for these tax implications.

How Avery Dennison Employees Can Prepare for the Five “Ghost Taxes” That Could Haunt Retirement

There are several lesser-known surcharges and thresholds that may unexpectedly increase your tax bill in retirement, even if you already understand federal, state, and local tax obligations. These include the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), the Social Security “tax torpedo,” and the new senior deduction. Because many of these thresholds are not adjusted for inflation, they increasingly impact retirees, including those from Avery Dennison.

1. AMT: Alternative Minimum Tax

The AMT is a parallel tax system designed to make sure higher-income individuals pay at least a minimum amount of taxes. It has its own tax brackets, forms, and rules, with a top rate of 28%. ¹ Some deductions available under the traditional tax system are limited under AMT rules.

For 2025, the AMT exemptions are:

- $88,100 for single filers (phasing out at $626,350)
- $137,000 for married couples filing jointly (phasing out at $1,252,700)

High income, exercising incentive stock options, large capital gains, or numerous itemized deductions may trigger AMT. Even though long-term capital gains receive preferential tax treatment, they can still reduce your AMT exemption. If AMT is paid in one year, a tax credit may be available in future years when AMT is not owed.

2. NIIT: Net Investment Income Tax

The NIIT applies a 3.8% tax on net investment income when modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds:

- $200,000 for single filers
- $250,000 for married couples filing jointly ²

This tax applies to dividends, interest, rental income, gains from home sales, and capital gains beyond exclusion limits. Withdrawals from 401(k)s and traditional IRAs are not directly taxed by NIIT, but they may increase MAGI and cause other investment income to be taxed.

Strategies to limit exposure include contributing to traditional retirement accounts, using health savings accounts (HSAs), and tax-loss harvesting. For instance, tax-loss harvesting allows you to use up to $3,000 in capital losses annually to offset ordinary income. ³

For individuals age 70½ or older looking to reduce MAGI, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) may help. QCDs allow you to donate to qualified charities on a tax-free basis directly from your IRA, satisfying required minimum distribution (RMD) rules without bringing distributions into income. In 2025, up to $108,000 may be donated tax-free. ⁴

3. IRMAA: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount

IRMAA adds a surcharge to Medicare Parts B and D premiums for higher-income retirees and is based on MAGI from two years prior.

For 2025, IRMAA applies when MAGI exceeds:

- $106,000 for single filers
- $212,000 for married couples filing jointly

Even a small increase above these limits can place retirees in a higher premium bracket. Tax-exempt interest from municipal bonds is included in MAGI for IRMAA purposes. Premiums and IRMAA can be deducted from Social Security payments or paid directly. Social Security allows individuals experiencing major life changes, such as retirement or death of a spouse, to request revised IRMAA calculations.

4. The Social Security “Tax Torpedo”

Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on “provisional income,” which includes:

- Adjusted gross income
- Non-taxable interest
- One-half of Social Security benefits

If provisional income exceeds:

- $34,000 for single filers
- $44,000 for married couples filing jointly

...then up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable. ⁵

Delaying Social Security up to age 70 increases benefits by 8% per year beyond full retirement age.

5. The 2025–2028 New Senior Deduction

From 2025 to 2028, individuals age 65 and older may qualify for a new senior deduction:

- $6,000 for single filers
- $12,000 for married couples filing jointly

This deduction phases out at:

- $75,000 MAGI for single filers
- $150,000 MAGI for joint filers

This is separate from the standard senior deduction, which currently adds $2,000 for individuals or $3,200 for married couples age 65 or older.

Need Help Navigating These Taxes?

Understanding how AMT, NIIT, IRMAA, Social Security rules, and senior deductions affect retirement income can be complex, especially for Avery Dennison retirees managing pensions, 401(k)s, and other investments. The Retirement Group can help you better understand how these tax considerations relate to your retirement planning. Call (800) 900-5867 for guidance.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Tax Foundation. “ 2026 Tax Brackets .” 9 Oct. 2025.

2. Gravelle, Jane G., and Don J. Marples. The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax: Overview, Data, and Policy Options . Congressional Research Service, 30 June 2023, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R41413.

3. IRS. ' Topic no. 409, Capital gains and losses .' 12 Sep. 2025.

4. Wealth Enhancement. ' 7 Tax Moves to Consider Before The End of The Year ,' by Mary Taliaferro, CFP. Nov. 5, 2025.

5. Investopedia. ' Provisional Taxes: What They Are and How They Work ,' by Julia Kagan. 4 Sep. 2025.

How does the transition of the Avery Dennison U.S. Pension Plan to a group annuity contract affect current employees who are nearing retirement, and what steps should they consider taking during this transition to ensure their benefits are secure from Avery Dennison?

Current Employees Nearing Retirement: The transition to a group annuity contract should not affect the accrued benefits of current employees nearing retirement. The terms of the annuity payments will match those provided by the previous pension plan. Employees should ensure their personal information is updated and consult with the Avery Dennison Retirement Center to understand the timing of their benefits commencement during the transition period.

In what ways does Avery Dennison support employees who are considering their options for retirement benefits, particularly those who may not have previously explored their pension plan details prior to the transition to an insurer?

Support for Employees Exploring Retirement Options: Avery Dennison assists employees by providing detailed information through their retirement center and online resources. Employees are encouraged to review the changes and implications of the annuity transition and contact the retirement center for personalized advice, particularly if they have not previously explored their pension plan details.

Can you elaborate on the implications of the group annuity contract for employees who have recently retired from Avery Dennison, particularly concerning how their benefits are administered compared to the previous pension plan structure?

Recently Retired Employees: For those who have recently retired, the administration of their benefits will shift from Avery Dennison to the selected insurer but this should not change the amount, timing, or form of the benefits they receive. This ensures continuity in the administration of benefits without affecting the retirees directly.

For employees currently receiving benefits through Avery Dennison, how will the transition to the selected insurer impact the continuity and reliability of their monthly payments, and what measures are in place to safeguard these payments?

Continuity and Reliability of Payments: The transition involves the selection of a highly rated insurer, ensuring the reliability of ongoing monthly payments. Avery Dennison has put measures in place, including a thorough selection process involving an independent fiduciary, to safeguard these payments.

What are the specific protections offered to beneficiaries under the group annuity contracts once the Pension Plan transitions away from Avery Dennison's administration, and how do these protections differ from those provided under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)?

Protections for Beneficiaries: After the transition, the state guaranty associations, rather than the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), will offer protection to beneficiaries. This shift means that while the federal insurance via PBGC will no longer apply, state-level insurance, which has its own limits and guarantees, will take over.

In light of the transition to the group annuity, how should employees at Avery Dennison go about updating their personal information, such as addresses or banking details, and what timelines should they be aware of during this process?

Updating Personal Information: Employees should update their personal details such as addresses or banking information through the Avery Dennison Retirement Center by specific deadlines during the transition period. Post-transition, such updates should be made directly with the new insurer.

How does Avery Dennison ensure that the financial health of the selected insurer for the group annuity contract is sufficient to meet the obligations to its retirees, and what standards are applied during the selection process?

Financial Health of the Insurer: Avery Dennison ensures the financial adequacy of the selected insurer through a rigorous selection process managed by an independent fiduciary. This includes evaluations of the insurer's financial stability, claims-paying ability, and overall business practices.

After the transition to an insurer is complete, what should employees of Avery Dennison do if they have questions regarding their retirement benefits, and how will communication be handled moving forward to ensure clarity and support?

Post-Transition Communication: After the transition, employees should direct their questions regarding retirement benefits to the selected insurer's service center. Avery Dennison will provide contact details and further instructions in a welcome kit following the transition.

How does the U.S. tax legislation impacts the retirement benefits of Avery Dennison employees who are transitioning to a group annuity, particularly concerning taxation of these annuity payments during retirement?

Impact of U.S. Tax Legislation: The transition to a group annuity may affect the taxation of retirement benefits. Employees are advised to consult with tax professionals to understand the specific impacts based on their personal circumstances.

For employees seeking more information regarding the details of their retirement benefits and the implications of the insurer transition, how can they contact Avery Dennison to discuss their specific circumstances and gain clarity on any outstanding questions?

Accessing Further Information: Employees seeking more details about their retirement benefits post-transition can contact Avery Dennison through their designated Retirement Center or access information via the company's dedicated benefits website. This is crucial for obtaining clarity on specific circumstances and outstanding queries regarding the transition.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Avery Dennison announced a major restructuring plan that includes layoffs affecting approximately 10% of its global workforce. The company is also revising its pension and 401(k) plans to better align with current economic conditions.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Avery Dennison at 207 Goode Ave Glendale, CA 91203; or by calling them at +1 626-304-2000.