<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

How Can Intel Professionals Reduce Their Tax Burden?

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Intel's Healthcare Provider and Upcoming Costs Intel primarily utilizes benefits through various healthcare providers, with many employees accessing plans from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others depending on geographical region and specific plan offerings. As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, potentially impacting Intel employees and their families. With ACA premium hikes exceeding 60% in some states and the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies looming, many individuals could see their premiums increase by over 75%. Additionally, a rising trend in medical expenses, driven by inflation and supply chain challenges, coupled with escalating pharmaceutical costs, threatens to further strain household budgets. Consequently, these developments necessitate strategic planning by Intel employees to alleviate the financial burden associated with healthcare coverage in the coming year. Click here to learn more

Using tax-saving strategies like tax-loss harvesting and maximizing retirement contributions now could help employees optimize their financial well-being and cut down on future tax obligations,' said Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'As the year ends, Intel employees should reevaluate their tax filing status and consider Roth IRA conversions,' says Patrick Ray, a representative of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • 1. Strategy for reducing taxable income through tax-loss harvesting.

  • 2. Contributions to retirement accounts should be maximized to reduce taxes.

  • 3. Assessing tax filing status for tax advantages.

Considering the close of the year, consider strategies that could dramatically reduce tax obligations for 2023. The last months of autumn offer great tax-saving potential despite the busy schedule.

Three key steps Intel employees can take to optimize their financial profiles by year-end are described here.

  1. Implementing Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategies

A tax-loss harvesting strategy sanctioned by the IRS that seeks to reduce taxable income is authorized and lawful. That means shedding underperforming investments such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), equities, and bonds to offset taxes paid on other forms of capital gains and income. Even if this does not eliminate all taxes, it delays them - something many investors will appreciate.

The nature of tax-loss harvesting requires that one consult a fiduciary financial advisor. These experts know best how to assess whether this approach is right for you.

  1. Optimizing Contributions to Retirement Accounts

Contributions to traditional IRAs and 401(k)s are longtime strategies for retirement savings planning and tax liability reduction. Whoever has not yet made the required annual contribution may make it up later and reduce their taxable income for 2023.

This year the contribution limits are:

  • Traditional IRA contributions start at USD 6,500 and reach USD 7,500 for those 50 and older.

  • 401(k) contribution limit is USD 22,500, up to USD 30,000 for those 50 and older.

Though those are individual 401(k) contributions, the combined limit for 2023 excluding employer contributions is USD 66,000. Notably, Roth IRAs have the same contribution limits as any other IRAs. Yet they contain after-tax contributions - which are taxable as withdrawals under certain conditions.

  1. Changing Your Tax Filing Status

The simple act of filing consistently without considering how it affects your taxes is a common oversight. Different filing statuses have benefits and liabilities; in the cases of specific married people, filing separately could possibly provide financial benefits.

You should consult both your financial advisor and accountant regarding your particular situation, because these classifications are very complex, so you can be sure that your filing status is optimized for your particular financial situation.

The main argument is the need to be proactive about finances. Like physical health, financial vigilance takes effort. The analogy works; as we are continually prompted to maintain our health, we should also consider the persistent internal signal to protect and improve our financial positions.

Awareness of Qualified Charitable Distributions can be a big tax break for many Intel employees approaching or already retired. You may contribute USD 100,000 annually directly from your IRA to a qualified charity starting at age 70 and a half. That way, in addition to meeting the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) without the funds being included in taxable income, one can lower adjusted gross income (AGI), which may reduce the tax liability on Social Security benefits and Medicare premiums. As tax reforms changed the deduction landscape, this strategy has become more applicable.

To conclude, as the year winds down, Intel professionals must take calculated financial measures too. Planning your retirement contributions, optimizing your tax-loss harvesting, and making sure your filing status is favorable to you can improve your financial security and reduce or eliminate your tax liability.

As the year winds down, tax preparations are like a commander loading a ship for an extended voyage. Your financial vessel should be strengthened just as a captain would optimize the readiness of their ship in the calm before the tempest by inspecting the rigging, charting the course, and stocking provisions. Tax-loss harvesting is like adjusting sails; it helps to ride out turbulent market conditions by capturing losses to offset taxable gains. Optimizing your Intel retirement contributions is like putting provisions in the hold, reducing the current taxable income and ensuring enough money for the future. In conclusion, picking the right crew member to join your filing status is like choosing the right crew member. Selecting the best setting ensures a smooth passage through the turbulent waters of tax obligations - and may bring more advantageous breezes and more tranquil conditions through the fiscal expanse.

Added Fact:

For Intel professionals approaching retirement age, converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs may be a smart tax move. That process is called a Roth conversion - you pay taxes on the converted amount in the current year but can withdraw and grow tax-free in the future. This can work in years when income is lower than usual - and the individual may find themselves in a lower tax bracket - and this strategy can work well. Implementing a Roth conversion during such periods can net significant tax savings over the long haul - especially for retirees who expect higher tax rates in the future.

Added Analogy:

A tax reduction for a Intel professional approaching retirement is like preparing a garden for the changing seasons. Like a gardener prunes and reorganizes his garden in autumn to prepare it for the following year, professionals must prune and reorganize their financial portfolios in autumn.

Tax-loss harvesting is similar to pruning overgrown or underperforming plants. So it involves trimming investments that haven't worked and using these losses to apportion the tax burden of better investments, just as pruning helps plants grow.

Maximizing contributions to retirement accounts is planting perennials that bloom year after year. These increases give you a stream of money in retirement and, in return, reduce the immediate tax burden much like perennials reduce garden maintenance.

Finally, reevaluating tax filing status is like rearranging a garden to suit the environmental conditions - finding the most tax-effective way to organize financial assets.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

All these strategies like gardening require foresight, planning, and understanding of the present situation to ensure a good future.

Sources:

1. Vanguard. 'Tax-Loss Harvesting Explained.'  Vanguard , 2023,  investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/taxes/offset-gains-loss-harvesting?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

2. Ameriprise Financial. 'How Maxing Out Your Retirement Accounts Every Year Can Pay Off.'  Ameriprise Financial , 2023,  ameriprise.com/financial-goals-priorities/retirement/maximize-retirement-contributions?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

3. SmartAsset. 'Common Tax Breaks for Retirees.'  SmartAsset , 2023,  smartasset.com/taxes/retirement-tax-breaks?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

4. The Tax Adviser. 'The Economics of Tax-Loss Harvesting.'  The Tax Adviser , 2023,  thetaxadviser.com/issues/2023/sep/the-economics-of-tax-loss-harvesting.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

5. Thrivent Funds. 'Maximizing Your IRA Could Lower Your Taxes and Pump Up Your Savings.'  Thrivent Funds , 2023,  thriventfunds.com/insights/retirement-planning/maximizing-your-ira-could-lower-your-taxes-and-pump-up-your-savings.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

How does the Intel Pension Plan define the eligibility criteria for employees looking to retire, and what specific steps must they take to determine their benefit under the Intel Pension Plan?

Eligibility Criteria for Retirement: To be eligible for the Intel Pension Plan, employees must meet specific criteria, such as age and years of service. Benefits are calculated based on final average pay and years of service, and employees can determine their benefits by logging into their Fidelity NetBenefits account, where they can view their projected monthly benefit and explore different retirement dates​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What are the implications of choosing between a lump-sum distribution and a monthly income from the Intel Pension Plan, and how can employees assess which option is best suited for their individual financial circumstances?

Lump-Sum vs. Monthly Income: Choosing between a lump-sum distribution and monthly income under the Intel Pension Plan depends on personal financial goals. A lump-sum provides flexibility but exposes retirees to market risk, while monthly payments offer consistent income. Employees should consider factors like their financial needs, life expectancy, and risk tolerance when deciding which option fits their situation​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

In what ways can changes in interest rates affect the lump-sum benefit calculation under the Intel Pension Plan, and why is it essential for employees to be proactive about their retirement planning concerning these fluctuations?

Interest Rates and Lump-Sum Calculations: Interest rates directly affect the lump-sum calculation, as higher rates reduce the present value of future payments, leading to a smaller lump-sum benefit. Therefore, it's crucial for employees to monitor interest rate trends when planning their retirement to avoid potential reductions in their lump-sum payout​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How do factors like final average pay and years of service impact the pension benefits calculated under the Intel Pension Plan, and what resources are available for employees to estimate their potential benefits?

Impact of Final Average Pay and Years of Service: Pension benefits under the Intel Pension Plan are calculated using final average pay (highest-earning years) and years of service. Employees can use available tools, such as the Fidelity NetBenefits calculator, to estimate their potential pension based on these factors, giving them a clearer picture of their retirement income​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How should employees approach their financial planning in light of their Intel Pension Plan benefits, and what role does risk tolerance play in deciding between a lump-sum payment and monthly income?

Financial Planning and Risk Tolerance: Employees should incorporate their pension plan benefits into broader financial planning. Those with a lower risk tolerance might prefer the steady income of monthly payments, while individuals willing to take investment risks might opt for the lump-sum payout. Balancing these decisions with other income sources is vital​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What considerations should Intel employees evaluate regarding healthcare and insurance needs when transitioning into retirement, based on the guidelines established by the Intel Pension Plan?

Healthcare and Insurance Needs: Intel employees approaching retirement should carefully evaluate their healthcare options, including Medicare eligibility, private insurance, and the use of their SERMA accounts. Considering how healthcare costs fit into their retirement budget is crucial, as these costs will likely increase over time​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How can employees maximize their benefits from the Intel Pension Plan by understanding the minimum pension benefit provision, and what steps can they take if their Retirement Contribution account falls short?

Maximizing Benefits with the Minimum Pension Provision: Employees can maximize their pension benefits by understanding the minimum pension benefit provision, which ensures that retirees receive a certain income even if their Retirement Contribution (RC) account balance is insufficient. Those whose RC accounts fall short will receive a benefit from the Minimum Pension Plan (MPP)​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What resources does Intel offer to support employees in their retirement transition, including assessment tools and financial planning services tailored to those benefiting from the Intel Pension Plan?

Resources for Retirement Transition: Intel provides several resources to support employees' transition into retirement, including financial planning tools and access to Fidelity's retirement calculators. Employees can use these tools to run scenarios and determine the most beneficial pension options based on their financial goals​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What strategies can retirees implement to manage taxes effectively when receiving payments from the Intel Pension Plan, and how do these strategies vary between lump-sum distributions and monthly income options?

Tax Strategies for Pension Payments: Managing taxes on pension payments requires strategic planning. Lump-sum distributions are often subject to immediate taxation, while monthly income is taxed as regular income. Retirees can explore tax-deferred accounts and other strategies to minimize their tax burden​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How can employees of Intel contact Human Resources to get personalized assistance with their pension questions or concerns regarding the Intel Pension Plan, and what specific information should they be prepared to provide during this communication?

Contacting HR for Pension Assistance: Intel employees seeking assistance with their pension plan can contact HR for personalized support. It is recommended that they have their employee ID, retirement dates, and specific pension-related questions ready to expedite the process. HR can guide them through benefit calculations and options​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Intel offers a Minimum Pension Plan with a cash balance component. Benefits are calculated based on years of service, final average pay, and excess final average pay. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or monthly annuities upon retirement.
Layoffs and Restructuring: Intel is laying off around 12,000 employees as part of its restructuring plan to focus on cloud computing and data centers. Operational Strategy: The company is shifting its focus from PC-centric to data-centric businesses (Source: CNBC). Financial Performance: Despite the layoffs, Intel reported a strong financial performance in Q4 2023, with revenue increasing by 8% year-over-year (Source: Intel).
Intel Corporation provides stock options (SOs) and RSUs as part of its equity compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a fixed price after a specified vesting period, while RSUs vest over a few years based on performance or tenure. In 2022, Intel enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs to align employee incentives with corporate goals. This trend continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU availability and performance-linked stock options. Executives and middle management receive significant portions of their compensation in stock options and RSUs, fostering long-term alignment with company performance. [Source: Intel Annual Report 2022, p. 45; Intel Q4 2023 Report, p. 23; Intel Q2 2024 Report, p. 12]
Intel Corporation has been consistently updating its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the changing economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, Intel introduced enhanced fertility benefits, offering up to $40,000 in fertility treatments and $15,000 for adoption expenses without any lifetime cap. These benefits are designed to support employees in starting or expanding their families, reflecting Intel's commitment to employee well-being and family support. Additionally, Intel provides comprehensive health coverage that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with mental health support through various wellness apps like CALM, Modern Health, and Headspace. In 2023, Intel further bolstered its healthcare benefits by integrating advanced AI solutions to improve healthcare delivery and efficiency. Intel's AI technology is being used in medical imaging, predictive analytics for early intervention, and enhancing telemedicine services. These innovations aim to provide better healthcare support to employees by enabling more accurate diagnostics and efficient healthcare management. Intel's focus on leveraging AI for healthcare aligns with its broader strategy to drive innovation and improve employee health and productivity, ensuring the company remains competitive in a dynamic economic landscape.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Intel employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Intel at 2200 mission college blvd Santa Clara, CA 95054; or by calling them at 1-408-765-8080.

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2022-08/benefits-overview-guide-us.pdf - Page 5, https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/en_us/topics/tax/ey-us-employment-tax-rates-and-limits-for-2023-october-25.pdf?download - Page 12, https://www.ajg.com/us/-/media/files/gallagher/us/news-and-insights/2024-retirement-plan-limits.pdf - Page 15, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2023-11/climate-transition-action-plan-2023.pdf - Page 8, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2022-08/benefits-overview-guide-us-2.pdf - Page 22, https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/us/pdf/2022/10/22323.pdf - Page 28, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-02.pdf - Page 20, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2023-11/climate-transition-action-plan-2023-2.pdf - Page 14, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2023-11/climate-transition-action-plan-2023-3.pdf - Page 17, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2022-08/benefits-overview-guide-us-3.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Intel employees