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Moving for Retirement? Key State Tax Insights for Bank of America Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Bank of America Bank of America offers its employees a range of healthcare plans, primarily provided through Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, commonly known as Anthem. This partnership enables Bank of America employees to access various medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, tailored to the needs of its diverse workforce. Anticipated Healthcare Cost Increases for Bank of America in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs for Bank of America employees are expected to rise significantly due to multiple factors. Notably, the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is projected to amplify out-of-pocket premiums by more than 75% for many employees. Further compounding this issue is the continuous rise in medical costs, which, coupled with escalating charges from insurers, could lead to double-digit rate increases. This perfect storm of factors places a significant financial burden on employees, prompting the need for strategic planning and proactive measures to mitigate rising healthcare expenses Click here to learn more

'Bank of America employees weighing a move in retirement should look beyond just income tax and consider the full state tax landscape to support smarter long-term planning,'—Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Bank of America employees exploring relocation in retirement can benefit from understanding how different state tax rules may influence everyday expenses and long-term goals,'—Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How moving to a new state may influence income taxes in retirement.
The effect property and sales taxes can have on long-term living expenses.
Why estate and inheritance taxes matter for legacy planning.

Potential tax implications of moving

If you are thinking of moving to a new state when you retire, there are several factors to consider in advance. Beyond determining if the location suits your needs and lifestyle, it's important to find out how much you will owe in state taxes. That's because both your short- and long-term living expenses can be influenced by property and sales taxes. Additionally, certain states have estate and inheritance taxes that may affect your legacy planning.

Even if you plan to move to a state with no income tax after retiring from Bank of America, look closely at the full tax landscape before making the leap. In truth, income tax is just one piece of a larger equation. Here are four core tax categories to keep in mind:

1. Income taxes

As of 2025, wage income is not taxed at the state level in nine U.S. states: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. This can make these states attractive to Bank of America retirees who anticipate earning a higher income even after retirement.

If you plan to meet most of your income needs from pensions, traditional IRAs, and employer retirement plans, this income is generally subject to federal taxes and may be subject to state taxes. That said, most states do not tax Social Security benefits. Be sure to check if that's true in the state you'd like to move to. There are still nine states that impose income tax on Social Security, although they typically also offer exemptions or credits based on your income level. ¹

Comparing estimated state and federal taxes on retirement withdrawals can help clarify how your income could differ depending on where you live. State rules, exemptions, and formulas can vary widely.

2. Property tax

Property tax costs differ greatly depending on where you live. New Jersey, for instance, has an effective property tax of 2.23%, while Hawaii's property tax is only 0.27%. ² According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national average is 1.02%. ³

In some states, eligible homeowners could see cost reductions through age-based or homestead exemptions. However, this is not universally true. This makes it important to understand the property tax landscape in advance of making any moves. Location and real estate values will heavily influence your total housing-related expenses in retirement.

3. Sales tax

Sales taxes can shape everyday spending, especially for retirees living on fixed income sources of revenue. As of 2025, 45 states impose a statewide sales tax, and 38 states have additional local sales taxes levied by counties or municipalities. ⁴ While exemptions for items like groceries or clothing may exist, they vary widely between states. And these exemptions typically do not mitigate sales taxes on other items, which average 7.52% nationwide. ⁴ Even in places without income taxes, the combined sales tax burden can noticeably impact the cost of living.

4. Inheritance and estate taxes

Other taxes you should consider before moving include those levied on estates and inheritances. These can be crucial as they may influence how much your heirs ultimately receive.

In addition to federal estate tax, 12 states and the District of Columbia impose estate taxes and five states levy inheritance taxes. And then there's Maryland, the only state that charges both. ⁵

Before relocating, be sure to review estate tax laws in both your current and future state of residence since rules and thresholds differ.

The bottom line

Taxes are only one piece of the cost-of-living puzzle. Housing, health care, and insurance may also factor heavily into retirement planning for those leaving the Bank of America workforce.

Taking a full view of a state’s tax environment can help you make sound, well-considered choices. Working with a financial planner or tax professional can help you evaluate how a move could influence your income, assets, and long-term goals.

Want help analyzing your retirement move?

The Retirement Group can help you explore how taxes and benefits might shape your retirement income and relocation decisions.

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Sources:

1. Fidelity. ' Is Social Security still taxable? ' by Fidelity Viewpoints. 2025.

2. Rocket Mortgage. ' Property taxes by state: Ranked from highet to lowest in 2025 ,' by Joel Reese. September 12, 2025.

3. USA Today. ' These states have the highest property taxes ,' by Sara Chernikoff. July 18, 2024.

4. Tax Foundation. ' State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2025 ,' by Jared Walczak. July 8, 2025.

5. Tax Foundation. ' Estate and Inheritance Taxes by State, 2025 ,' by Katherine Loughead. Oct. 28, 2025.

Other Resources:

1. Markowitz, Andy. “ Taxes on Social Security Are Based on Your Income .” AARP , 16 Apr. 2025, updated 12 Aug. 2025, www.aarp.org/social-security/retirement/federal-income-taxes/ .

2. “ Thinking of Moving to Another State? Before You Pack, Understand How Taxes Could Affect Your Finances .” Fidelity Viewpoints , 16 Oct. 2025, www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/moving-to-another-state-taxes .

3. TurboTax Editorial Team. “ 9 States with No Income Tax .” Intuit TurboTax , 21 Sept. 2025, turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/fun-facts/9-states-with-no-income-tax/c9RZgthD3/.

4. “ How Do State and Local Estate and Inheritance Taxes Work? ” Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center , Updated Jan. 2024, taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/how-do-state-and-local-estate-and-inheritance-taxes-work.

5. “ Property Tax Exemptions .” Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts , n.d., comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/.

What are the key differences between the single-life annuity option and the joint-life annuity option offered by Bank of America Corporation, and how can employees determine which option is more beneficial for their personal circumstances? To make this decision, employees should consider their marital status, life expectancy, and other retirement income sources they might have while assessing their overall financial picture.

Single-life vs. Joint-life Annuity Options: The single-life annuity option provides monthly payments only for the retiree's life, making it potentially higher as it is based solely on one life expectancy. Conversely, the joint-life annuity option extends payments to cover the life of a spouse or another beneficiary after the retiree's death, typically resulting in lower monthly payments due to the extended payout period. Employees should consider their marital status, life expectancy, and whether they need to provide for a spouse or other dependents in deciding which option suits their personal circumstances best.

How does the vesting schedule in the pension plan of Bank of America Corporation affect employees' entitlement to their benefits, and what factors should employees consider when planning for their retirement? Understanding whether your plan follows a cliff or graded vesting approach is crucial to knowing how long employees must work before they fully own their benefits.

Vesting Schedule Impact: Bank of America's pension plan offers two types of vesting schedules: cliff and graded. Cliff vesting allows employees to be fully vested after a set number of years, while graded vesting gradually increases the vested percentage over time. Employees should factor in their career plans, like how long they intend to stay with the company, as reaching full vesting can significantly affect their pension entitlement.

Given that pension plans are increasingly uncommon, as noted for Bank of America Corporation, how can employees best utilize their pension benefits to ensure financial stability in retirement? Employees should explore the historical context of pension availability in the company and industry while considering the impact of other retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans and IRAs.

Utilizing Pension Benefits: With pension plans becoming less common, employees of Bank of America should maximize this benefit by understanding how it complements other retirement resources such as 401(k)s or IRAs. Employees can benefit from the security a pension provides by integrating it into a broader retirement strategy, considering factors like inflation and other income sources.

In what ways can Bank of America Corporation employees access information about the specifics of their pension plans, including eligibility criteria and benefit calculations? Employees should familiarize themselves with their Summary Plan Description (SPD) and the Annual Funding Notice they receive to stay informed about their benefits.

Accessing Pension Plan Information: Bank of America employees can access details of their pension plans through the Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Annual Funding Notices. These documents provide essential information about eligibility, benefit calculations, and rights under the plan, helping employees make informed decisions about their retirement.

What considerations should Bank of America Corporation employees take into account when opting for a lump-sum distribution versus an annuity payment, and how might these choices impact their long-term financial security? Employees need to evaluate their comfort with investment risks and their plans for retirement fund distribution, keeping in mind the potential for inflation.

Choosing Between Lump-Sum and Annuity Payments: The choice between receiving a lump-sum or annuity payments impacts long-term financial security. A lump-sum offers flexibility and control over investments, suitable for those comfortable with managing large sums. An annuity provides a steady income stream, preferable for those seeking stability and less investment risk. Factors like health, life expectancy, and other income sources should influence this decision.

How can employees at Bank of America Corporation estimate their monthly retirement income from the pension plan, and what resources are available to help them with this calculation? Utilizing employer-provided tools, financial calculators, or consulting with a financial planner could significantly aid employees in understanding their expected retirement income.

Estimating Monthly Retirement Income: Bank of America employees can estimate their pension income using tools provided by the employer, such as financial calculators, or by consulting with a financial planner. These resources help employees project their income based on their salary and years of service.

Considering the potential tax implications associated with pension plans, how should employees of Bank of America Corporation prepare to manage these taxes upon retiring? Understanding when taxes will be incurred and what strategies can minimize tax liabilities will be key as they transition into retirement.

Managing Tax Implications of Pensions: Understanding the tax implications of pension benefits is crucial. Bank of America employees should plan for the taxation of pension payments upon receipt and consider strategies to minimize tax liabilities, possibly consulting with tax professionals.

How does the funding structure of Bank of America Corporationâ€™s pension plan, including employer contributions, influence the sustainability and reliability of benefits for employees? Employees should be aware of the responsibilities their employer has in managing the pension plan and ensuring sufficient funding across economic fluctuations.

Funding Structure and Benefit Reliability: The sustainability of pension benefits at Bank of America depends on the company's commitment to adequately fund the plan and pay required insurance premiums to the PBGC. Employees should be aware of the funding status through the Annual Funding Notice to assess the plan's health.

What role does the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) play in protecting the pension benefits of Bank of America Corporation employees, and how should employees understand this protection when planning for their future? Familiarizing themselves with the limits of the PBGC can help employees gauge the security of their pension benefits.

Role of the PBGC: The Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) protects the pension benefits of Bank of America employees, providing a safety net in cases where plans cannot meet their obligations. Employees should understand the extent of PBGC coverage and limits to evaluate the security of their benefits.

How can Bank of America Corporation employees reach out to learn more about their pension plan and any specific benefits applicable to them? Employees should seek guidance from the plan administrator or utilize the communication channels provided within the company to obtain personalized assistance regarding their retirement planning needs.

Learning More About Pension Benefits: Bank of America employees looking for more detailed information about their specific pension benefits should consult their plan administrator or utilize company-provided communication channels. This direct engagement helps ensure employees receive personalized and up-to-date information regarding their retirement planning.

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

Bank of America offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. Bank of America provides financial education and planning resources to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Bank of America has faced layoffs as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts in 2024. Despite the layoffs, the company continues to offer extensive retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans, pension plans, and various health and wellness programs for retirees. Staying updated on these benefits is essential in the current political environment.

Bank of America grants RSUs that vest over a specific period, providing shares upon vesting. They also offer stock options, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Bank of America at 100 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28255; or by calling them at +1 800-432-1000.