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

Moving for Retirement? Key State Tax Insights for Lithia Motors Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Lithia Motors: Lithia Motors employees typically receive healthcare benefits through a variety of insurance providers, including major national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These insurance partners offer comprehensive health plans that cater to the needs of Lithia Motors' workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, Lithia Motors employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, driven by a combination of factors impacting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Premiums for ACA plans are projected to rise sharply, with some states experiencing hikes upwards of 60%, primarily due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and escalating medical costs. As a result, employers like Lithia Motors may adjust their benefit structures, potentially shifting a greater share of healthcare expenses onto employees. Navigating this landscape will require diligence in understanding upcoming benefit changes and making informed decisions about health plan selections to mitigate rising out-of-pocket costs. Click here to learn more

'Lithia Motors 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.

'Lithia Motors 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 Lithia Motors, 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 Lithia Motors 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 Lithia Motors 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 retirement savings options does Lithia Motors offer to its employees?

Lithia Motors offers a 401(k) plan as a primary retirement savings option for its employees.

How can employees of Lithia Motors enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Lithia Motors 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Lithia Motors match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Lithia Motors offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for Lithia Motors' 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Lithia Motors' 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a standard timeline, which can be confirmed in the employee handbook or by HR.

Can employees of Lithia Motors take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Lithia Motors allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Lithia Motors 401(k) plan?

The Lithia Motors 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the Lithia Motors 401(k) plan?

Yes, Lithia Motors may have a minimum contribution requirement for employees wishing to participate in the 401(k) plan, which can be found in the plan documents.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Lithia Motors 401(k) plan?

Employees of Lithia Motors can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, but it’s advisable to check the specific guidelines in the plan documents.

What is the age requirement for employees to start contributing to the Lithia Motors 401(k) plan?

Employees must be at least 21 years old to start contributing to the Lithia Motors 401(k) plan, in accordance with IRS regulations.

Does Lithia Motors offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Lithia Motors provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) plans effectively.

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

Name of Pension Plan: Determine the specific name of Lithia Motors' pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Identify the required years of service and age for eligibility. Pension Formula: Review how the pension amount is calculated. Source Document: Find and cite the specific documents where this information is available, including page numbers. Name of 401(k) Plan: Determine the specific name of Lithia Motors' 401(k) plan. Who Qualifies: Identify the eligibility criteria for participating in the 401(k) plan. Source Document: Find and cite the specific documents where this information is available, including page numbers.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Lithia Motors announced strategic layoffs in 2024, aiming for $150 million in annual savings through targeted employee reductions. These layoffs focus primarily on U.S. operations rather than global ones, particularly targeting underperforming management at the store level. These layoffs are part of a broader plan to cut $250 million in expenses, including reducing inventory and third-party service costs (CBT News) (SEC.gov).

Pension and 401(k) Benefits: Lithia Motors offers a range of retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan with company match, employee stock purchase plans, and performance bonuses. The 401(k) plan allows employees to manage their investments, take out loans against their vested balances, and choose different disbursement methods upon retirement. The company also offers pension benefits for eligible employees, including projections and beneficiary management (Built In) (Benefits Account Manager).

Stock Options and RSUs: Lithia Motors (LAD) offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation packages. Eligibility: These benefits are generally available to executives, senior management, and key employees based on performance and role. Company Acronyms: Lithia Motors uses LAD for its stock options and RSU grants.

Medical Insurance: Lithia Motors provides several health insurance plans, including High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage is offered through a range of plans, with options for both basic and more extensive dental and vision care. HSAs and FSAs: These accounts help employees manage healthcare expenses by allowing pre-tax contributions.