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Worthless Stock For Corporate Employees

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KeyCorp: KeyCorp partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as their primary healthcare provider. This relationship offers KeyCorp employees a broad range of health insurance options and services to ensure their healthcare needs are met efficiently. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. With the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, many enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. This situation is exacerbated by rising medical costs and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, which in some states might surpass 60%. The combination of these factors suggests a challenging landscape for consumers, potentially prompting healthier individuals to exit the market, thus raising costs for those who remain. As the healthcare industry grapples with these changes, proactive planning for 2026 will be essential for individuals and employers alike. Click here to learn more

What Is It

It's important that our KeyCorp clients know about worthless stock. First, let's start with the basics — What is it? As the name implies, worthless stock has no securities market value. A company's stock becomes worthless when the company ceases operations or liquidates its assets. A company's stock is not worthless if the stock is still trading, even if only for pennies. Taxpayers may deduct the loss from totally worthless stock, but no loss deduction is allowed for a mere decrease in the value of a security. Taxpayers who take a loss deduction for worthless stock must be prepared to prove to the IRS that the shares are really worthless. IRS Publication 550 includes more information about recognizing capital gains and losses.

Tip:  Writing off worthless securities can be extremely complex. If your position is substantial, you might consider consulting a tax professional to ensure you don't make any missteps.

Caution:  A company that is in bankruptcy may not be defunct. Its stock may still be trading and, in fact, may retain some or all of its value.

When Can A Taxpayer Deduct A Loss For Stock That Is Worthless?

The Company Liquidates Its Assets and Issues a 1099-DIV

When a company liquidates, shareholders may receive a Form 1099-DIV at the end of the year that shows the liquidating distribution made to them during that year. For tax purposes, shareholders should treat this distribution as if they had sold the stock. The date of sale is the date of the distribution. To calculate any loss (short-term or long-term), shareholders should subtract their cost basis in the stock from the amount of the distribution.

Obtain Documentation That the Stock Was Worthless

If the company does not liquidate and you do not receive a 1099-DIV--and it's highly likely you won't--stockholders may still take a loss deduction for worthless stock if they obtain proof acceptable to the IRS that the stock had no value at some point in time during the year in which the deduction is taken. Examples of such proof include a letter from the company that states it has shut down and there are no assets to pay shareholders or a letter from a broker that states the stock has been delisted and no longer has value. On his or her tax return, the shareholder should state the date of sale as December 31 of the year in which the stock became worthless. The sale price is 0 or 'worthless.'

Caution:  A shareholder may deduct a loss for worthless stock only in the tax year the stock became worthless. It is essential that the shareholder declares (and can prove) this event in the correct year. However, if necessary, the shareholder can file an amended return (Form 1040X). Taxpayers have seven years to do so, unlike the usual three years for most Form 1040X filings.

Abandoning a Stock

We'd also like our KeyCorp clients to know that you may also be able to claim a stock as worthless if you abandoned it after March 12, 2008. To do so, you must relinquish all rights to it and receive nothing in return; however, these KeyCorp employees should consult a tax professional to ensure that the transaction is not considered a sale, exchange, contribution to capital, dividend, or gift, which could change the tax implications.

What If Shares That Are Declared Worthless Regain Value?

If a loss deduction is taken for worthless stock and that stock regains value, the taxpayer need not amend his or her tax return—he or she simply uses the worthless date as the acquisition date and 0 as the cost basis.

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How Can You Find Out If A Stock Is Worthless?

Many of our KeyCorp clients may be wondering how you can tell if a stock is worthless. Several stock-tracing firms research obsolete securities to determine whether they have any current value in the financial markets. These firms typically charge anywhere from $30 to $100 for each company they research. Discounts may be available if a shareholder needs a number of certificates researched, or he or she might receive a refund if the firm is unable to find any information. We suggest these KeyCorp clients find a stock-tracing firm, look in the telephone directory, contact the stockbroker, or search the Internet.

What If A Stock Is Worth Almost Nothing?

If a stock is no longer traded but is not formally defunct, there's another (though more complicated) possibility for milking tax value from an investing mistake. You could sell the shares in an arm's length transaction (to a willing, unrelated buyer for fair value). Be sure that ownership of the shares transfers to the new owner. You also could check with your brokerage firm to see whether it purchases virtually worthless shares from customers for a nominal amount in order to supply them with a trade confirmation for tax purposes.

Antique Stock Certificates May Have Collector Value

There is a market for antique stock certificates, so for any KeyCorp employees who have certificates of stock that turn out to be worthless, don't throw them away. The hobby of collecting old stocks (and bonds) is called scripophily. Most worthless stock over 70 years old has some collector value. Many of the firms that trace old stock certificates also are aware of whatever potential collector value a certificate might have.

What type of retirement plan does KeyCorp offer to its employees?

KeyCorp offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.

How can KeyCorp employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

KeyCorp employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department.

Does KeyCorp match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, KeyCorp provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by IRS regulations and may change annually.

Can KeyCorp employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, KeyCorp allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance under certain conditions.

What investment options are available in KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

How often can KeyCorp employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

KeyCorp employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to payroll processing schedules.

Is there a vesting schedule for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, KeyCorp has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.

At what age can KeyCorp employees begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

KeyCorp employees can begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.

What happens to KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves KeyCorp, they can roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account or leave it in the plan, depending on the balance.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
KeyCorp offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package for its employees, including a 401(k) plan and a cash balance pension plan. Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan at a 2% contribution rate upon hire, with the option to contribute up to 100% of eligible compensation. KeyCorp matches contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 7% after one year of service. The plan allows both pre-tax and Roth contributions, with a variety of investment options available. The company also offers a cash balance pension plan, though specific details about the pension formula and eligibility requirements were not publicly disclosed in the documents reviewed. The information was sourced from KeyCorp's benefits documentation, specifically on pages related to retirement and financial wellness​
Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023 and 2024, KeyCorp faced restructuring efforts driven by market conditions, which resulted in layoffs across various departments. These layoffs are part of KeyCorp's strategy to manage rising costs and align resources more efficiently. The financial services sector has seen increased pressure due to economic fluctuations and regulatory challenges​ (InvestmentNews). It is important to address this news because of the current economic environment, which has significantly impacted corporate decision-making. The tax and political landscape has also created a more uncertain outlook, making cost management and workforce reductions crucial for businesses like KeyCorp.
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) provides employees with stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation and incentive programs. These RSUs are offered to select employees at the company's discretion, based on performance and role. Employees at KeyCorp typically receive RSUs that vest over time, encouraging long-term retention and performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the stock option and RSU programs were part of broader efforts to retain talent, with eligibility based on management-level roles and tenure within the company
KeyCorp provides comprehensive health benefits to support the well-being of its employees, with a strong focus on both physical and financial wellness. The health benefits offered are centered around three high-deductible health plan options, all of which are managed through UnitedHealthcare and provide preventive care at 100%, even before deductibles are met​ (Key.com)​ (Key.com). The available plans are compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing employees to make pre-tax contributions to cover medical expenses. KeyCorp's healthcare plans also include coverage for prescription drugs through Express Scripts. Additionally, dental and vision plans are offered, and employees who work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for these benefits​ (Key.com). There are also wellness programs such as health screenings, health coaching, and fitness benefits, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among employees​ (
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for KeyCorp at , ; or by calling them at .

https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/company-stock https://livewell.com/finance/how-do-interest-rates-affect-pension-payouts/ https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2023-lump-sums-defined-benefit-plans-much-lower-as-interest-rates-rise https://investor.key.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy-statements/default.aspx https://www.investmentnews.com/industry-news/news/401k-lawsuits-keep-piling-up-193992 https://www.key.com/about/benefits/financial-wellness/retirement-savings.html https://scotiabank.investorroom.com/2024-08-12-Scotiabank-announces-agreement-to-acquire-14-9-equity-interest-in-KeyCorp https://www.preqin.com/data/profile/investor/keycorp-pension-plan/93733 https://contracts.justia.com/companies/keycorp-753/contract/57524/ https://www.clevescene.com/news/layoffs-looming-at-key-updated-2506629 https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/leading-companies-announcing-layoffs-and-hiring-freezes/ https://www.wpxi.com/unavailable-location/ https://www.wealthspire.com/ https://www.dol.gov/ https://www.futureplan.com/ https://www.investopedia.com/ https://www.omnicalculator.com/finance/retirement

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