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IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rates for Last Half of 2022 Windstream Holdings

'For Windstream Holdings employees, the recent increase in the IRS standard mileage rate presents an excellent opportunity to maximize business-related deductions, offering immediate tax savings for those who rely on their personal vehicles for work-related travel,' said Kevin Landis, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'With the IRS raising the standard mileage rate for business use, Windstream Holdings employees should be sure to take advantage of this favorable adjustment, ensuring they capture every possible d eduction while managing the increased costs of vehicle operation,' said Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article we will discuss:

1. The increase in standard mileage rates for business, medical, and moving purposes in 2022.
2. The specific deductions available for Windstream Holdings employees based on mileage usage.
3. The IRS’s rare mid-year revision and its impact on vehicle-related tax deductions.

Due to recent increases in the price of petroleum, the Internal Revenue Service has increased the optional standard mileage rates for calculating the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, medical, and relocating purposes for the second half of 2022. Statutorily established and unaltered, the standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for charitable purposes.

For July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, the standard mileage rates are as follows:

Business use of auto : Our Windstream Holdings customers may find this to be especially advantageous. If a vehicle is used for business purposes, a deduction of 62.5 cents per mile (increased from 58.5 cents for January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022) is allowed. As an Windstream Holdings employee, your employer may reimburse you for business-related travel expenses at the per-mile rate. Nevertheless, if Windstream Holdings does not reimburse you for business-related travel expenses, you cannot deduct these costs as miscellaneous itemized deductions.
Charitable use of auto : 14 cents per mile (the same as for January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022) may be deducted if a vehicle is used to provide services to a charitable organization if you itemize your deductions on your tax return. Depending on the type of charity, your charitable deduction may be limited to a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income. We would like Windstream Holdings customers to be aware of this.
Medical use of auto : 22 cents per mile (increased from 18 cents per mile for January 1, 2022, through June 30, 2022) may be deducted if a vehicle is used to obtain medical care (or for other deductible medical purposes) if you itemize your deductions on your tax return. Also essential for Windstream Holdings customers to remember is that you can only deduct the portion of your medical and dental expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

Moving expense : 22 cents per mile (increased from 18 cents per mile for January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022) may be deducted if an auto is used by an active-duty member of the Armed Forces to move to a permanent change of station pursuant to a military order (unless such expenses are reimbursed). The moving expense deduction is not presently available to other taxpayers.

The IRS typically revises the standard mileage rates in the autumn for the following calendar year. Rarely does the IRS increase the standard mileage rates in the middle of the year; the last time this occurred was in 2011.

According to a recent announcement by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on September 20, 2022, it's worth noting that the standard mileage rate for business use of an automobile has increased to 62.5 cents per mile for the second half of 2022. This rate can be particularly advantageous for Windstream Holdings workers who frequently use their personal vehicles for business-related purposes. It allows them to potentially claim higher deductions for their mileage expenses when calculating their tax returns. This increase reflects the rising costs of fuel and vehicle operation, offering some relief to individuals who rely on their vehicles for work-related travel. (Source: Internal Revenue Service, 'IRS Issues Standard Mileage Rates for Last Half of 2022,' September 20, 2022)

Imagine you're navigating a road trip to financial well-being in retirement. Along the way, you encounter different toll booths that determine the deductions you can claim for your vehicle expenses. For the second half of 2022, the toll booth operated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has raised its rates, allowing you to enjoy more deductions for business-related mileage. It's like finding a new, more affordable route that saves you money on toll fees. As a Windstream Holdings traveler, this can be especially advantageous, as you can now claim 62.5 cents per mile for business use, up from the previous rate. Just as a savvy driver selects the most cost-effective path, taking advantage of the increased standard mileage rates can steer you closer to your financial destination, providing you with added tax benefits for the miles you travel on your professional journey.

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Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. IRS Issues Standard Mileage Rates for 2022 . U.S. Department of the Treasury, 17 Dec. 2021, irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-standard-mileage-rates-for-2022 .

2. Internal Revenue Service. IRS Increases Mileage Rate for Remainder of 2022 . U.S. Department of the Treasury, 9 June 2022, irs.gov/newsroom/irs-increases-mileage-rate-for-remainder-of-2022 .

3. Miller, Stephen. IRS Raises Standard Mileage Rate for Final Half of 2022 . SHRM, 9 June 2022, shrm.org/topics-tools/news/benefits-compensation/irs-raises-standard-mileage-rate-final-half-2022 .

4. 'IRS Releases 2022 Mileage Rates and Vehicle Values.' NFP , 17 Dec. 2021, nfp.com/insights/irs-releases-2022-mileage-rates-and-vehicle-values .

5. 'IRS Revises Optional Standard Mileage Rates.' NFP , 22 June 2022, nfp.com/insights/irs-revises-optional-standard-mileage-rates .

What are the implications of the Windstream Pension Plan for employees who wish to retire early, specifically regarding the eligibility criteria and benefit calculations that will affect their financial planning? How does Windstream address concerns for employees who may be contemplating retirement before reaching the defined Normal Retirement Age of 65?

Early Retirement and Financial Planning: Employees may retire early at age 55 with 20 or more years of service, though the pension benefit will be reduced. The reduction is by 1/180th for the first 60 months and 1/360th for each of the next 60 months that commencement precedes the normal retirement date of age 65. This ensures early retirees can still receive benefits, though at a lower amount than if they had waited until age 65(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

In what ways does the Windstream Pension Plan protect the interests of employees during a potential plan termination? Specifically, how does the plan ensure that accrued benefits are preserved and what procedures are in place to inform employees about their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)?

Plan Termination Protections: In the event of plan termination, Windstream ensures all accrued pensions are fully vested. The plan assets will be used exclusively to meet accrued pension obligations before any surplus may revert to the company. Participants are also protected by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), which guarantees most pension benefits(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How does Windstream determine the necessary contributions to the Pension Plan, and what role does an independent actuarial assessment play in this process? Additionally, how does this funding approach impact the overall financial stability of the Windstream Pension Plan and the benefits it promises to its participants?

Contribution Determination and Actuarial Role: Windstream’s contributions to the pension plan are determined by an independent actuary who evaluates the plan annually to recommend adjustments based on experience. This approach ensures that the plan remains financially stable and capable of meeting its promised benefits(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

What options are available to employees of Windstream regarding the forms of pension benefit payouts upon retirement, and how do these options like the Joint and Survivor Annuities differ in terms of financial implications for both the retiring employee and their spouse?

Benefit Payout Options: Windstream offers several pension payout options, including Joint and 100% Survivor Annuity, Joint and 50% Survivor Annuity, and a 10-Year Certain and Life Annuity. These options differ in terms of the benefit reduction applied to ensure payments continue for the life of the spouse, impacting both the retiree’s and the spouse’s financial planning(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How should Windstream employees approach the process of claiming pension benefits, especially if their claims have been denied? What recourse is available for employees who are facing issues with their pension claim and wish to understand their rights and the appeal process?

Claiming Pension Benefits and Denied Claims: If an employee's pension claim is denied, they will receive a written notice explaining the reasons for the denial and the specific plan provisions involved. Employees may appeal the decision within 60 days, and the appeal process must be completed within 60 days of the request, with the right to file a civil lawsuit if necessary(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

Given the frozen status of the Windstream Pension Plan, what should employees understand about their service years and how these years contribute to their pension benefits? How does Windstream communicate these rules to ensure clarity among its employees?

Service Years and Frozen Status: Since the Windstream Pension Plan is frozen, no additional benefits accrue after December 31, 2007. However, employees continue to earn years of service, which count toward eligibility for early retirement and vesting. Windstream provides clear communication through its summary plan description and resources to ensure employees understand these rules(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

What strategies can Windstream employees employ to maximize their pension benefits and ensure they are making informed decisions about their retirement? How does Windstream support its employees in accessing the necessary resources and information to facilitate effective retirement planning?

Maximizing Pension Benefits: Employees are encouraged to consider their timing of retirement carefully, as delaying retirement closer to the normal retirement age of 65 reduces benefit reductions. Windstream supports retirement planning through its pension resources and access to Merrill Service Representatives who can assist with planning tools(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How does Windstream ensure that employees are aware of their obligations under the plan regarding the filing of claims and maintaining updated personal information? What measures does the company take to keep communication channels open for any inquiries or updates employees might need?

Maintaining Updated Information: Windstream emphasizes the importance of keeping personal information up to date, including changes to contact information. Employees are responsible for filing claims in a timely manner, and failure to do so may result in delays or forfeiture of benefits(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

In the event of the death of a vested Windstream employee, what benefits are guaranteed to eligible spouses under the plan, and how do survivors initiate the process for claiming these benefits? What steps should surviving spouses take to ensure they receive the necessary support and information from Windstream?

Survivor Benefits and Claim Process: In the event of the death of a vested employee, the spouse is entitled to receive a pre-retirement survivor annuity, which may start on or after the employee’s earliest retirement age. The spouse must contact Windstream to initiate the claim process and may receive a lump sum if the benefit’s present value is below certain thresholds(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How can Windstream employees reach out to the companyâ€™s Benefits Committee or Plan Administrator for detailed inquiries about their pension benefits? What contact methods are available, and what information should employees prepare to facilitate effective communication regarding their pension inquiries? These questions will help employees navigate the complexities of the Windstream Pension Plan and ensure they are well-informed as they approach retirement.

Reaching the Benefits Committee: Windstream employees can contact the Benefits Committee or Plan Administrator at Windstream Services, LLC in Little Rock, Arkansas, or via the Merrill Service Center at 1-800-228-4015. Employees should have relevant information, such as personal and employment details, ready to facilitate efficient communication(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).