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Advance Auto Parts Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Advance Auto Parts: Advance Auto Parts offers healthcare benefits through a range of insurance carriers; specific providers may vary by location and plan. Generally, large employers like Advance Auto Parts collaborate with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and others to provide health insurance options to their employees. It's advisable for employees to check specific plan details through their benefits resources for precise provider information. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Advance Auto Parts prepares for 2026, employees could face significant increases in healthcare costs, driven by a dramatic rise in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Projections indicate that many states could see hikes exceeding 60%, primarily due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical costs influenced by inflation. Notably, 51% of large employers, including Advance Auto Parts, may implement higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses to mitigate these costs, potentially shifting more financial burdens onto employees and complicating access to affordable coverage. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for employees to effectively manage their healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more

'Advance Auto Parts employees with concentrated stock positions may benefit from thoughtful tax planning that allows for tax deferral while balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term compounding,' Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Advance Auto Parts employees who hold highly-appreciated stock may want to consider tax-efficient strategies that help mitigate their liabilities while aligning with their overall retirement goals,' Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How taxes can affect investment returns, particularly on concentrated stock positions.
Exchange funds and options-based strategies as methods for tax deferral and diversification.
Alternative planning techniques outside ETFs, including charitable trusts and gifting strategies.

By Carlos Hernandez, Wealth Enhancement advisor

When it comes to driving portfolio returns, many investors aim to keep management fees low by investing in low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While fees matter, however, the real culprit for lower-than-anticipated performance is taxes. ¹

Wealth Enhancement advisor Carlos Hernandez explains: 'By losing less to taxes each year, investors have access to more capital that can continue to compound over time. This makes tax deferral an important part of an effective financial plan.' Advance Auto Parts employees looking for long-term growth strategies could benefit by understanding how to better manage their investment tax burdens.

Trade Money

One area where taxes can take a toll is on the sale of company stock or other concentrated investment positions. Advance Auto Parts professionals looking to diversify could face significant capital gains taxes on an outright sale. One way to diversify without triggering immediate capital gains is through exchange funds. By contributing their highy-appreciated stock to a pooled fund, investors can trade their concentrated holdings for shares in a diverse basket of securities. This method can be used by Advance Auto Parts employees who want to diversify while postponing taxable events.

Although this method allows for tax deferral, it also requires investors to hold the exchange fund for a period of time, typically seven years. ² This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something Advance Auto Parts executives should carefully evaluate.

Funds Based on Options

Another way to mitigate taxes on the sale of highly-appreciated stock is by using options contracts. The idea is to hedge risk with put options while covering the cost of those puts by selling call options—a strategy called 'collaring'. From there, the strategy reverses, with investors selling put options and using the proceeds to buy call option on an equity or bond index. ³ If managed effectively, this helps to diversify a concentrated portfolio while still maintaining liquidity.

Given the complexity of this strategy, meticulous planning is necessary. It's generally recommended that investors work with an experienced financial advisor before pursuing this approach.

Things to Be Aware of

Although these strategies can be beneficial for Advance Auto Parts employees who hold highly-appreciated stock, caution is recommended. There are costs associated with these approaches, and potential liquidity risks. Additionally, the IRS may eventually contest such arrangements because their tax status has not been thoroughly examined—something Advance Auto Parts retirees should keep top of mind.

'Tax drag reduction strategies can be effective, but they must be assessed through the lens of risk, liquidity, cost, and compliance,' warns Carlos Hernandez. What is appealing in theory must hold up to inspection in the real world.

Alternative Strategies

Although they show promise, investors with highly-appreciated stock or those looking to postpone gains have other alternatives besides exchange funds or options. Other tactics could include:

- Prepaid variable forwards (subject to IRS regulations, contracts to sell at predetermined terms in the future).
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), which allow investors to donate appreciated stock to a charitable trust and receive a stream of regular income in return.
- Donor-advised funds (DAFs), which provide investors with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appreciated stock they donate.
- Other gifting techniques, such as direct donations to charity or family.
Each has its own set of guidelines, advantages, and disadvantages. To limit unnecessary taxes or violating the constructive sale regulations, careful planning is necessary for Advance Auto Parts professionals managing complex portfolios.

The Bottom Line

Although the movement to mitigate the tax burden on investments is not new, the instruments are changing. Both exchange funds and options-based structures offer investors a way to manage tax liabilities, especially for Advance Auto Parts employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.

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In the end, taxes are unavoidable. However, with the correct set of instruments, they can be controlled and postponed. 'The real value comes from aligning tax strategy with investment strategy,' summarizes Carlos Hernandez.

Sources:

1. BlackRock Advisor Center. ' Investing for After-Tax Returns ,' 2025.

2. Kiplinger. ' Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings ,' by Robert Waskiewicz. Sep. 11, 2025.

3. Financial Planning Association. ' Tax-Efficient Ways to Diversify Concentrated Stock Positions ,' by Peter Lazaroff. Oct. 2024.

What type of retirement savings plan does Advance Auto Parts offer?

Advance Auto Parts offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Can employees at Advance Auto Parts contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Advance Auto Parts can contribute a portion of their salary to the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Advance Auto Parts 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Advance Auto Parts 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Does Advance Auto Parts offer any company matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Advance Auto Parts offers a company matching contribution to encourage employees to save for retirement.

When can employees at Advance Auto Parts enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Advance Auto Parts can typically enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial eligibility period or during open enrollment periods.

What investment options are available in the Advance Auto Parts 401(k) plan?

The Advance Auto Parts 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for company contributions in the Advance Auto Parts 401(k) plan?

Yes, Advance Auto Parts has a vesting schedule that determines when employees fully own the company contributions made to their 401(k) accounts.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Advance Auto Parts?

Yes, employees at Advance Auto Parts may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Advance Auto Parts?

If you leave Advance Auto Parts, you can roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account or leave it in the Advance Auto Parts plan, depending on the plan's provisions.

How can I access my 401(k) account information at Advance Auto Parts?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

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

Advance Auto Parts announced it would lay off approximately 400 employees as part of a $150 million cost reduction plan. This restructuring includes selling two business units and eliminating several executive positions to streamline operations (WRAL TechWire) (WRAL TechWire).

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Advance Auto Parts at 2635 East Millbrook Road Raleigh, CA 27604; or by calling them at (919) 227-5466.