ATI Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'ATI 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.
'ATI 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.
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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.' ATI 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. ATI 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 ATI 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.
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This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something ATI 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.
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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 ATI 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 ATI 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 ATI 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 ATI employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.
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.
The primary purpose of ATI's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged savings option.
How can ATI employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
ATI employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does ATI offer a company match on 401(k) contributions?
Yes, ATI offers a company match on 401(k) contributions, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for ATI's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for ATI's 401(k) plan is set according to IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.
When can ATI employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
ATI employees can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the employee handbook.
Are there any fees associated with ATI's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with ATI's 401(k) plan, including administrative fees and investment fees. Employees can review the plan documents for detailed information.
Can ATI employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, ATI allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits outlined in the plan.
What investment options are available in ATI's 401(k) plan?
ATI's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
How often can ATI employees change their contribution amounts?
ATI employees can change their contribution amounts at specified intervals, typically during open enrollment or at any time as permitted by the plan.
What happens to an ATI employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?
If an ATI employee leaves the company, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with ATI if allowed.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
ATI recently announced a restructuring plan to streamline operations and cut costs. The company is expected to lay off a significant number of employees as part of this effort. Additionally, ATI is reviewing its pension and 401(k) benefits in light of the restructuring.
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