Atmos Energy Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'Atmos Energy 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.
'Atmos Energy 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.' Atmos Energy 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. Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan by accessing the employee portal and completing the online enrollment process.
Does Atmos Energy match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Atmos Energy offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution I can make to the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit is determined by IRS guidelines, and Atmos Energy follows these limits, which may change annually.
When can I start contributing to the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
Employees at Atmos Energy can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.
What investment options are available in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
The Atmos Energy 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How can I change my contribution percentage in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
You can change your contribution percentage by logging into the employee portal and updating your 401(k) settings.
Is there a vesting schedule for Atmos Energy's matching contributions?
Yes, Atmos Energy has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means you will earn ownership of those contributions over time.
Can I take a loan from my Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
Yes, Atmos Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my Atmos Energy 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Atmos Energy, you have several options for your 401(k) funds, including rolling them over to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving them in the Atmos Energy plan if permitted.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Atmos Energy announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs and changes to their pension plan. The company is streamlining operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Atmos Energy at 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1400 Dallas, TX 75240; or by calling them at +1 888-286-6700.
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