CarMax Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for CarMax:
CarMax partners with UnitedHealthcare as its primary healthcare provider. This partnership allows CarMax employees to access a variety of health insurance options tailored to meet their healthcare needs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As we look ahead to 2026, CarMax employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to rising premiums driven by several factors. The anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, combined with aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, could see some enrollees facing premium increases of up to 75%. This perfect storm of higher medical costs and regulatory changes indicates that families may need to brace for a substantial financial impact, making navigating healthcare options more critical than ever for employees.
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'CarMax 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.
'CarMax 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.' CarMax 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. CarMax 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 CarMax 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 CarMax 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 CarMax 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 CarMax 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 CarMax 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 CarMax 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 401(k) plan at CarMax is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them prepare for retirement.
Does CarMax match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, CarMax offers a matching contribution to employees' 401(k) plans, which helps employees grow their retirement savings even faster.
How much can I contribute to my CarMax 401(k) plan?
Employees at CarMax can contribute up to the IRS annual limit, which is adjusted each year. For 2023, the limit is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and older.
When can I enroll in the CarMax 401(k) plan?
New employees at CarMax are typically eligible to enroll in the 401(k) plan after completing a waiting period, usually within the first few months of employment.
What investment options are available in the CarMax 401(k) plan?
The CarMax 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
How does CarMax's matching contribution work?
CarMax matches a percentage of employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, up to a certain limit, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
Can I take a loan from my CarMax 401(k) plan?
Yes, CarMax allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, providing a way to access funds in case of emergencies.
What happens to my CarMax 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave CarMax, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over into an IRA or a new employer's plan, or leaving it in the CarMax plan if permitted.
Is there a vesting schedule for the CarMax 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, CarMax has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
How can I check my CarMax 401(k) balance?
Employees can check their 401(k) balance through the CarMax benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name of Pension Plan: CarMax does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, CarMax provides retirement benefits primarily through a 401(k) plan.
Years of Service and Age Qualification: CarMax does not have a traditional pension plan, so there are no specific qualifications for years of service or age for a pension plan.
Pension Formula: There is no pension formula as CarMax does not offer a traditional pension plan.
401(k) Plan Details:
Employee Contributions: Employees can contribute a portion of their salary up to the annual IRS limit.
Employer Match: CarMax offers a company match up to a certain percentage of the employee's contributions.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In recent months, CarMax has announced a significant restructuring plan, including layoffs across various departments. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve efficiency amid changing market conditions. The layoffs are aimed at reducing overhead costs and reallocating resources to more profitable areas of the business. This restructuring is crucial to address the shifting economic landscape and maintain the company's competitive edge. It’s important for employees and investors to stay informed about these changes due to the current economic volatility, investment uncertainties, and evolving tax and political environments.
CarMax Stock Options (SO) and Restricted Stock Units (RSU):
Acronyms: CarMax uses SO for Stock Options and RSU for Restricted Stock Units.
Specifics: In 2022, CarMax provided stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, primarily focusing on senior management and key contributors.
Availability: Both stock options and RSUs are typically granted as part of the compensation package to high-level executives and sometimes to other employees based on performance and tenure.
Acronyms: For CarMax, the acronyms SO and RSU remain consistent.
Specifics: In 2023, CarMax continued to offer stock options and RSUs. The grants were aligned with industry standards, aiming to attract and retain talent.
Availability: Stock options and RSUs were granted to select employees, with an emphasis on roles critical to the company's strategic goals.
Benefits Overview: CarMax provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offer health plans that cover preventive care, medical visits, prescription drugs, and other essential health services.
Healthcare Terms/Acronyms:
HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan): A plan with higher deductibles and lower premiums, paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged savings account used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): An account allowing employees to use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket health expenses.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CarMax at 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway Richmond, VA 23238; or by calling them at +1 800-519-1511.
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