Carrier Global Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'Carrier Global 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.
'Carrier Global 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.' Carrier Global 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. Carrier Global 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 Carrier Global 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 Carrier Global 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 Carrier Global 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 Carrier Global 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 Carrier Global 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 Carrier Global 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.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Carrier Global?
The 401(k) plan at Carrier Global is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their earnings on a tax-deferred basis.
Does Carrier Global match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Carrier Global offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Carrier Global?
Employees can enroll in the Carrier Global 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.
What is the eligibility requirement for the 401(k) plan at Carrier Global?
Employees of Carrier Global are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.
What types of investment options are available in Carrier Global's 401(k) plan?
Carrier Global's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Carrier Global?
Yes, Carrier Global allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What is the vesting schedule for Carrier Global's 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for Carrier Global's matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn rights to the match over a period of years.
How often can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Carrier Global?
Employees at Carrier Global can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the guidelines set forth in the plan.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Carrier Global?
If an employee leaves Carrier Global, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Carrier Global plan if eligible.
Is there a default investment option for new enrollees in Carrier Global's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Carrier Global has a default investment option, typically a target-date fund, for employees who do not make an investment choice upon enrollment.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Carrier Global has announced a significant restructuring plan, which includes layoffs impacting approximately 5% of its workforce. The company is also revising its pension and 401(k) plans, shifting towards a defined contribution system to manage costs more effectively.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Carrier Global at 13995 Pasteur Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418; or by calling them at +1 561-365-2000.