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Crestwood Equity Partners Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Crestwood Equity Partners: Crestwood Equity Partners primarily utilizes industry-standard options for employee health insurance, typically engaging with larger national providers that participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The specific healthcare provider might vary based on the plan options selected during annual open enrollment. Employees are encouraged to check with Crestwood's HR department for the precise provider details relevant to their benefits package. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, Crestwood Equity Partners employees face the prospect of significant healthcare cost increases. Premiums for ACA marketplace insurance are anticipated to rise sharply, with some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%. This surge is largely driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, coupled with escalating medical costs and rate adjustments from major insurers. Consequently, a large portion of employees may see out-of-pocket expenses rise dramatically, significantly impacting their financial planning and access to necessary healthcare services. Click here to learn more

'Crestwood Equity Partners 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.

'Crestwood Equity Partners 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.' Crestwood Equity Partners 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. Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 types of retirement savings plans does Crestwood Equity Partners offer its employees?

Crestwood Equity Partners offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Crestwood Equity Partners match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's terms.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in Crestwood Equity Partners' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Crestwood Equity Partners are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically outlined in the plan documents.

Can employees of Crestwood Equity Partners make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, employees can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts at Crestwood Equity Partners, which can help reduce their taxable income.

Does Crestwood Equity Partners offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

How often can employees change their contribution rates to the 401(k) plan at Crestwood Equity Partners?

Employees at Crestwood Equity Partners can typically change their contribution rates on a quarterly basis, but specific details can be found in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Crestwood Equity Partners 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Crestwood Equity Partners offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to tailor their portfolios.

How can employees at Crestwood Equity Partners access their 401(k) account information?

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

What happens to the 401(k) funds if an employee leaves Crestwood Equity Partners?

If an employee leaves Crestwood Equity Partners, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) funds to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave them in the Crestwood Equity Partners plan if allowed.

Is there a loan option available for employees in the Crestwood Equity Partners 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners may allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's specific rules and limits.

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

Crestwood Equity Partners announced a restructuring plan that includes a reduction in workforce and changes to employee benefits, including pension contributions and 401(k) match adjustments. The company is also altering its healthcare benefits to manage rising costs.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Crestwood Equity Partners at 811 Main St., Ste. 3400 Houston, TX 77002; or by calling them at 832-519-2200.