New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Howmet Aerospace Employees and the New California SALT Deduction Boost

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Howmet Aerospace Howmet Aerospace employees typically access healthcare services through a variety of insurance plans facilitated by their employer. Currently, major providers for companies like Howmet may include plans from national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and Cigna, although specific details may vary based on location and plan offerings. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Howmet Aerospace employees, like many others across the nation, face significant concerns about rising healthcare costs. Health insurance premiums, particularly for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, are projected to surge, with some states expecting hikes exceeding 60%. This rise is attributed to higher medical costs, the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and aggressive rate increases from insurers, potentially leading to out-of-pocket premium costs that could soar by 75% for many policyholders. For Howmet employees, these changes could mean a drastic adjustment in their healthcare budgeting as they navigate an increasingly challenging insurance landscape. Click here to learn more

'Howmet Aerospace employees navigating California’s high property taxes should view the new SALT deduction cap as an opportunity to revisit whether itemizing or taking the standard deduction provides the most benefit, and making that comparison now can help them plan ahead with greater clarity.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Howmet Aerospace employees and retirees should recognize that the higher SALT deduction cap creates a chance to reevaluate household tax strategies, but the true value will depend on income thresholds, property taxes, and whether itemized deductions outweigh the standard deduction.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How the 2025 spending bill changes the SALT deduction cap for California homeowners.
The impact of Proposition 13, income thresholds, and itemized deductions on potential savings.
What Howmet Aerospace employees and retirees should consider when comparing itemized deductions versus the standard deduction.

With the passage of the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions increased, positioning millions of taxpayers nationwide to see relief on their federal tax returns. With some of the largest state and local tax burdens in the nation, California homeowners—including many Howmet Aerospace employees—will be especially affected by the shift. Still, it's unclear how much Californians could save.

Before 2017, the entire amount of state and local taxes paid could be subtracted from a taxpayer's federal taxable income. With the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which set a $10,000 deduction cap, this was altered. ¹ Residents in high-tax areas like California, where taxes and property values often exceed national norms, were disproportionately impacted by the cap, creating challenges for Howmet Aerospace families with significant home values.

Potential Savings

Although the ceiling is not completely removed by the new 2025 legislation, it is replaced with an income-based cap that permits deductions of up to $40,000, contingent on a taxpayer's earnings. ² The change may give many homeowners a meaningful advantage, but the benefits may differ depending on income, house value, and mortgage balance, according to Kevin Won of Wealth Enhancement's California office, which frequently works with Howmet Aerospace employees.

The deduction power that Californians in high-tax districts lost in 2017 could now be partially restored, according to Won. 'But under the new income thresholds, people with higher incomes might still see their SALT benefit phased out.' This is particularly relevant for Howmet Aerospace retirees and mid-career employees navigating compensation and property costs in high-value regions.

Redfin data shows the possible savings. Instead of the $10,000 cap, the average California homeowner can now deduct about $26,000 in SALT payments. ³ This could result in a $4,000 decrease in federal taxes at a marginal tax rate of 24%. ³ However, not every taxpayer—including those in the Howmet Aerospace workforce—will qualify for the entire benefit.

Unequal Application

A significant factor in the outcome is California's distinct property tax structure, which was influenced by Proposition 13. Long-term homeowners frequently pay lower property taxes than new buyers because Proposition 13 restricts annual increases in property tax assessments. According to Won, 'many Californians will not see the same percentage savings as newer buyers or residents of other states because Proposition 13 keeps long-term homeowners’ property taxes artificially low,' an important distinction for Howmet Aerospace employees with decades of homeownership.

The extended deduction may help around three-quarters of California homeowners, according to research. ³ But the only people who are likely to see major tax reductions are those who have large itemized deductions that surpass the standard deduction threshold. For many Howmet Aerospace professionals, the standard deduction might still be the better choice depending on their household situation.

Won suggested, 'It's still wise to run the numbers. To find out which approach works best, compare your new itemized deductions to the standard deduction.' Howmet Aerospace families approaching retirement may want to evaluate both options carefully.

Understanding the Nuances

In the end, the increased SALT cap gives Californians more flexibility, but the effects will differ greatly. 'It's a positive change, especially for upper-middle-income homeowners,' Won summed up. However, the impact may be minimal for long-term property owners or retirees with lower property taxes and smaller mortgages, a scenario that may apply to Howmet Aerospace retirees who have owned property for decades.

There is one important change: taxpayers 65 and older may claim an extra $6,000 tax deduction for tax years 2025–2028, regardless of whether they itemize. ⁴ Phase-outs begin at $75,000 of income for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers. ⁴ Together with the increased SALT cap modification, this senior deduction may expand older homeowners' tax relief—something Howmet Aerospace retirees should pay particular attention to.

Find out how California homeowners will be affected by the 2025 increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. Typical property owners might save almost $4,000 in federal taxes under the new law, which increases the threshold from $10,000 to an income-based ceiling of up to $40,000. Discover why newer owners in high-tax districts may benefit the most, as well as how eligibility is influenced by Proposition 13, mortgage amounts, and itemized versus standard deductions, which are key considerations for many Howmet Aerospace employees.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

California's recent SALT deduction extension is comparable to reopening a long-blocked road lane. The 2017 limits forced traffic into fewer lanes for years, which reduced mobility and caused congestion. A portion of that lost lane has been reopened by the 2025 amendments, which permit deductions of up to $40,000, potentially reducing thousands of dollars in federal taxes. Similar to the freeway's continued speed limitations and restrictions, Proposition 13, income requirements, and itemized deduction laws limit the amount of benefit that homeowners may actually receive, making it easier for some but not for others—including many in the Howmet Aerospace workforce.

Sources:

1. Congress.gov. ' The SALT Cap: Overview and Analysis .' 3 Apr. 2025.

2. Bipartisan Policy Center. “ SALT Deduction Changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ,” by Fredrick Hernandez, 30 July 2025.

3. Redfin News. “ Homeowners in New York, California and Other Coastal States Could Shave Thousands Off Their Annual Tax Bill with SALT Cap Increase ,' by Mark Worley, Asad Khan. 18 Sept. 2025.

4. IRS. ' One, Big, Beautiful Bill provisions: Deduction for Seniors (Sec. 70103) '. 2025.

How can Howmet Corporation employees ensure that they are maximizing their pension benefits under the Howmet Salaried Employees Pension Plan? Are there specific contributions or actions that could enhance their benefits over the years of their employment with Howmet Corporation?

Maximizing Pension Benefits: To maximize their pension benefits, Howmet Corporation employees should focus on accumulating years of service and ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria for the highest percentage of compensation credits under the pension plan. Employees should review their benefit statements regularly, especially considering how age and years of service affect their pension accrual. Consulting financial advisors or using Howmet's retirement planning tools can also aid in making strategic decisions about retirement timing and additional personal savings to complement their pension(Howmet Corporation_July…).

In what situations might employees at Howmet Corporation find themselves ineligible for pension plan benefits? What steps should they take, if they suspect they fall into such categories, to clarify their eligibility status?

Ineligibility for Pension Benefits: Employees at Howmet Corporation might be ineligible for pension benefits if they are not classified as salaried employees hired before January 1, 2002, or if they leave the company before accruing sufficient vesting service (three years or more). If employees believe they fall into a category of ineligibility, they should contact the plan administrator or consult HR to clarify their status, especially regarding vesting service(Howmet Corporation_July…).

Given the complexities of the Howmet Corporation Pension Plan, what resources are available for employees to understand their pension calculation, and how can they access such resources through Howmet Corporation?

Understanding Pension Calculation: Employees can access resources like the Your Benefits Resources (YBR) platform or call 1-888-ALCOA123 for assistance in calculating their pension benefits. These tools offer detailed projections and estimates based on individual account balances, years of service, and compensation, allowing employees to plan for retirement effectively(Howmet Corporation_July…).

With the elder workforce approaching retirement, how does the Howmet Corporation Pension Plan accommodate early retirees, and what factors should employees consider when deciding the optimal time to retire?

Early Retirement Considerations: The Howmet Corporation Pension Plan allows early retirement starting at age 55, with a reduced benefit. Employees should weigh the impact of reduced payments against their financial needs and Social Security options. Additionally, delaying retirement can increase benefits significantly. Employees should use the available calculators and consult financial advisors to determine the optimal retirement age(Howmet Corporation_July…).

What are the specific implications of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limitations for Howmet Corporation employeesâ€™ pension benefits, and how might these changes affect future retirement planning?

IRS Limitations and Future Planning: IRS limitations affect pension benefits by capping the maximum benefit amount that can be received, which for defined benefit plans is subject to annual adjustments. Employees nearing high compensation levels should consider how these caps might limit their pension payouts and integrate personal savings strategies, such as 401(k)s or IRAs, into their overall retirement plan(Howmet Corporation_July…).

How does the Howmet Corporation Pension Plan protect employees' rights under ERISA, and what recourse exists for employees who believe their rights have been violated during the pension application process?

ERISA Protections: The Howmet Corporation Pension Plan is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), ensuring that employees' rights are protected. If employees believe their rights have been violated during the pension application process, they can file a claim with the Benefits Management Committee and, if necessary, pursue an appeal or legal recourse under ERISA(Howmet Corporation_July…).

For Howmet Corporation employees planning their estates, how essential is it to name beneficiaries in the pension plan, and what process should they follow to ensure that their beneficiaries are correctly registered?

Naming Beneficiaries: It is essential for Howmet Corporation employees to name beneficiaries for their pension plan, especially to ensure that survivor benefits are properly allocated. Employees can update beneficiary information through the YBR platform or by submitting the appropriate forms to HR. Spousal consent is required if designating a non-spouse beneficiary(Howmet Corporation_July…).

Howmet Corporation employees often have questions regarding survivor benefits. What provisions does the Howmet Pension Plan have in place for surviving spouses, and how do these benefits differ based on the employee's marital status at retirement?

Survivor Benefits: The Howmet Pension Plan offers survivor benefits, which provide ongoing payments to a spouse or designated beneficiary. For married employees, the default option is a joint and survivor annuity, which ensures a percentage of benefits continues for the surviving spouse. Single employees can designate other beneficiaries, but should review their options carefully to ensure proper coverage(Howmet Corporation_July…).

What are the essential milestones employees of Howmet Corporation should be aware of regarding vesting service under the pension plan, and how does this vesting impact their eventual payout?

Vesting Milestones: Employees become vested in the Howmet Pension Plan after completing three years of service or reaching age 65. Once vested, employees have a right to receive pension benefits even if they leave the company before retirement age. Knowing these milestones helps ensure employees fully benefit from their time at Howmet(Howmet Corporation_July…).

If Howmet Corporation employees have further questions regarding their benefits as detailed in the document, what steps should they take to contact the plan administrator, and what information will they need to provide for personalized assistance?

Contacting the Plan Administrator: Employees with further questions about their pension benefits should contact the plan administrator through the YBR website or by calling 1-888-ALCOA123. Employees will need their Social Security number, date of birth, and user ID to access personalized assistance(Howmet Corporation_July…).

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

Pension Plan Information: Name of Pension Plan: Howmet Aerospace Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically need to have a minimum of 5 years of service to qualify for the pension plan. The plan is available to employees who are 21 years old or older. Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on a formula that considers years of service and average salary during the highest-paid years. Specifics can vary, so it’s best to refer to the plan document for precise details. 401k Plan Information: Name of 401k Plan: Howmet Aerospace 401(k) Plan Qualifications: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan immediately upon hire. The plan includes company matching contributions based on employee contributions. Details of the Plan: The Howmet Aerospace 401(k) Plan offers a range of investment options, and employees can contribute up to the maximum limit set by the IRS.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Howmet Aerospace announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency. This plan included layoffs impacting approximately 2% of their workforce. The restructuring is part of their broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance profitability in a challenging economic environment. The importance of addressing this news lies in its impact on employees and the company's operational effectiveness amid current economic uncertainties.

Howmet Aerospace provides stock options and RSUs to eligible employees as part of their compensation package. For 2022, 2023, and 2024, the company offers these benefits to key employees, executives, and directors. Specific plans and eligibility criteria are outlined in their annual reports and proxy statements.

Healthcare Terms/Acronyms: HSA (Health Savings Account): Offers tax-advantaged savings for healthcare expenses. FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Allows employees to set aside pre-tax income for eligible expenses. HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan): A health plan with lower premiums and higher deductibles. Health Benefits Overview: Howmet Aerospace provides comprehensive health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They offer both HSA and FSA options, alongside a range of wellness programs. Additional benefits include employee assistance programs and telemedicine services.