<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

Is Now the Right Moment for Altice USA Employees to Consider a Roth Conversion?

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Altice USA offers comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical (with pharmacy), dental, and vision coverage, along with supplemental options like critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance 1. With ACA premiums expected to rise sharply in 2026, employeesespecially those nearing retirement or using marketplace plansare encouraged to compare employer-sponsored options and coordinate early with HR and a tax advisor to manage potential cost increases Click here to learn more

One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a substantial tax bill. However, if assets in your traditional IRA have lost value, you will pay taxes on a lower asset base when you convert. If all conditions are met, the Roth account will incur no further income tax liability for you or your designated beneficiaries, no matter how much growth the account experiences.


Tax Trade-Off
The logic behind deferring taxes on Altice USA retirement savings is that you may be in a lower tax bracket when you retire from Altice USA, so a current tax deduction might be more appealing than tax-free income in retirement. However, lower rates set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (set to expire after 2025) may have changed that calculation for you. A cost-benefit analysis could help determine whether it would be beneficial to pay taxes on some of your IRA assets now rather than later. One strategy is to 'fill your tax bracket,' meaning you would convert an asset value that would keep you in the same tax bracket. This requires projecting your income for 2022.


Lower Values, More Shares
As long as your traditional and Roth IRAs are with the same provider, you can typically transfer shares from one account to the other. Thus, when share prices are lower, you could theoretically convert more shares for each taxable dollar and would have more shares in your Roth account to pursue tax-free growth. Of course, there is also a risk that the converted assets will go down in value. You may have the option to take taxes directly out of your converted assets, but this is generally not wise. 

Two Time Tests
Roth accounts are subject to two different five-year holding requirements: one related to withdrawals of earnings and the other related to conversions. For a tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, including earnings on converted amounts, a Roth account must meet a five-year holding period beginning January 1 of the year your first Roth account was opened, and the withdrawal must take place after age 59½ or meet an IRS exception. If you have had a Roth IRA for some time, this may not be an issue, but it could come into play if you open your first Roth IRA for the conversion.

Assets converted to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn free of ordinary income tax at any time, because you paid taxes at the time of the conversion. However, a 10% penalty may apply if you withdraw the assets before the end of a different five-year period, which begins January 1 of the year of each conversion, unless you are age 59½ or another exception applies.

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...


More Favorable RMD Rules
Unlike a traditional IRA, Roth IRAs are not subject to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules during the lifetime of the original owner. Spouse beneficiaries who treat a Roth IRA as their own are also not subject to RMDs during their lifetimes. Other beneficiaries inheriting a Roth IRA are subject to the RMD rules. In any case, Roth distributions would be tax-free. The longer your investments can pursue growth, the more advantageous it may be for you and your beneficiaries to have tax-free income.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful for Altice USA employees.

 

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Altice USA?

The 401(k) plan offered by Altice USA is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can I enroll in Altice USA's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Altice USA's 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

Does Altice USA match contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Altice USA offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees to maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Altice USA's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Altice USA's 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

When can I start withdrawing from my Altice USA 401(k) plan?

Employees can generally start withdrawing from their Altice USA 401(k) plan without penalties after reaching the age of 59½, though there are specific rules regarding hardship withdrawals.

Can I take a loan against my Altice USA 401(k) plan?

Yes, Altice USA allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in Altice USA's 401(k) plan?

Altice USA's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

How often can I change my contribution amount to Altice USA's 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amount to Altice USA's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and payroll processing schedules.

Is there a vesting schedule for Altice USA's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Altice USA has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How can I check my Altice USA 401(k) account balance?

Employees can check their Altice USA 401(k) account balance by logging into the benefits portal or 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.
In 2024, Altice USA announced a major restructuring plan, including significant layoffs and benefit reductions. The company is streamlining operations and focusing on improving profitability amidst rising operational costs.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Altice USA employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Altice USA at 1 Court Square, West Long Island City, NY 11101; or by calling them at (516) 803-2300.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Altice USA employees