<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 Copart Employees to Consider a Roth Conversion?

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers four medical plan options, dental and vision coverage, HSAs/FSAs, 401(k) with match, ESPP, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement. As ACA premiums rise, Coparts customizable plans and employer contributions help employees avoid steep out-of-pocket costs 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 Copart retirement savings is that you may be in a lower tax bracket when you retire from Copart, 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 Copart employees.

 

What is the Copart 401(k) plan?

The Copart 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

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

You can enroll in Copart's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Copart match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Copart offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

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

The maximum contribution limit for Copart's 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

When can I start contributing to Copart's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Copart can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the employee handbook.

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

Copart's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Can I take a loan from my Copart 401(k) account?

Yes, Copart allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, but it’s important to review the specific terms and repayment requirements.

What happens to my Copart 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Copart, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to a new employer's plan, transferring it to an IRA, or cashing it out (though this may incur taxes and penalties).

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

Employees can typically change their contribution amount to Copart's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's specific rules regarding frequency and timing.

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

Yes, Copart has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning that employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Copart offers a cash balance pension plan, which is a type of defined benefit plan. In this plan, participants' benefits are defined in terms of a stated account balance that grows annually with company contributions and interest credits. The cash balance plan credits each participant's account with a percentage of their annual compensation and an interest credit based on either a fixed rate or a variable rate linked to an index such as the one-year treasury bill rate. Eligibility for this plan typically includes full-time employees who meet certain tenure requirements, ensuring they receive a predictable retirement benefit based on their cumulative account balance at retirement. In recent years, Copart has adapted its cash balance plan to comply with updated tax laws and economic conditions. The company employs interest rate strategies that consider both stability and potential returns, such as using a fixed interest rate for simplicity and better funding predictability. Specifically, Copart has leveraged options like the 5% fixed rate, which helps in achieving consistent funding levels without yearly recalculations, making it advantageous for both the company and employees. This approach aligns with recent tax laws, ensuring that contributions and benefits are optimized within legal limits, benefiting both the company and its workforce.
Restructuring Layoffs: As of November 2023, Copart has announced significant financial growth with substantial increases in revenue and net income, which has mitigated the need for extensive layoffs. However, like many companies in the current economic climate, Copart has taken steps to optimize its workforce, primarily through natural attrition and selective hiring freezes rather than widespread layoffs. This strategic approach aims to maintain financial stability while preparing for potential market volatility in 2024​
Stock Options: Copart offers employee stock options which provide employees the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. These options are generally available to senior executives and key employees, designed to incentivize performance and align employee interests with those of shareholders. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Copart grants RSUs which represent a promise to deliver shares of stock at a future date, subject to vesting conditions. These units are typically awarded to executives and high-performing employees, providing them with a stake in the company's success.
Health Insurance Plans: Copart offers its employees a choice of four medical plans to accommodate different healthcare needs. These plans include coverage for dental, vision, and mental health services. Employees can also take advantage of disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs)​ (Copart)​ (Built In). Specific Healthcare Terms and Acronyms: FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): A plan that requires members to use a network of doctors and hospitals. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): A plan offering more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and does not require a referral to see a specialist. Recent Employee Healthcare News: In 2024, Copart has continued to enhance its healthcare benefits to better support employees' mental health and overall wellness. The company provides 24/7 access to physicians through phone and video consultations at no additional cost to employees enrolled in their medical plans​ (Copart).
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Copart employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Copart at 14185 Dallas Pkwy. Dallas, TX 75254; or by calling them at 972-391-5400.

https://quartr.com/insights/company-research/the-rise-of-copart-from-salvage-yard-to-tech-giant https://www.copart.com/content/us/en/press-releases/copart-to-release-second-quarter-2024-results https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/COPART-INC-8879/graphics-sector/ https://quartr.com/insights/company-research/the-rise-of-copart-from-salvage-yard-to-tech-giant https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/leading-companies-announcing-layoffs-and-hiring-freezes/ https://www.brianheger.com/2023-layoff-tracker-of-organizations-announcing-job-cuts-brian-heger/ https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/copart-inc.-to-release-first-quarter-fiscal-2024-results-2023-11-10 https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1rjVc5jB https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1nOXYbmq https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1kvixn3O https://www.emparion.com/cash-balance-pension-plan-faq/ https://www.emparion.com/cash-balance-plan-lifetime-contribution-limits/ https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/cash-balance-pension-plan-options https://www.emparion.com/2024-cash-balance-plan-contribution-maximum/ https://www.kiplinger.com/ https://www.dol.gov/ https://www.pentegra.com/ https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116240362/en/Copart-Reports-First-Quarter-Fiscal-2024-Financial-Results https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1381668/000138166824000107/xslF345X05/wk-form4_1722973742.xml https://www.copart.com/content/us/en/careers/benefits https://builtin.com/company/copart/benefits https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116240362/en/Copart-Reports-First-Quarter-Fiscal-2024-Financial-Results https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NASDAQ/CPRT/earnings/ https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2023-lump-sums-defined-benefit-plans-much-lower-as-interest-rates-rise https://www.mercer.com/en-us/insights/retirement/defined-benefit-plans/pension-discount-yield-curve-and-index-rates-in-us/ https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/research/articles/230711-u-s-public-pension-fiscal-2023-update-funded-ratios-stable-inflation-retreats-and-pob-issuance-stops-12787619 https://www.am-online.com/news/acquisitions-and-deals/2023/05/09/competition-concerns-raised-on-copart-s-hills-motors-acquisition https://www.crai.com/engagements/coparts-acquisition-unconditionally-cleared-after-phase-2-provisional-findings-overturned/ https://www.crai.com/engagements/coparts-acquisition-unconditionally-cleared-after-phase-2-provisional-findings-overturned https://www.emparion.com/

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Copart employees