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Is Now the Right Moment for Ross Stores Employees to Consider a Roth Conversion?

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Healthcare Provider Update: Ross Stores partners with UnitedHealthcare and other major insurers for employee healthcare plans. In 2026, employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a confluence of factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Premiums are projected to rise sharply, with several states expecting hikes over 60%. The expiration of enhanced federal premiums and rising medical costs are forcing insurers to propose aggressive rate increases, potentially raising out-of-pocket expenses for many Ross Stores employees by nearly 75%. As a result, workers should closely assess their healthcare options and consider the financial implications during the upcoming open enrollment period. 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 Ross Stores retirement savings is that you may be in a lower tax bracket when you retire from Ross Stores, 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.

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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 Ross Stores employees.

 

What type of retirement savings plan does Ross Stores offer to its employees?

Ross Stores offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

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

Yes, Ross Stores provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Ross Stores employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Ross Stores are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

Can Ross Stores employees choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Ross Stores employees can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, subject to IRS contribution limits.

Are there any automatic enrollment features in the Ross Stores 401(k) plan?

Yes, Ross Stores may have an automatic enrollment feature that enrolls eligible employees in the 401(k) plan at a default contribution rate unless they opt out.

What investment options are available in the Ross Stores 401(k) plan?

The Ross Stores 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How can Ross Stores employees access their 401(k) account information?

Ross Stores employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

Does Ross Stores provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Ross Stores offers educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to a Ross Stores employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a Ross Stores employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the Ross Stores plan (if eligible), or withdraw the funds.

Can Ross Stores employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Ross Stores may allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ross Stores at , ; or by calling them at .

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