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

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Tenneco Tenneco employs various healthcare providers, depending on the specific insurance plan they offer their employees. Typically, Tenneco provides access to well-known national health insurers, ensuring a broad network of healthcare options for their workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Tenneco in 2026 As Tenneco looks towards 2026, employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases due to various factors. With rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies from the ACA, many employees may see their out-of-pocket expenses grow considerably. Employers, including Tenneco, are likely to shift more costs onto their workforce, with a Mercer survey indicating that over half of U.S. companies plan to raise deductibles and other cost-sharing mechanisms. This perfect storm of increased premiums and cost-shifting could lead to substantial financial pressure on households trying to maintain adequate health coverage. 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 Tenneco retirement savings is that you may be in a lower tax bracket when you retire from Tenneco, 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 Tenneco employees.

 

What is Tenneco's 401(k) plan?

Tenneco's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

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

You can enroll in Tenneco's 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided there.

Does Tenneco offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Tenneco offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution I can make to Tenneco's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Tenneco's 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS limits for specifics.

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

Employees can start contributing to Tenneco's 401(k) plan after they have completed the eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.

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

Tenneco's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

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

Employees can change their contribution amount to Tenneco's 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or as allowed by the plan rules.

Can I take a loan from Tenneco's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Tenneco's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

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

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

Is there a vesting schedule for Tenneco's 401(k) company match?

Yes, Tenneco has a vesting schedule for its company match, which determines how much of the matched contributions you own based on your years of service.

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