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

The Reason Genuine Parts Employees Need to be Aware of Common Tax Scams

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Genuine Parts: Genuine Parts Company, primarily known for its automotive replacement parts, benefits from its association with several healthcare providers, but its specific health insurance options are not publicly detailed. Generally, employees are likely covered under major national providers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, or Aetna, which offer group health plans as part of their employee benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: Healthcare consumers can anticipate significant premium hikes in 2026, driven by the looming expiration of enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that many states could see premiums increase by as much as 66%, with average national hikes exceeding 20%. These increases stem from soaring medical costs and projected double-digit rate adjustments proposed by major insurers, putting additional financial strain on millions of Americans reliant on marketplace plans. If not addressed, this combination of factors could push some consumers' out-of-pocket healthcare expenses up by 75% or more, effectively pricing many individuals out of adequate coverage. Click here to learn more

As for the Genuine Parts employees and retirees, one must always be careful during tax time and throughout the year as well when it comes to tax scams,' says Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group. 'This article provides a general overview of the most common types of scams and how to avoid them with the help of the IRS's recommendations.'

'The increase in tax scams during peak seasons calls for more caution among the Genuine Parts employees and retirees,' says Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Knowing your tax responsibilities and using the IRS's recommended procedures are important steps in the protection of one's personal and financial information.'

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Types of Tax Scams: Different schemes including phishing, phone scams, and tax preparer fraud that target personal and financial information.

2. Preventive Measures: Tips to prevent scams such as checking the source and using protective measures such as the IRS Identity Protection PIN.

3. Consequences and Reporting: Discusses the effects of these scams and how to report them to the proper channels to minimize the effects.

These scams, as reported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), are more likely to occur during tax season and other times of economic uncertainty. As we are now in the middle of tax season, the Internal Revenue Service is sharing important information with taxpayers and urging them to be on the lookout for scam artists who may attempt to steal their identities.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), financial scams are most common among older people, and con artists often pose as trustworthy entities such as government agencies, charities, or healthcare providers. The FTC has reported that more than $1 billion was lost to fraud by consumers 60 years of age and over, with the median loss being $600. It is crucial for Genuine Parts employees and retirees to know the following common tax scams that are likely to be encountered in order to avoid becoming a victim of them.

Phishing and text message scams

The first con that Genuine Parts employees and retirees should be on the lookout for is phishing. Phishing and text message scams are unsolicited emails or text messages that appear to be from official IRS websites in an attempt to get you to share personal or financial info. When con artists get their hands on this information, they immediately use it to steal people's identities or their money. The Internal Revenue Service does not contact taxpayers through email, text messages, or any other form of social media communication requesting personal or financial information.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) most typically initiates communication with taxpayers through the regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. This information is very important and we would like all the Genuine Parts workers and retired employees to be aware of it.

Phone scams

This means that Genuine Parts employees and retirees need to be wary of fraudulent phone calls. The scammers will usually tell their victims that they owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) money, or that they are due a large refund from the IRS. The calls can show up on your Caller ID as coming from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), they may be accompanied by phony emails that appear to be sent from the IRS, or they may be followed by calls from people claiming to be from the police.

These cons will often target more vulnerable populations, such as immigrants and the elderly, and will often use scare tactics like threatening to arrest you, revoke your license, or deport you.

Tax-related identity theft

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. It is possible that you will not even notice that your identity has been stolen until you attempt to file your taxes and discover that someone else has already used your Social Security number to file a return. You may also receive a letter from the Internal Revenue Service informing you that it has detected a suspicious return that uses your Social Security number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently put into place a program called the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to help combat identity theft related to taxes. The Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit code that only you and the IRS know when you file your tax return.

This code assists the IRS in verifying your identity and helps reduce the chances of your return being accepted by a fraudulent filing. This preventative measure is something that Genuine Parts employees and retirees can take in order to protect themselves against the possibility of their identity being stolen.

Tax preparer fraud

There are times when con artists will pretend to be a legitimate tax preparer in order to commit identity theft or fraud with your taxes and your refund. Genuine Parts employees and retirees should be cautious of any tax preparer who: Refuses to sign the tax return (also called a ghost preparer), Accepts a cash-only payment, Claims unfounded deductions or tax credits, Has the refunds deposited into his or her account, or Promises a bigger or inflated refund than what is due.

In general, a legitimate tax preparer will also: Review your income and credits and deductions and request evidence of such; sign the return as the preparer; include his or her valid preparer tax identification number; and provide you with a copy of your return. In addition, they must be permitted to prepare tax returns. It is especially important for current and former Genuine Parts workers and retirees to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. You are still going to be responsible for everything that is on your return even if your return was done by another person.

False offer in compromise

This type of scam is usually conducted by fraudsters whose goal is to steal the victim’s personal details and claim unemployment benefits. If you receive an unexpected prepaid card for unemployment benefits, if you notice an unexpected payment from your state in your bank account, or if you receive an IRS Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation that you did not apply for you should report it to your state’s unemployment insurance office.

Unemployment insurance fraud

As has been stated earlier, these cases are usually reported by con artists. Their goal is to use your personal information to file for unemployment benefits. If you receive an unexpected prepaid card for unemployment benefits, if you observe an unexpected payment from your state in your bank account, or if you receive an IRS Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation that you did not apply for, you should report it as quickly as possible to the state unemployment insurance office in your area.

Fake charities

Charity scammers pose as real charitable organizations in order to con money from people who are not aware they are being scammed. Most of the schemes are made to look realistic and timely, for instance, natural disasters, storms, or the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that Genuine Parts workers and retirees should be aware of the charitable groups whose names are similar to those of more known or national companies or organizations. It is always important for any form of donation in any form whether it be cash, gift cards, or electronic funds transfer to try and verify the charity and do not send physical cash. The IRS has a tool on its website at irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits that can help you determine if an organization is a charity.

Articles you may find interesting:

Protecting yourself from scams

Luckily, there are some measures that Genuine Parts workers and retirees can take to avoid different types of scams, including those aimed at taxpayers, in order to protect their financial well-being.

Do not click on links in emails, text messages, or instant messaging that are unfamiliar or look suspicious and always get information directly from the government websites.
If you don’t know the number of the person calling you, do not answer the phone; instead, let the call go to voicemail and check who it was later.
Never click on the download button in an email unless you know the source of the email.
Make sure that your hardware and security software are up to date and use strong passwords whenever possible, and where possible, enable multi-factor authentication.
Never send your personal or financial information through email, text message, or telephone in its natural form.

Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. 'Taxpayers Should Hang Up If Tax Season Scammers Come Calling.' IRS , 2023. www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-hang-up-if-tax-season-scammers-come-calling .

2. Internal Revenue Service. 'IRS Warns of Holiday Scams, Encourages Protecting Sensitive Personal Information as 9th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week Starts.' IRS , 2 Dec. 2024. www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warns-of-holiday-scams-encourages-protecting-sensitive-personal-information .

3. Internal Revenue Service. 'Dirty Dozen: IRS Urges Taxpayers to Not Fall Prey to Untrustworthy Tax Preparers; 'Ghost Preparers' Can Disappear with Taxpayer Cash, Information.' IRS , 5 Apr. 2024. www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-irs-urges-taxpayers-to-not-fall-prey-to-untrustworthy-tax-preparers .

4. Internal Revenue Service. 'Taxpayer Alert as Holidays, Tax Season Approach: Watch Out for Scams, Protect Financial Information; National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 1 Highlights Important Tips.' IRS , 29 Nov. 2021. www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-alert-as-holidays-tax-season-approach .

5. Internal Revenue Service. 'Recognize Tax Scams and Fraud.' IRS. www.irs.gov/newsroom/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud.

What benefits does the GPC Pension Plan provide to employees of Genuine Parts Company, and how are these benefits calculated for both Group 1 and Group 2 employees? In the context of Genuine Parts Company, what are the critical factors that determine the pension benefits for employees and how have recent changes to the plan affected these calculations?

The benefits of the GPC Pension Plan for Genuine Parts Company employees are calculated based on the employee’s Final Average Monthly Earnings (FAME) and years of Credited Service. For Group 1 employees, benefits are frozen as of December 31, 2013, with the FAME calculated from the five highest-paid years within the last ten years of service before that date. For Group 2 employees, benefits are similarly frozen as of December 31, 2008, and the same calculation of FAME is applied using the highest earnings before that freeze date(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How do the eligibility requirements of the GPC Pension Plan differ between Group 1 and Group 2 employees at Genuine Parts Company? Additionally, what specific service requirements must employees meet to qualify for the benefits under each group, particularly considering the impact of employment history and rehire status on benefits?

Eligibility requirements differ between Group 1 and Group 2 employees. Group 1 includes employees with Rule of 70 status, who opted to continue participation in the plan after January 1, 2009. Group 2 employees, which include those rehired before December 31, 2013, had their Credited Service frozen earlier in 2008. Group 1 employees have Credited Service frozen as of December 31, 2013, while Group 2’s freeze date is December 31, 2008(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

What strategies can employees of Genuine Parts Company consider for optimizing their pension benefits when transitioning to retirement? Are there specific actions that employees should take prior to retirement to enhance their benefit calculations under the GPC Pension Plan, particularly in relation to Credited Service and Final Average Monthly Earnings?

To optimize pension benefits, Genuine Parts Company employees should focus on maximizing Credited Service and Final Average Monthly Earnings (FAME). Ensuring a full work history before the freeze date (2013 for Group 1, 2008 for Group 2) can enhance the benefit calculation. Employees can also review their Social Security benefit estimates, which are considered in calculating their pension(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How does the vesting process work for employees participating in the GPC Pension Plan at Genuine Parts Company, and what implications does it have for those contemplating early retirement? Furthermore, how does the ability to vest at different service intervals specifically impact the retirement planning of employees?

The vesting process for the GPC Pension Plan requires employees to accumulate vesting service years, which continues even after the freeze date. Employees are automatically fully vested after seven years of service, or if they worked at least one hour after December 31, 2013. Vesting ensures the right to the earned pension benefits, which may affect retirement planning, especially for those contemplating early retirement(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

What information should Genuine Parts Company employees know about the different forms of payment available under the GPC Pension Plan once they reach retirement age? How do options such as life annuities and lump-sum payments affect the overall financial planning for retiring employees?

Genuine Parts Company employees can choose from various forms of pension payments upon retirement, including life annuities, joint and survivor annuities, and lump-sum payments. Each option affects financial planning differently: life annuities provide steady income, while lump sums offer flexibility but require careful management to ensure long-term financial stability(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

In the event of a termination of employment, what options are available for employees of Genuine Parts Company to access their pension benefits under the GPC Pension Plan? Additionally, what are the specific procedures that employees must follow to ensure they receive their benefits in a timely manner?

In the event of termination, employees who are vested can access their pension benefits, either at their normal retirement age or earlier if they meet the eligibility criteria for early retirement. Employees must submit a request within 180 days of their termination date to receive benefits, with options for lump sum payments for amounts under $75,000(Genuine Parts Company_P…)(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How can employees of Genuine Parts Company ensure that their beneficiaries are appropriately named under the GPC Pension Plan? What considerations should employees keep in mind when designating beneficiaries, particularly understanding consent needs for spouses and the impact of domestic relations orders?

Genuine Parts Company employees should ensure their beneficiaries are properly named, particularly if married. A spouse is the default beneficiary, but spousal consent is required if an employee designates someone else. Domestic relations orders may also affect beneficiary designations(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

What unique situations might affect the pension benefits of employees at Genuine Parts Company, and how does the plan specifically address employees on military leave or long-term disability? In these circumstances, what communication strategies should employees employ to navigate their benefits?

For employees on military leave or long-term disability, the GPC Pension Plan provides special rules for calculating benefits. These employees should maintain close communication with the Employee Service Center to ensure their benefits are appropriately adjusted(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

Regarding the reporting and update of personal information, why is it essential for employees of Genuine Parts Company to keep the GPC Employee Service Center informed about any changes in marital status or address? How can failure to report these changes potentially impact the pension benefits they receive?

Employees must keep the GPC Employee Service Center informed of any changes in marital status or address, as failure to do so could result in delayed or incorrect pension benefit payments(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How can employees at Genuine Parts Company reach out for further clarification on the details presented in the Summary Plan Description of the GPC Pension Plan? What resources or contact points are available that could assist in navigating the complexities of the pension plan, ensuring employees can maximize their benefits effectively?

Genuine Parts Company employees can reach out to the GPC Retirement Plan Services through their toll-free number or website for clarification on the pension plan details. These resources are crucial for navigating the complexities of the pension system(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

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 Name of the Pension Plan: Genuine Parts Company Defined Benefit Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need to have at least 5 years of service to qualify for benefits. Full benefits typically begin at age 65, but early retirement options may be available with reduced benefits. Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on a formula that takes into account the employee's years of service and average salary over the highest-paid years. 401(k) Plan Name of the 401(k) Plan: Genuine Parts Company 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of service. 401(k) Plan Details: The plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary to a tax-deferred account, with potential company matching contributions.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Genuine Parts announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. This restructuring plan includes the reduction of approximately 5% of its workforce across various divisions. This move is expected to help the company better adapt to market fluctuations and optimize its operational costs. The restructuring reflects broader industry trends as companies adapt to evolving economic pressures and changing market dynamics.

Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Stock Options and RSUs in 2022 GPC offered stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. The stock options typically included a strike price set at market value at the grant date. RSUs granted by GPC generally vested over a period of three to four years, with the exact vesting schedule specified in individual agreements. Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Stock Options and RSUs in 2023 In 2023, GPC continued to offer stock options and RSUs to their management team and senior employees. The stock options were often part of performance-based compensation. The RSUs were allocated with a focus on aligning employee incentives with company performance, typically vesting in tranches over a multi-year period. Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Stock Options and RSUs in 2024 For 2024, GPC maintained its stock option and RSU programs, enhancing the benefits for senior executives and select high-performing employees. The company adjusted the vesting criteria and performance metrics for RSUs to reflect the company's strategic goals and market conditions.

1. Official Website and Key Benefits Information Genuine Parts Company Official Website Visit: Genuine Parts Careers Review sections on employee benefits and health plans. Look for specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms. Key Terms and Acronyms: HDHP: High Deductible Health Plan HSA: Health Savings Account EAP: Employee Assistance Program FSA: Flexible Spending Account PPO: Preferred Provider Organization HMO: Health Maintenance Organization Recent Updates: Genuine Parts Company offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans. They also provide wellness programs and access to telemedicine services. 2. Reliable Sources and Recent Employee Healthcare News a. Glassdoor Search for Genuine Parts Company’s benefits reviews. Look for employee feedback on healthcare coverage and recent changes. b. Indeed Check employee reviews and Q&A sections for insights into health benefits. c. LinkedIn Explore company posts and employee discussions about health benefits. d. BenefitsPro Look for articles or reports on Genuine Parts Company’s health benefits updates and changes. e. Business Insider Search for news articles related to recent changes in health benefits or related employee programs at Genuine Parts. 3. Summary of Findings Healthcare Plans: Genuine Parts offers a range of health insurance options including PPO and HDHP plans, with contributions to HSAs and FSAs. They also provide access to preventive care and wellness programs. Recent Changes: Recent updates to their health benefits have included enhancements to telemedicine services and expanded mental health support through EAP programs. Employee Feedback: Employees generally appreciate the comprehensive coverage but have noted that premium costs and deductibles can be high.