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Essential Year-End Tax Strategies for American Airlines Group Employees: What You Need to Know Before 2023

Here are some things for American Airlines Group employees and retirees to consider as they weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year.

1. Defer income to next year
American Airlines Group employees must consider opportunities to defer income to 2023, particularly if you think you may be in a lower tax bracket then. For example, you may be able to defer a year-end bonus or delay the collection of business debts, rent, and payments for services. As a American Airlines Group employee, doing so may enable you to postpone payment of tax on the income until next year.

2. Accelerate deductions
American Airlines Group employees and retirees should also look for opportunities to accelerate deductions into the current tax year. If you itemize deductions, making payments for deductible expenses such as medical expenses, qualifying interest, and state taxes before the end of the year (instead of paying them in early 2023) could make a difference on your 2022 return.

3. Make deductible charitable contributions
As a American Airlines Group employee, if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return, you can generally deduct charitable contributions, but the deduction is limited to 50% (currently increased to 60% for cash contributions to public charities), 30%, or 20% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), depending on the type of property you give and the type of organization to which you contribute. (Excess amounts can be carried over for up to five years.)

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4. Bump up withholding to cover a tax shortfall
As a American Airlines Group employee, if it looks as though you will owe federal income tax for the year, consider increasing your withholding on Form W-4 for the remainder of the year to cover the shortfall. Time may be limited for American Airlines Group employees to request a Form W-4 change and for their employers from American Airlines Group to implement it in time for 2022. The biggest advantage in doing so is that withholding is considered as having been paid evenly throughout the year instead of when the dollars are actually taken from your paycheck. This strategy can be implemented by American Airlines Group employees to make up for low or missing quarterly estimated tax payments.

5. Save more for retirement
Deductible contributions to a traditional IRA and pre-tax contributions to a American Airlines Group-sponsored retirement plan such as a 401(k) can reduce your 2022 taxable income. As a fortune 500 employee, if you haven't already contributed up to the maximum amount allowed, consider doing so. For 2022, American Airlines Group employees can contribute up to $20,500 to a 401(k) plan ($27,000 if you're age 50 or older) and up to $6,000 to traditional and Roth IRAs combined ($7,000 if you're age 50 or older).* The window to make 2022 contributions to a American Airlines Group-sponsored plan generally closes at the end of the year, while you have until April 18, 2023, to make 2022 IRA contributions.

*Roth contributions are not deductible, but Roth-qualified distributions are not taxable.

6. Take the required minimum distributions
If you are a American Airlines Group employee age 72 or older, you generally must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and American Airlines Group-sponsored retirement plans (special rules apply if you're still working and participating in American Airlines Group's retirement plan). You have to make the withdrawals by the date required — the end of the year for most individuals. The penalty for failing to do so is substantial: 50% of the amount that wasn't distributed on time. As a fortune 500 employee, making these distributions in a timely manner is essential as to avoid the late penalty.

7. Weigh year-end investment moves
American Airlines Group employees and retirees shouldn't let tax considerations drive investment decisions. However, it's worth considering the tax implications of any year-end investment moves that you make. For example, if you have realized net capital gains from selling securities at a profit, you might avoid being taxed on some or all of those gains by selling losing positions. As a American Airlines Group employee, any losses over and above the number of your gains can be used to offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 if your filing status is married filing separately) or carried forward to reduce your taxes in future years.

Tags: Financial Planning , Tax , Retirement , 2022

What is the 401(k) plan offered by American Airlines Group?

The 401(k) plan offered by American Airlines Group 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 the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group?

You can enroll in the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group by accessing the employee benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

Does American Airlines Group offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Airlines Group offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) matching contributions at American Airlines Group?

The vesting schedule for matching contributions at American Airlines Group typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means you gain ownership of the employer contributions over a period of time.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group?

Yes, you can change your contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group at any time through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the American Airlines Group 401(k) plan?

The American Airlines Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a loan option available through the 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group?

Yes, American Airlines Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave American Airlines Group?

If you leave American Airlines Group, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the plan if allowed.

At what age can I start withdrawing from my 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group without penalties?

You can start withdrawing from your 401(k) plan at American Airlines Group without penalties at age 59½, provided you meet other plan requirements.

Does American Airlines Group offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Airlines Group provides financial education resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for American Airlines Group at 1 Skyview Drive Fort Worth, TX 76155; or by calling them at (817) 963-1234.