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

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Here are some things for Assurant 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
Assurant 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 Assurant employee, doing so may enable you to postpone payment of tax on the income until next year.

2. Accelerate deductions
Assurant 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 Assurant 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 Assurant 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 Assurant employees to request a Form W-4 change and for their employers from Assurant 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 Assurant 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 Assurant-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, Assurant 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 Assurant-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 Assurant employee age 72 or older, you generally must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and Assurant-sponsored retirement plans (special rules apply if you're still working and participating in Assurant'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
Assurant 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 Assurant 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 Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Assurant 401(k) Savings 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 the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the online enrollment process through the Assurant benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Assurant offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Assurant offers a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Can I change my contribution amount to the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amount to the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

When can I start withdrawing funds from my Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can typically start withdrawing funds from their Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan without penalty at age 59½, but specific rules may apply, so it's best to consult the plan documents.

What happens to my Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Assurant, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Assurant until you reach retirement age.

Is there a loan option available in the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their vested balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How often can I change my investment allocations in the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their investment allocations in the Assurant 401(k) Savings Plan as often as they like, but it's advisable to review your choices periodically.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Assurant announced a significant restructuring plan, including layoffs impacting around 10% of their workforce. The restructuring aims to streamline operations and reduce costs amidst a challenging economic environment.