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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for AutoZone AutoZone utilizes UnitedHealthcare as its primary healthcare provider for employee health insurance benefits. This partnership enables AutoZone to offer a comprehensive range of healthcare plans to its employees, ensuring access to necessary medical services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for AutoZone in 2026 In 2026, employees at AutoZone could face significant increases in their healthcare expenses due to anticipated record hikes in health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With states like New York seeing requested premium increases of up to 66%, the impact of these changes could mean higher out-of-pocket costs for AutoZone employees, especially if federal premium subsidies are not extended beyond 2025. Many large employers, including AutoZone, may adjust their benefit structures, placing an increased financial burden on employees through raised deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Consequently, it is crucial for employees to stay informed about changes to their healthcare benefits and consider their options carefully to manage potential costs in the coming year. Click here to learn more

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

2. Accelerate deductions
AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone employees to request a Form W-4 change and for their employers from AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone-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, AutoZone 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 AutoZone-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 AutoZone employee age 72 or older, you generally must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and AutoZone-sponsored retirement plans (special rules apply if you're still working and participating in AutoZone'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
AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 type of retirement savings plan does AutoZone offer to its employees?

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

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

Yes, AutoZone provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for AutoZone's 401(k) plan?

The contribution limit for AutoZone's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS limits, which can change annually.

Can AutoZone employees choose between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions?

Yes, AutoZone employees have the option to contribute to either a traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k).

How often can AutoZone employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

AutoZone employees can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available within AutoZone's 401(k) plan?

AutoZone's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Is there a vesting schedule for AutoZone's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, AutoZone has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those funds.

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

Yes, AutoZone allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to AutoZone employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If AutoZone employees leave the company, they can roll over their 401(k) account balance to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.

Does AutoZone provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, AutoZone offers financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

In 2024, AutoZone announced a restructuring plan involving a reduction in workforce and significant changes to employee benefits, including a freeze on pension accruals and modifications to their 401(k) matching program.