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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Big Lots Big Lots, a leading American retail company, partners with UnitedHealthcare to provide health insurance benefits to its employees. This arrangement is crucial for ensuring that Big Lots' workforce has access to essential healthcare resources. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Premium hikes could average around 20%, with some states potentially seeing increases over 60% due to factors like higher medical costs and the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. As a result, eligible individuals may experience a staggering 75% rise in out-of-pocket premium expenses, putting substantial financial pressure on many families and complicating access to necessary healthcare. Click here to learn more

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

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

The 401(k) plan offered by Big Lots is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can employees of Big Lots enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Big Lots can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by speaking with the HR department.

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

Yes, Big Lots offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Big Lots employees participating in the 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Big Lots employees in the 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

When can Big Lots employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Big Lots employees can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.

Are there any fees associated with the Big Lots 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Big Lots 401(k) plan, which will be disclosed to employees during the enrollment process.

What investment options are available in the Big Lots 401(k) plan?

The Big Lots 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

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

Yes, Big Lots employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if a Big Lots employee leaves the company?

If a Big Lots employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Big Lots plan if permitted.

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

Big Lots employees can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s rules and guidelines.

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

Big Lots has announced plans to close several underperforming stores and lay off a portion of its workforce as part of a restructuring effort aimed at improving profitability. The company is also reviewing its benefit offerings and adjusting its pension plans to better align with current financial goals.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Big Lots at 4900 E Dublin Granville Rd Westerville, OH 43081; or by calling them at +1 614-278-6800.