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

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

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

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

Does Chipotle provide matching contributions to its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Chipotle provides a matching contribution to eligible employees participating in the 401(k) plan.

How can Chipotle employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Chipotle employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for Chipotle employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Generally, Chipotle employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a certain period of service to be eligible for the 401(k) plan.

Can Chipotle employees contribute to their 401(k) plan through payroll deductions?

Yes, Chipotle employees can make contributions to their 401(k) plan through automatic payroll deductions.

What types of investment options are available in Chipotle's 401(k) plan?

Chipotle’s 401(k) plan typically offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

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

Yes, Chipotle has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

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

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

What happens to a Chipotle employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a Chipotle employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the account with Chipotle, depending on the plan's rules.

Are there any fees associated with Chipotle's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Chipotle's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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, Chipotle announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs, which includes a reduction in workforce at several locations. The company also introduced a new benefits package for remaining employees, focusing on increased health benefits and a revamped 401(k) plan with enhanced employer matching contributions.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Chipotle at 610 Newport Center Dr., Suite 1300 Newport Beach, CA 92660; or by calling them at 1-949-524-4000.