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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Clean Harbors Clean Harbors partners with various healthcare providers to ensure the well-being of its employees, primarily utilizing Aetna Health for their health insurance plans. This partnership aims to offer comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to meet the needs of their workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, Clean Harbors employees should brace for significant changes in healthcare costs. With healthcare premiums projected to rise sharply nationwide-some by over 60%-the burden may fall heavily on employees as employers adjust their benefit structures. Escalating medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will likely lead to an increase in out-of-pocket expenses, compelling employees to adopt proactive measures in managing their healthcare choices. Staying informed and prepared for these adjustments will be crucial for navigating the financial challenges ahead. Click here to learn more

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

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

The 401(k) plan at Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form provided during onboarding or by accessing the employee benefits portal.

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

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

What is the maximum contribution limit for Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for accuracy.

Can I change my contribution percentage in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR at Clean Harbors.

What investment options are available in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I access my funds from Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or in the case of hardship or termination of employment, subject to IRS regulations.

How does Clean Harbors provide information about the 401(k) plan?

Clean Harbors provides information about the 401(k) plan through employee handbooks, the benefits portal, and periodic informational sessions.

Is there a vesting schedule for Clean Harbors' 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Clean Harbors has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with Clean Harbors?

Yes, Clean Harbors allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

Clean Harbors announced a significant reduction in their workforce as part of a major restructuring initiative aimed at reducing operational costs. The company is also revising its employee benefit programs to streamline expenses. Additionally, changes are being made to their 401(k) matching contributions to align with the new financial strategies.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Clean Harbors at 42 Longwater Dr Norwell, MA 2061; or by calling them at (781) 792-5000.