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Essential Year-End Tax Strategies for F5 Employees: What You Need to Know Before 2023

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Here are some things for F5 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
F5 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 F5 employee, doing so may enable you to postpone payment of tax on the income until next year.

2. Accelerate deductions
F5 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 F5 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 F5 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 F5 employees to request a Form W-4 change and for their employers from F5 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 F5 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 F5-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, F5 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 F5-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 F5 employee age 72 or older, you generally must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and F5-sponsored retirement plans (special rules apply if you're still working and participating in F5'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
F5 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 F5 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 plan does F5 offer to its employees?

F5 offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does F5 match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, F5 provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for F5 employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of F5 are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.

Can F5 employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, F5 employees can choose from a variety of investment options available within the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for F5 employees under the 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for F5 employees is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Does F5 allow for catch-up contributions in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, F5 allows employees who are age 50 or older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) accounts.

How often can F5 employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

F5 employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or upon certain life events.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave F5?

If you leave F5, you can either leave your 401(k) account with F5, roll it over to another retirement account, or withdraw the funds, subject to tax implications.

Is there a vesting schedule for F5's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, F5 has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees earn ownership of those funds over time.

Can F5 employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, F5 allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.

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

F5 offers a comprehensive retirement program consisting of both a defined contribution plan and a 401(k) plan for its employees. In 2023, F5's 401(k) plan includes a company match where employees can contribute up to the IRS maximum of $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for those aged 50 or older (F5, Inc.) (SHRM). The company provides a 50% match on the first $8,000 contributed by the employee (Investopedia). Regarding pension plans, F5 follows the corporate trend of focusing on defined contribution plans rather than traditional pensions. Although specific details on a corporate pension were not emphasized for F5, the company heavily promotes its 401(k) plan as a key retirement benefit for all eligible employees, who are automatically enrolled upon meeting eligibility criteria

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, F5 announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This move involved a reduction of approximately 10% of the global workforce. The decision was driven by the need to adapt to the changing market dynamics and enhance operational efficiency. This restructuring is crucial to address as it reflects broader industry trends and can have significant implications for employees and investors. The current economic environment, characterized by high inflation and market volatility, makes understanding these changes important for assessing investment risks and opportunities.

F5, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV) offers its employees stock-based compensation through various programs, including stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). F5's stock options and RSUs are made available to eligible employees, with stock-based compensation expenses categorized as part of their non-GAAP measures (F5 Investors) (F5, Inc.). F5’s RSUs and stock options are a key part of their compensation structure, incentivizing employees to contribute to the company’s growth. Stock options provide employees the opportunity to purchase shares at a fixed price (the strike price), whereas RSUs represent actual shares granted upon vesting, typically subject to a vesting period based on continued employment or performance milestones (F5 Investors). Eligible employees at F5, particularly those in management and key technical roles, often receive these awards as part of their compensation package

Company's Official Website: Visit F5's official website and look for their employee benefits section, often found under "Careers," "Employee Benefits," or "HR" pages. Glassdoor: Check Glassdoor for employee reviews about the company’s health benefits. Sometimes, employees provide insights into changes or updates to benefits. LinkedIn: Explore F5’s LinkedIn page for any updates or posts about employee benefits. Company updates or employee testimonials can be found here. Indeed: Search for F5 on Indeed, where past and current employees may discuss their experiences with the company’s health benefits. Benefits Websites: Websites like BenefitsPro, HR Dive, or SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) may have articles or reports about F5's benefits and any recent changes.