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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for General Electric General Electric (GE) employees typically have access to healthcare coverage through their employer-sponsored health plans. One of the prominent providers for GE is Cigna Healthcare, which offers a range of health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to accommodate GE employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, General Electric employees should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. With insurance companies projecting premium hikes up to 66% in certain states, coupled with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, many workers could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar. A survey revealed that over half of employers plan to raise deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making it essential for GE employees to review their benefit options early and strategize for the rising costs. Failing to adapt could result in substantially higher healthcare spending for families at a time when affordability is more critical than ever. Click here to learn more

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

2. Accelerate deductions
General Electric 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 General Electric 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 General Electric 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 General Electric employees to request a Form W-4 change and for their employers from General Electric 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 General Electric 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 General Electric-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, General Electric 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 General Electric-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 General Electric employee age 72 or older, you generally must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and General Electric-sponsored retirement plans (special rules apply if you're still working and participating in General Electric'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
General Electric 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 General Electric 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 primary purpose of General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary into a tax-advantaged account.

How can employees of General Electric enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of General Electric can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided there.

Does General Electric offer matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric offers matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan typically offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

When can employees of General Electric start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of General Electric can start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, which usually include a waiting period.

What is the maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is subject to IRS regulations and may change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Can employees of General Electric take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.

How does General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan handle employee contributions?

General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan allows employees to set a percentage of their salary to be automatically deducted and contributed to their retirement account.

What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves General Electric?

If an employee leaves General Electric, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan if permitted.

Is there a vesting period for General Electric's matching contributions in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

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

General Electric offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. GE has frozen its defined benefit pension plan for new hires, shifting towards enhancing the defined contribution plan. Employees have access to financial planning tools and resources.

GE is continuing its restructuring efforts, which include significant layoffs and divestitures to streamline operations. The company is enhancing its retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans with company match and improved healthcare options. Staying knowledgeable about these benefits is crucial in the current political climate.

General Electric grants RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees shares upon vesting. They also provide stock options, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.