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

Essential Year-End Tax Strategies for Host Hotels & Resorts Employees: What You Need to Know Before 2023

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Host Hotels & Resorts: Host Hotels & Resorts offers healthcare benefits through various providers, with options that typically include major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Kaiser Permanente. These plans often encompass a range of medical services, including telehealth, outpatient care, and pharmacy benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, employees of Host Hotels & Resorts should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. Experts predict that health insurance premiums for plans under the Affordable Care Act could soar, with some states facing hikes of over 60%. Factors driving these increases include the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and escalating medical expenses, which are projected to rise by as much as 7% to 10%. Amidst these looming changes, employees are encouraged to actively review their benefit options early to mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

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

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

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

Pension Plan Details: Name of Pension Plan: Locate the name of Host Hotels & Resorts’ pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Determine the required years of service and age for eligibility. Pension Formula: Find the formula used to calculate pension benefits. 401(k) Plan Details: Name of 401(k) Plan: Identify the 401(k) plan name used by Host Hotels & Resorts. Eligibility: Find out who qualifies for the 401(k) plan and any specific requirements.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Host Hotels & Resorts has announced a restructuring plan in 2023 aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency. This includes a reduction in workforce by 10% as part of their strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs amid the uncertain economic environment. The company indicated that this move is necessary to adapt to the evolving market conditions and to improve overall profitability. This news is significant because it reflects broader trends in the hospitality sector, where many companies are adjusting their strategies in response to fluctuating demand and economic pressures.

Host Hotels & Resorts (HST) has provided stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation and incentive programs. HST typically uses these compensation tools to attract and retain talent, aligning employee interests with company performance. Stock options allow employees to buy shares at a predetermined price, while RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares after a vesting period.

Health Benefits Overview: Host Hotels & Resorts offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They typically provide multiple plan options with varying levels of coverage to accommodate different needs. 2022-2024 Changes: For 2022, the company offered comprehensive plans with a focus on affordability and access. For 2023 and 2024, updates included enhancements to mental health support and expanded telehealth services. The company has also introduced new wellness programs focusing on preventive care and employee assistance programs