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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information: Marsh & McLennan Marsh & McLennan is a global professional services firm offering a wide range of services primarily through its subsidiaries. They do not provide healthcare in the traditional sense but are known for their consulting services related to risk management, insurance, and employee benefits, including health benefits consulting. They work with various healthcare providers and insurance companies to manage and strategize healthcare costs on behalf of their clients. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom on the horizon, primarily driven by the expected sharp rise in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. States could see premium hikes ranging from 18% to over 60%, attributable to the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation. Without these subsidies, many enrollees might face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%, exacerbating the financial strain on households. This perfect storm of factors underscores the urgency for individuals and employers to prepare for the rising costs and reassess their healthcare strategy in the impending year. Click here to learn more

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

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

Name of Pension Plan: Marsh & McLennan does not typically offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, it offers a defined contribution plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: The detailed eligibility criteria can be found in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) or 10-K filings. Pension Formula: As Marsh & McLennan primarily offers defined contribution plans, a pension formula might not be applicable Name of 401(k) Plan: Marsh & McLennan 401(k) Savings Plan. Eligibility Criteria: Generally available to full-time employees. Eligibility may require a waiting period.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Marsh & McLennan announced a restructuring plan in late 2023 to streamline operations and integrate their various business units more effectively. This restructuring involved the consolidation of certain departments and led to a reduction in workforce by approximately 5%. The move aimed to improve operational efficiency and align with the company’s strategic objectives for growth and innovation. Given the current economic climate, it's crucial for employees and investors to stay informed about these changes, as they impact job security and company performance. Benefit and Pension Changes: In 2024, Marsh & McLennan also updated its benefits package and pension plans. The company introduced enhanced retirement savings options, including increased 401(k) match contributions and expanded investment choices. These changes were made to attract and retain top talent amid a competitive labor market. Additionally, adjustments to the pension plan were implemented to ensure long-term financial stability and compliance with new regulations. These updates are significant in the context of current investment and tax environments, making it essential for stakeholders to review these changes carefully.

Marsh & McLennan (MMC) offers stock options primarily to senior executives and key employees. For 2022 and 2023, stock options were granted based on performance targets and individual roles. Marsh & McLennan (MMC) provides RSUs to a broader range of employees, including mid-level managers and above. In 2023, RSU grants were made as part of a broader incentive plan to align employee interests with shareholder value.

Healthcare Plans: Marsh & McLennan offers comprehensive healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide various plan options to suit different needs, including PPO and HMO plans. Wellness Programs: The company emphasizes wellness programs and preventive care, with resources such as wellness coaching and fitness incentives.