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

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

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

The McDonald's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted.

How can I enroll in the McDonald's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the McDonald's 401(k) plan through the employee portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the employer match for the McDonald's 401(k) plan?

McDonald's offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, which can help employees maximize their retirement savings.

Are there any eligibility requirements to participate in the McDonald's 401(k) plan?

Yes, eligibility requirements for the McDonald's 401(k) plan typically include being a full-time or part-time employee who has completed a certain period of service.

How much can I contribute to the McDonald's 401(k) plan each year?

The contribution limits for the McDonald's 401(k) plan are subject to IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific limits.

Can I take a loan against my McDonald's 401(k) plan?

Yes, McDonald's allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What investment options are available in the McDonald's 401(k) plan?

The McDonald's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

When can I access my funds from the McDonald's 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from the McDonald's 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment.

Does McDonald's provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, McDonald's offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed decisions about their retirement savings.

What happens to my McDonald's 401(k) plan if I leave the company?

If you leave McDonald's, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the McDonald's plan if you meet the criteria.