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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Norfolk Southern The primary healthcare provider for Norfolk Southern is Anthem, a subsidiary of Elevance Health, which offers a range of health insurance plans to the company's employees. Anthem provides various medical, dental, and vision coverage options, making it a crucial part of the employee benefits package. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Norfolk Southern employees face significant potential healthcare cost increases, a trend driven by a confluence of factors. With anticipated double-digit hikes in ACA marketplace premiums, some states could see increases exceeding 60%. A report indicates that many large employers, including Norfolk Southern, may shift more healthcare costs onto employees, with 51% planning to raise deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums as medical costs continue to inflate. Workers should be proactive in reviewing their benefits and making informed choices to mitigate the financial impact of these rising expenses in the coming year. Click here to learn more

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

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

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Norfolk Southern is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest their earnings.

Does Norfolk Southern offer a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Norfolk Southern offers a matching contribution to help employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees at Norfolk Southern enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Norfolk Southern can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in Norfolk Southern's 401(k) plan?

Norfolk Southern's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Can employees at Norfolk Southern change their contribution amount to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Norfolk Southern can change their contribution amount at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What is the vesting schedule for the employer match in Norfolk Southern's 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for the employer match in Norfolk Southern's 401(k) plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees gradually earn ownership of the employer contributions over time.

Are there any fees associated with Norfolk Southern's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Norfolk Southern's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can employees at Norfolk Southern take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at Norfolk Southern may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to a Norfolk Southern employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

If a Norfolk Southern employee leaves the company, they have several options for their 401(k), including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out (though this may incur taxes and penalties).

How often can employees at Norfolk Southern change their investment allocations in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Norfolk Southern can typically change their investment allocations at any time, but there may be restrictions on frequent trading.