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

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

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

The ODP 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to save for retirement through pre-tax and/or Roth contributions.

How can I enroll in ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can enroll in ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal provided by ODP or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can I make to ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth contributions, and after-tax contributions to ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does ODP match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, ODP offers a matching contribution to eligible employees who participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan, helping to boost their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for ODP's matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for ODP's matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees gradually earn ownership of the employer's contributions over time.

When can I start withdrawing from my ODP 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can begin to withdraw from their ODP 401(k) Savings Plan upon reaching the age of 59½, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment.

Are there any penalties for early withdrawal from ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, if you withdraw funds from ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan before age 59½, you may incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty, in addition to regular income taxes.

Can I take a loan against my ODP 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, ODP allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

How often can I change my contribution amount to ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, typically through the online portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in ODP's 401(k) Savings Plan?

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