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

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

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

The purpose of OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to contribute a portion of their salary.

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

Employees can enroll in OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

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

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does OGE Energy offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, OGE Energy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for OGE Energy's 401(k) company match?

The vesting schedule for OGE Energy's 401(k) company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees become vested in the company match over a specified period of service.

Can I take loans against my 401(k) balance at OGE Energy?

Yes, OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan allows employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

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

OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and potentially company stock, allowing employees to diversify their retirement savings.

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

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

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan may have a minimum contribution requirement, which is typically outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.

How can I check my 401(k) balance with OGE Energy?

Employees can check their 401(k) balance with OGE Energy by logging into the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.