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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics collaborates with several major health insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, and various Anthem and BlueCross BlueShield plans. This network allows for extensive coverage options and accessibility for patients utilizing Quest Diagnostics' lab services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, particularly for those relying on Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states anticipating premium hikes exceeding 60%, many consumers could see their monthly premiums increase by over 75% without renewed federal subsidies. This unprecedented surge is driven by escalating medical costs, the expiration of enhanced financial support, and aggressive rate requests from national insurers, potentially placing immense financial strain on millions of Americans who depend on these plans for healthcare coverage., 'sources': [], 'images': [] Click here to learn more

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

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

The 401(k) plan at Quest Diagnostics is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Quest Diagnostics match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Quest Diagnostics offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, matching a percentage of the employee's contributions up to a certain limit, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

When can I enroll in the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

Employees at Quest Diagnostics can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial eligibility period, typically within the first few months of employment, as well as during annual open enrollment periods.

What types of investment options are available in the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

The Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to choose investments that align with their retirement goals.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) plan with Quest Diagnostics?

Yes, Quest Diagnostics allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, providing a way to access funds for emergencies or significant expenses.

What is the vesting schedule for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan determines how much of the employer's matching contributions an employee is entitled to keep, typically based on years of service.

How can I access my 401(k) account with Quest Diagnostics?

Employees can access their Quest Diagnostics 401(k) accounts online through the designated retirement plan portal, where they can view balances, make changes, and manage investments.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Quest Diagnostics?

If you leave Quest Diagnostics, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Quest Diagnostics plan if permitted.

Does Quest Diagnostics offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Quest Diagnostics provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and make informed investment decisions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) plan follows IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits to ensure they are maximizing their contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

401(k) plan with company match, traditional defined benefit plan for certain employees.

Quest Diagnostics offers RSUs to its executives and eligible employees. RSUs vest over a three to four-year period, promoting long-term performance and retention.