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

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

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

The purpose of Rite Aid's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can Rite Aid employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Rite Aid employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

Does Rite Aid offer a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Rite Aid offers a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in Rite Aid's 401(k) Savings Plan?

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

At what age can Rite Aid employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

Rite Aid employees can start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, provided they meet other plan requirements.

Can Rite Aid employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Rite Aid employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to the plan's specific terms and conditions.

How often can Rite Aid employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Rite Aid employees can typically change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, but there may be specific enrollment periods or guidelines to follow.

What happens to Rite Aid employees' 401(k) Savings Plan if they leave the company?

If Rite Aid employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer's plan, or cashing it out (which may incur taxes and penalties).

Is there a vesting schedule for Rite Aid's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Rite Aid's 401(k) Savings Plan may have a vesting schedule for employer contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

How can Rite Aid employees access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information?

Rite Aid employees can access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.