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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for SkyWest SkyWest Airlines provides its employees with health insurance coverage through various insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The specific plans offered may vary by location and employment status, so employees are encouraged to consult the Human Resources department for detailed information about their healthcare options. Impact of Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 SkyWest employees should be prepared for significant healthcare cost increases in 2026, as projections indicate that ACA marketplace premiums may rise sharply. This surge, driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical costs, could lead to premiums climbing by upwards of 60% in certain states. Particularly concerning for SkyWest employees is the forecasted average rise of over 75% in out-of-pocket premiums for subsidized enrollees, placing a considerable financial burden on those relying on ACA coverage. It is crucial for employees to reassess their healthcare plans early and consider the potential financial implications these changes may have on their budgets. Click here to learn more

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

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

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

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

SkyWest offers a company match on employee contributions, typically matching a percentage of what employees contribute up to a certain limit.

When can employees at SkyWest start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at SkyWest can begin contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their initial onboarding period.

Is there a vesting schedule for SkyWest's 401(k) match?

Yes, SkyWest has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched funds.

What investment options are available in SkyWest's 401(k) plan?

SkyWest'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 SkyWest take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, SkyWest allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

How can employees at SkyWest change their 401(k) contribution percentage?

Employees at SkyWest can change their 401(k) contribution percentage by accessing their account online or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does SkyWest offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, SkyWest provides financial education resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves SkyWest?

If an employee leaves SkyWest, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the SkyWest plan, depending on the plan's rules.

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

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with managing the 401(k) plan at SkyWest, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.