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

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

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

Starbucks offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Starbucks match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Starbucks provides a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum percentage that Starbucks will match in the 401(k) plan?

Starbucks matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage, typically 4%, but it's best to check the latest plan details for exact figures.

Can part-time employees at Starbucks participate in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, part-time employees at Starbucks are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.

How can Starbucks employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Starbucks employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting HR for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Starbucks 401(k) plan?

The Starbucks 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Is there a waiting period for Starbucks employees to join the 401(k) plan?

Starbucks typically has a waiting period, which can vary, so employees should consult the plan documents for specific details.

Can Starbucks employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Starbucks allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under certain conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Starbucks?

If you leave Starbucks, you can roll over your 401(k) savings to another retirement account or leave it in the Starbucks plan, subject to the plan’s rules.

How often can Starbucks employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Starbucks employees can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.