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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Stryker Healthcare Provider Stryker Corporation, a leading medical technology firm, typically provides its employees with a robust array of healthcare options through its own internal benefit programs as well as partnerships with major national insurers. These include employer-sponsored health insurance plans that often customize options tailored to the needs of their workforce, including coverage for medical, dental, and vision care. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, Stryker employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs as the trend of premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace is projected to intensify. With major insurers reporting planned increases exceeding 60% in states like New York, employees can expect to see out-of-pocket expenses rise substantially. The combination of expiring enhanced federal subsidies and soaring medical costs, driven largely by rising expenses for hospital services and prescription drugs, could lead to a sharp increase in overall healthcare affordability, impacting the financial planning of many families. As businesses further adjust their benefit structures in response to these challenges, understanding and proactive management of healthcare options will be essential for maintaining comprehensive coverage without bearing unmanageable costs. Click here to learn more

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

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

Stryker's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their earnings on a tax-deferred basis.

How can I enroll in Stryker's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Stryker's 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal during the enrollment period or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Stryker offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Stryker offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance your retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Stryker's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Stryker's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.

When can I start contributing to Stryker's 401(k) plan?

Employees can start contributing to Stryker's 401(k) plan after completing the eligibility requirements set by the company.

Can I change my contribution percentage in Stryker's 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Stryker's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

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

Stryker'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.

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

Yes, Stryker has a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan, which determines how much of the employer contributions you own based on your years of service.

How can I access my Stryker 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their Stryker 401(k) account information through the online benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to my Stryker 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Stryker, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if eligible.