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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific does not operate as a healthcare provider in the traditional sense; rather, it is a leading global provider of laboratory equipment and healthcare solutions, primarily serving pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research institutions. The company's services range from the manufacture of laboratory supplies to offering analytical instruments and diagnostic reagents, thereby supporting healthcare providers in their missions. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As healthcare costs continue to climb, 2026 is anticipated to see significant premium increases for consumers, particularly within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With some states projecting hikes exceeding 60%, factors like the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and escalating medical costs converge to challenge affordability. Reports indicate that without congressional intervention, approximately 92% of ACA policyholders may face a staggering rise of over 75% in out-of-pocket premiums. This financial strain underscores the urgent need for individuals to proactively navigate their healthcare options. Click here to learn more

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

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

The 401(k) plan at Thermo Fisher Scientific is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How does Thermo Fisher Scientific match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a company match on employee contributions, which helps to enhance the overall retirement savings of employees.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Thermo Fisher Scientific's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Thermo Fisher Scientific are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, usually within the first year of employment.

Can employees at Thermo Fisher Scientific contribute to their 401(k) plan through payroll deductions?

Yes, employees at Thermo Fisher Scientific can contribute to their 401(k) plan through convenient payroll deductions, making it easy to save for retirement.

What investment options are available in Thermo Fisher Scientific's 401(k) plan?

Thermo Fisher Scientific's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Thermo Fisher Scientific's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Thermo Fisher Scientific has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matching contributions.

How can employees at Thermo Fisher Scientific access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific's plan administrator.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Thermo Fisher Scientific?

The maximum contribution limit for Thermo Fisher Scientific's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Does Thermo Fisher Scientific offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free.

How often can employees at Thermo Fisher Scientific change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Thermo Fisher Scientific can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or through specific plan provisions.

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

RSUs and stock options are provided as part of Thermo Fisher Scientific's compensation packages.