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

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

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

The Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) basis.

How can I enroll in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can enroll in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

Viasat offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

When can I start contributing to the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Viasat can start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan after completing their eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.

What are the contribution limits for the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

The contribution limits for the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan are set by the IRS and can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines to ensure they are within the limits.

Can I make changes to my contributions in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Viasat allows employees to adjust their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time throughout the year.

What investment options are available in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Viasat 401(k) Savings 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.

Does Viasat offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Viasat provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) Savings Plan investments.

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

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

What happens to my Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Viasat, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Viasat plan if eligible.