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

Healthcare Provider Update: Woodward offers health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with short- and long-term disability coverage. Employees benefit from a 401(k) plan, defined benefit and contribution pension plans, and profit-sharing. The company also provides paid holidays, sick leave, and tuition reimbursement 5. Woodward With ACA insurers requesting premium hikes of up to 66% in some states, Woodwards layered insurance and retirement benefits help employees maintain affordable coverage and financial stability. Click here to learn more

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

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

The primary purpose of Woodward's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How can Woodward employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Woodward employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by logging into the employee portal and completing the enrollment process during the designated enrollment period.

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

Yes, Woodward offers a company match for 401(k) contributions, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Woodward's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Woodward's 401(k) Savings Plan aligns with IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for accuracy.

Can Woodward employees change their contribution percentage at any time?

Yes, Woodward employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the employee portal, subject to certain plan restrictions.

What investment options are available in Woodward's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Woodward's 401(k) Savings 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 the company match in Woodward's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Woodward has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

What should Woodward employees do if they forget their login information for the 401(k) portal?

If Woodward employees forget their login information, they can use the "Forgot Password" feature on the portal or contact HR for assistance.

Can Woodward employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Woodward employees may be able to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to the plan's rules and limits.

What happens to Woodward's 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves Woodward, they have several options for their 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if allowed.