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2022 Year-End Tax Tips Amazon

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Healthcare Provider Update: Amazon has partnered with One Medical as its primary healthcare provider. One Medical offers a membership model aimed at providing accessible and efficient healthcare, including virtual visits and same-day appointments. As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, a trend attributed to various factors including the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many states are bracing for steep premium hikes, with some individual markets seeing increases exceeding 60%, which could push out-of-pocket costs for consumers up by more than 75%. This perfect storm of escalating medical expenses, combined with insurers pursuing aggressive rate hikes, underscores the urgent need for consumers to prepare for the financial implications of rising healthcare costs in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'For Amazon employees, proactive tax planning strategies, like deferring income and accelerating deductions, can significantly enhance retirement readiness, and working with an advisor like Kevin Landis from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, can help you make the most of these opportunities.'

'As the tax landscape evolves, it's crucial for Amazon employees to carefully weigh year-end moves such as contributing to retirement accounts or adjusting withholding, and an advisor like Brent Wolf from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, can guide you in optimizing your tax strategy for long-term financial success.'

In this article we will discuss:

  • 1. Tax strategies for employees and retirees of Amazon companies, including deferring income and accelerating deductions.

  • 2. Charitable contributions and their impact on tax returns for individuals who itemize deductions.

  • 3. The importance of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and year-end investment decisions.

  • According to a recent study by the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI), a leading financial research firm, 60% of Baby Boomers plan to continue working in some capacity during retirement. This means that for many employees and retirees of Amazon companies, tax planning strategies will continue to be relevant well beyond retirement age. It is important for this demographic to consider the impact of their retirement income on their tax liabilities, as well as the tax implications of continuing to work in retirement. With that taken into account, Here are some factors for employees and retirees of Amazon companies to consider as they evaluate potential tax moves between now and the end of the year.

  • 1. Defer income to next year

Consider opportunities to defer income until 2023, especially if you believe you will be in a reduced tax bracket in 2023. For instance, you may be able to defer an end-of-year bonus or delay the collection of business debts, rent, and service payments. As an employee of Amazon, doing so may allow you to defer income tax payment until the following year.

2. Accelerate deductions

Employees and retirees of Amazon should also seek opportunities to accelerate deductions into the current tax year. If you itemize deductions, paying medical expenses, qualifying interest, and state taxes before the end of the year (instead of paying them in early 2023) could affect your 2022 tax return.

3. Make deductible charitable contributions

Generally, if you are an employee of Amazon and itemize deductions on your federal income tax return, you can deduct charitable contributions up 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 donate and the type of organization to which you donate. (Exceeding quantities may be carried forward for a maximum of five years.)

4. Bump up withholding to cover a tax shortfall

If it appears that you will incur federal income tax for the year as an employee of Amazon, consider increasing your withholding on Form W-4 for the remainder of the year to cover the shortfall. Time may be limited for Amazon employees to request a Form W-4 modification and for their employers to implement the change by 2022. The greatest benefit is that withholding is considered to have been paid equitably throughout the year, as opposed to when the dollars are actually deducted from your paycheck. This strategy can be utilized by employees of Amazon to make up for missed or insufficient quarterly estimated tax payments.

5. Save more for retirement

You can reduce your 2022 taxable income through contributions to a traditional IRA and a 401(k) sponsored by a Amazon company. If you are an employee of Amazon and have not already contributed the maximum amount, you should consider doing so. For 2022, Amazon employees can contribute up to $20,500 to a 401(k) plan ($27,000 if over 50) and up to $6,000 to traditional and Roth IRAs combined ($7,000 if over 50).* The window for 2022 contributions to a Amazon-sponsored plan typically concludes at the end of the year, whereas the deadline for 2022 IRA contributions is April 18, 2023.

Contributions to a Roth account are not tax-deductible, but qualified Roth distributions are not taxable.

6. Take the required minimum distributions

If you are 72 or older and work for Amazon, you are generally required to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and Amazon-sponsored retirement plans (exceptions apply if you are still employed and participating in Amazon's retirement plan). The deadline for withdrawals is typically the end of the year for most individuals. The penalty for noncompliance is severe: fifty percent of the quantity that was not distributed on time. As an employee of Amazon, it is imperative that you make these distributions on time to avoid the late payment penalty.

7. Weigh year-end investment moves

Amazon employees and retirees shouldn't let tax considerations dictate investment decisions. Nonetheless, you should consider the tax implications of any year-end investment decisions. If you have realized net capital gains from the sale of securities at a profit, you may be able to avoid taxation on some or all of these gains by selling negative positions. Any losses in excess of your gains as an employee of Amazon can be used to mitigate up to $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 if your filing status is married filing separately) or carried forward to reduce your tax liability in future years.

Conclusion

Preparing your taxes is like taking care of your health. Just as you need to stay on top of your physical well-being to prevent future health issues, you also need to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to ensure that you're not hit with unexpected tax liabilities in the future. By deferring income, accelerating deductions, making charitable contributions, and contributing to your retirement accounts, you can ensure that your financial health is in good shape for the years ahead. Just as you wouldn't skip your annual check-up, you shouldn't overlook the importance of taking care of your taxes.

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Sources :

1. Weltman, Barbara. '5 Tax Planning Strategies for Your Retirement Income.'  Investopedia , 3 Oct. 2022,  https://www.investopedia.com/retirement/tax-strategies-your-retirement-income/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

2. Morgan Stanley. 'Tax-Smart Strategies for Your Retirement.'  Morgan Stanley , 2023,  https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/tax-strategies-for-retirement?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

3. Vanguard. 'Tax-Efficient Retirement Strategy.'  Vanguard , 2023,  https://investor.vanguard.com/advice/tax-efficient-retirement-strategy?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

4. Thrivent. '6 Retirement Tax Planning Strategies You Should Know.'  Thrivent , 2023,  https://www.thrivent.com/insights/taxes/6-retirement-tax-planning-strategies-you-should-know?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

5. New York Life Insurance. 'Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement.'  New York Life Insurance , 2023,  https://www.newyorklife.com/articles/tax-considerations-in-retirement?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

What type of retirement savings plan does Amazon offer to its employees?

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

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

Yes, Amazon provides a matching contribution for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, up to a certain percentage.

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

Amazon employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal after meeting eligibility requirements.

What is the eligibility requirement for Amazon employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Typically, Amazon employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

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

Amazon's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Can Amazon employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Amazon employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the employee benefits portal.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Amazon employees participating in the 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Amazon employees is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the current limits.

Does Amazon allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Amazon allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What happens to an Amazon employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

If an Amazon employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it with Amazon, or cash it out.

Are there any fees associated with Amazon's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with managing the investments within Amazon's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
401(k) plan with company match, various investment options and financial planning resources.
Amazon announced its largest layoffs in company history, affecting over 27,000 employees in 2023-2024. This includes 18,000 roles cut in January 2023 and an additional 9,000 announced in March 2023. The layoffs impact various divisions, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), People Experience and Technology (PXT), advertising, and Twitch. These decisions are part of Amazon's efforts to streamline operations and cut costs amidst declining retail sales and economic uncertainty. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the need to be leaner while continuing to invest in key long-term customer experiences. Employees affected by the layoffs are being provided with separation payments, transitional health insurance benefits, and external job placement support.
Amazon.com Inc. provides stock options (SOs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation. SOs allow employees to buy stock at a set price after vesting. RSUs vest over four years, with a specific schedule: 5% after the first year, 15% after the second, and 20% every six months for the remaining two years. In 2022, Amazon emphasized performance-based RSUs. In 2023, Amazon adjusted equity strategies to align with market conditions. By 2024, Amazon expanded RSU programs to include more employees. Executives, management, and broader employees are eligible for these plans. [Source: Justia, 2022 Employee Stock Plan; MyStockOptions; Consilio Wealth Advisors]
Amazon offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package aimed at supporting the diverse needs of its employees. For 2023, Amazon provided a range of healthcare options, including medical, dental, and vision plans that begin on the first day of employment. These plans include Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to help employees manage out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Amazon also expanded its mental health resources, offering free counseling sessions, 24/7 virtual mental health support through the Twill app, and specialized support for children's mental health through a partnership with Brightline. These enhancements underscore Amazon’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its workforce. In 2024, Amazon continues to build on its robust benefits offerings. The company has introduced additional wellness programs, including emergency savings funds and financial assistance programs, to help employees prepare for unexpected expenses. Moreover, Amazon has improved its paid parental leave policies, providing up to 20 weeks of paid leave for birth parents and six weeks for eligible supporting parents. This holistic approach to employee benefits is particularly important in today’s economic and political climate, where healthcare affordability and access are critical issues. By continually updating its benefits package, Amazon ensures its employees are well-supported in maintaining their health and financial security.
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https://www.amazon.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.amazon.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.amazon.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.amazon.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.amazon.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.amazon.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.amazon.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.amazon.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.amazon.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.amazon.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

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