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

2022 Year-End Tax Tips Baxter International

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Baxter International Baxter International primarily partners with a variety of global healthcare providers to ensure effective distribution and management of its medical products and services. Notable partnerships exist with organizations like the University of Chicago Medicine and various hospital systems across the United States, focusing on enhancing patient care through innovative medical technologies. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, substantial hikes in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Reports indicate that healthcare insurance premiums could surge by over 60% in some states, driven by higher medical costs and the possible expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. The Kaiser Family Foundation warns that nearly 22 million marketplace enrollees may face premium increases of up to 75%, exacerbating the financial challenges for many consumers. These dynamics create a precarious situation as both insurers and patients navigate escalating out-of-pocket expenses, raising concerns about access to affordable healthcare in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'For Baxter International 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 Baxter International 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 Baxter International 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 Baxter International 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 Baxter International 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 Baxter International, doing so may allow you to defer income tax payment until the following year.

2. Accelerate deductions

Employees and retirees of Baxter International 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 Baxter International 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 Baxter International, consider increasing your withholding on Form W-4 for the remainder of the year to cover the shortfall. Time may be limited for Baxter International 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 Baxter International 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 Baxter International company. If you are an employee of Baxter International and have not already contributed the maximum amount, you should consider doing so. For 2022, Baxter International 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 Baxter International-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 Baxter International, you are generally required to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and Baxter International-sponsored retirement plans (exceptions apply if you are still employed and participating in Baxter International'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 Baxter International, it is imperative that you make these distributions on time to avoid the late payment penalty.

7. Weigh year-end investment moves

Baxter International 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 Baxter International 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 are the eligibility requirements for participating in the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan, and how have they impacted employees who were hired after the participation closed date? Employees of Baxter International Inc. should be aware of the specific conditions that dictate eligibility to participate in the pension plan, as these factors determine the benefits they can receive upon retirement. Understanding how these age and service requirements are defined can significantly affect an employeeâ€™s retirement planning and financial security.

Eligibility Requirements for the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan Baxter International Inc. typically defines pension plan eligibility based on factors like age, years of service, and employment status at the participation closing date. Employees hired after the plan closure would not be eligible, affecting their long-term retirement planning and necessitating alternative retirement savings strategies.

How does Baxter International Inc. calculate the final average pay for pension benefits, and what are the implications of compensation limits set by the IRS for employees nearing retirement? As employees approach retirement, knowledge about how Baxter International Inc. determines final average pay based on their earnings is crucial since it directly impacts the pension benefits they will receive. Employees must also consider the IRS limits on eligible compensation to fully understand how their eventual pension payouts will be calculated.

Calculation of Final Average Pay at Baxter International Inc. The final average pay for Baxter International Inc.’s pension benefits is likely calculated based on an employee's highest earnings years near retirement. This calculation could be subject to IRS compensation limits, which cap the earnings used in the benefit formula, potentially reducing the pension benefits for higher-earning employees as they near retirement.

What options are available for Baxter International Inc. employees when they decide to retire early, and how do these options affect their overall pension benefits? Early retirement can have significant financial implications for employees of Baxter International Inc., making it important for them to understand their choices and how each option might influence their long-term pension benefits. This includes looking at reductions in benefits and the age-related criteria that might apply.

Early Retirement Options at Baxter International Inc. Baxter International Inc. may offer options like reduced benefits or specific early retirement packages. These options could lead to lower pension payouts compared to retiring at the normal age, influenced by factors such as the number of years before normal retirement age and the actuarial reductions applied.

How has the freezing of the Baxter International Inc. pension plan in 2022 created changes for current and future participants regarding their accumulated benefits? Employees must grasp the consequences of the 2022 freeze, as it halts any additional benefit accruals and what this means in terms of vesting and distribution of benefits upon retirement. This shift may affect their retirement funding strategies and financial future.

Impact of the 2022 Pension Plan Freeze at Baxter International Inc. The freezing of the pension plan in 2022 means Baxter International Inc. ceased the accrual of benefits for participants as of that date. This affects employees' retirement planning, as no further benefits are accrued beyond the freeze, potentially requiring them to seek alternative ways to enhance their retirement savings.

What are the potential tax implications for Baxter International Inc. employees when opting for different pension payment options upon retirement? Employees should carefully evaluate the tax consequences of various distribution choices within the Baxter International Inc. pension plan to make informed decisions that optimize their financial outcomes in retirement. This requires an understanding of how taxes are applied to lump-sum payments versus annuity distributions.

Tax Implications of Pension Payment Options at Baxter International Inc. The choice between lump-sum payments and annuities at Baxter International Inc. has distinct tax implications. Lump sums could be subject to immediate taxation, potentially at higher rates, whereas annuities provide a steady income stream and may be taxed more favorably depending on individual tax situations.

How does Baxter International Inc. accommodate rehires and transfers regarding their prior pension benefits, and what policies govern these scenarios? Understanding the specific rules concerning rehires at Baxter International Inc. can help former employees plan their career strategies and assess the impact on their pension benefits. Employees need clarity on how their previously accrued benefits are handled in such situations.

Rehire and Transfer Policies Regarding Pension Benefits at Baxter International Inc. For employees rehired or transferred at Baxter International Inc., pension benefits previously accrued may be reinstated or continued, depending on the company’s specific policies on service crediting and benefit calculation for returning employees.

What rights and protections do Baxter International Inc. employees have under ERISA concerning their pension benefits, and how can they enforce these rights? Employees should be aware of their entitlements under ERISA to protect their interests in the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan, including the procedures they can follow to challenge any denials of benefits. This knowledge empowers employees to safeguard their financial future effectively.

ERISA Rights and Protections for Employees of Baxter International Inc. Under ERISA, Baxter International Inc. employees are entitled to certain protections regarding their pension benefits, including the right to receive plan information, appeal denied claims, and sue for benefits and breaches of fiduciary duty. This legal framework ensures employees can effectively manage and protect their retirement benefits.

How does Baxter International Inc. ensure that pension benefits are secure, especially in the event of a plan termination or freezing event? Employees must comprehend the safeguards in place to protect their retirement assets in the event of potential changes to the pension plan status, which include federal agency involvement and how their vested rights are preserved.

Security of Pension Benefits at Baxter International Inc. In the event of plan termination or freezing, Baxter International Inc. must ensure that employees' pension benefits are secured, typically through insurance policies or federal agency guarantees such as those provided by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), safeguarding benefits against company insolvency or plan underfunding.

What steps should Baxter International Inc. employees take to prepare for their eventual retirement in light of the details specified in the pension plan description? Retirement preparation involves a comprehensive understanding of the elements laid out in the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan, including benefit calculations, retirement timing, and management of resources. Employees should consider this information when planning for a successful transition into retirement.

Preparation Steps for Retirement for Employees of Baxter International Inc. Employees should familiarize themselves with the details of the pension plan, such as benefit calculation methods, the impact of early retirement, and the integration of other retirement income sources. Engaging in financial planning and consulting with pension plan administrators or financial advisors can also help ensure a well-prepared retirement.

How can employees at Baxter International Inc. contact the company for more information regarding their pension plan and available benefits? Employees who seek clarity or assistance regarding their pension plan should know the appropriate channels and contact details to engage with Baxter International Inc. effectively. Resources available, including telephone numbers and administrative contacts, are paramount for employees navigating their retirement options.

Contacting Baxter International Inc. for Information on Pension Plans Employees needing further information or assistance regarding the Baxter International Inc. pension plan should contact the company’s HR department or pension plan administrator. Contact details are typically provided in the employee handbook or directly through the company's internal HR communication channels.

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

Baxter International announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs, including a reduction in workforce across several departments. Additionally, there are changes to their employee benefits program.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Baxter International at 1 Baxter Pkwy Deerfield, IL 60015; or by calling them at +1 224-948-2000.