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2022 Year-End Tax Tips Ecolab

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ecolab: The primary healthcare provider for Ecolab is UnitedHealthcare, which offers various insurance plans to employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to surge significantly due to a confluence of factors, with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace premiums expected to rise by 18% on average. Notably, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies could lead to out-of-pocket costs for many consumers soaring by over 75%. This unprecedented hike is attributed to higher medical costs, aggressive pricing strategies from major insurers, and the financial pressures stemming from record profits in the insurance sector, ultimately making healthcare less accessible for numerous individuals and families. Click here to learn more

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

2. Accelerate deductions

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

7. Weigh year-end investment moves

Ecolab 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 Ecolab 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 is the Ecolab 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Ecolab 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them build a financial cushion for retirement.

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

Ecolab employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company's employee benefits website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the employer match for Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan?

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

At what age can Ecolab employees start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ecolab employees can typically start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements, usually upon hire or after a specified waiting period.

What types of contributions can Ecolab employees make to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ecolab employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

How does Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan help with retirement planning?

Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan helps employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary, benefit from employer matching contributions, and take advantage of tax-deferred growth.

Can Ecolab employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ecolab employees can change their contribution percentage at any time throughout the year, subject to plan rules and limits.

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

Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

Is there a vesting schedule for Ecolab's employer match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ecolab has a vesting schedule for the employer match in the 401(k) Savings Plan, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

How can Ecolab employees access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information?

Ecolab employees can access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information online through the designated retirement plan portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Ecolab implemented restructuring initiatives, including the Europe Cost Savings Program, expected to save $80 million annually by 2024. This involved charges related to severance and asset disposals. Company Benefit Changes: Ecolab supported employees with retention and productivity measures amidst economic challenges. Investments continued in innovatio
Ecolab provides stock options (SOs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). SOs allow employees to purchase stock at a fixed price after vesting. RSUs vest over three to four years. In 2022, Ecolab emphasized performance-based RSUs. In 2023, Ecolab maintained its strategy with performance metrics. By 2024, Ecolab expanded RSU programs. Executives, management, and broader employees are eligible. [Source: Ecolab Annual Report 2022, p. 48; Ecolab Q4 2023 Report, p. 20; Ecolab Q2 2024 Report, p. 15]
Ecolab offers a robust and comprehensive benefits package to support the health and well-being of its employees. For 2023, Ecolab provided a variety of healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees could choose between different medical plans, such as PPO and HSA options, tailored to meet various healthcare needs and financial situations. These plans include coverage for preventive care, major medical services, and prescription medications. Additionally, Ecolab offers mental health support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), which provide counseling services and wellness resources to promote overall mental well-being. In 2024, Ecolab has continued to enhance its benefits offerings. The company provides Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with significant employer contributions to help employees manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs effectively. Ecolab also offers flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses. The comprehensive benefits package includes fertility support, adoption assistance, and generous parental leave policies. These enhancements are particularly important in the current economic and political climate, where healthcare affordability and accessibility are significant concerns. By continuously updating its benefits, Ecolab ensures its workforce is well-supported, fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ecolab at 1 Ecolab Place St. Paul, MN 55102; or by calling them at (800) 232-6522.

https://www.ecolab.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.ecolab.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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