Healthcare Provider Update: Polaris is associated with UnitedHealthcare as its primary healthcare provider. For Polaris employees, the anticipated spike in healthcare costs in 2026 is concerning. With recent projections indicating that Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums could surge by as much as 66% in certain states, many employees may face a substantial financial burden due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation. This means that individuals reliant on ACA marketplace plans could see their out-of-pocket expenses increase dramatically, complicating budgeting for healthcare needs in the upcoming year. It's crucial for these employees to take proactive measures to navigate the financial landscape they anticipate facing in 2026. Click here to learn more
'For Polaris 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 Polaris 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:
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1. Tax strategies for employees and retirees of Polaris companies, including deferring income and accelerating deductions.
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2. Charitable contributions and their impact on tax returns for individuals who itemize deductions.
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3. The importance of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and year-end investment decisions.
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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 Polaris 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 Polaris companies to consider as they evaluate potential tax moves between now and the end of the year.
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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 Polaris, doing so may allow you to defer income tax payment until the following year.
2. Accelerate deductions
Employees and retirees of Polaris 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 Polaris 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 Polaris, consider increasing your withholding on Form W-4 for the remainder of the year to cover the shortfall. Time may be limited for Polaris 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 Polaris 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 Polaris company. If you are an employee of Polaris and have not already contributed the maximum amount, you should consider doing so. For 2022, Polaris 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 Polaris-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 Polaris, you are generally required to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and Polaris-sponsored retirement plans (exceptions apply if you are still employed and participating in Polaris'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 Polaris, it is imperative that you make these distributions on time to avoid the late payment penalty.
7. Weigh year-end investment moves
Polaris 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 Polaris 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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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 Polaris 401(k) plan?
The Polaris 401(k) 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 basis.
How can I enroll in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Polaris 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.
What is the employer match for the Polaris 401(k) plan?
Polaris offers a competitive employer match for the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of your contributions up to a certain limit. Please refer to the benefits guide for specific details.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
The Polaris 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help you diversify your portfolio.
When can I start withdrawing from my Polaris 401(k) plan?
You can start withdrawing from your Polaris 401(k) plan without penalty after reaching the age of 59½, but there are also options for hardship withdrawals under certain circumstances.
Does Polaris offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Polaris offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free.
How often can I make changes to my investments in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
You can typically make changes to your investment allocations in the Polaris 401(k) plan on a regular basis, often daily, depending on the plan's rules.
What happens to my Polaris 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Polaris, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (which may incur taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Polaris plan if allowed.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Polaris 401(k) plan?
Yes, Polaris has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning you will need to work for the company for a certain period before you fully own the matched funds.