Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sonic Automotive Sonic Automotive primarily offers its employees health insurance through a plan established with Aetna, which provides comprehensive healthcare coverage and plans tailored for the company's workforce needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, Sonic Automotive and its employees are likely to face significant healthcare cost increases, driven predominantly by a convergence of factors. A projected rise of 8.5% in employer-sponsored insurance costs reflects ongoing inflation in medical expenses and the staggering demands placed on health providers. Additionally, the potential expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies may force many employees to bear higher out-of-pocket costs. As these shifts unfold, it may become critical for Sonic Automotive to evaluate its healthcare strategies and potentially adjust its offerings to mitigate the financial impact on its workforce. Click here to learn more
'For Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive, doing so may allow you to defer income tax payment until the following year.
2. Accelerate deductions
Employees and retirees of Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive, consider increasing your withholding on Form W-4 for the remainder of the year to cover the shortfall. Time may be limited for Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive company. If you are an employee of Sonic Automotive and have not already contributed the maximum amount, you should consider doing so. For 2022, Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive-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 Sonic Automotive, you are generally required to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and Sonic Automotive-sponsored retirement plans (exceptions apply if you are still employed and participating in Sonic Automotive'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 Sonic Automotive, it is imperative that you make these distributions on time to avoid the late payment penalty.
7. Weigh year-end investment moves
Sonic Automotive 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 Sonic Automotive 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.
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
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 401(k) plan offered by Sonic Automotive?
The 401(k) plan at Sonic Automotive is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
Does Sonic Automotive match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sonic Automotive offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping to boost your retirement savings.
When can employees at Sonic Automotive enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Sonic Automotive can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding or during the annual open enrollment period.
How much can employees contribute to the Sonic Automotive 401(k) plan?
Employees can contribute up to the IRS limit set for the year, which can vary annually. Sonic Automotive encourages employees to check the current limits.
What types of investments are available in the Sonic Automotive 401(k) plan?
The Sonic Automotive 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Sonic Automotive's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sonic Automotive has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means that employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.
Can employees at Sonic Automotive take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Sonic Automotive allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Sonic Automotive?
If you leave Sonic Automotive, you can roll over your 401(k) savings into another qualified retirement plan, withdraw the funds, or leave them in the Sonic Automotive plan, depending on the balance.
How can employees at Sonic Automotive access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Sonic Automotive’s plan administrator.
Does Sonic Automotive offer financial planning resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?
Yes, Sonic Automotive provides access to financial planning resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.