Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Occidental Petroleum Occidental Petroleum collaborates with Lyra Health to provide enhanced mental health benefits. This partnership offers employees access to cost-free mental and emotional healthcare, focusing on making effective services convenient and accessible. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs for employees at Occidental Petroleum are expected to rise significantly due to various market pressures. A recent forecast indicates an overall increase of approximately 8.5% in healthcare spending, driven by rising hospital and health system operating costs, along with increased demand for behavioral health services. Additionally, if enhanced federal premium subsidies for ACA marketplace plans are allowed to expire, many employees could face drastic hikes in their out-of-pocket costs. This scenario underscores the need for proactive planning and strategic adjustments in employee healthcare benefits amid a shifting economic landscape. Click here to learn more
'The new 2023 retirement contribution limits present Occidental Petroleum employees with a good prospect to improve their financial position by making the most of tax-deferred investments because this practice helps them build up their retirement funds.' Consulting with Tyson Mavar , a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, reveals that “
'T he 2023 contribution limits present Occidental Petroleum employees with a chance to improve their retirement savings so that they can enhance their financial security just before they retire.” Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, says, 'The revised contribution limits in 2023 are a chance for Occidental Petroleum employees to increase their retirement contributions and, therefore, improve their financial security near the time of their retirement.'
In this article, we will discuss:
1. Some of these cost-of-living adjustments have risen to nearly historical levels due to persistently high inflation and financial instability in the recent past.
2. Keep in mind that this post is intended to provide information only and therefore you should talk to an accounting or tax advisor before modifying your 2023 tax plan.
3. You can also contact your financial advisor to see if he or she can offer information about the changes coming your way.
Last Update:
This blog post was updated to include further guidance on the new year's implications for Occidental Petroleum employees.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Beginning in 2023, traditional IRAs for Occidental Petroleum workers will allow a maximum contribution of $6,500, which is $500 more than the previous year. The amount of catch-up contributions made by people over fifty remains at $1,000 which makes the total contribution limit $7,500. Individuals must withdraw funds from their Traditional IRA accounts no later than their 73rd birthday because withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and withdrawals before age 59½ may attract a 10% federal income tax penalty.
Roth IRAs Due to the phase-out inco:me range increased by $9,000, Roth IRA contributions for Occidental Petroleum employees will phase out for single filers and heads of household between $138,000 and $153,000, and for married couples filing jointly up to $228,000. The phase-out range for married individuals filing separately stays at $0 – $10,000. For Occidental Petroleum employees to be eligible for tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals of earnings from Roth 401(k) distributions, the plans must have been held for at least five years and the participant must be age 59½ or older; other exceptions include the death of the plan owner.
Workplace Retirement Accounts The 2023 allowance for Occidental Petroleum employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, and similar accounts will be $22,500, which is $2,000 more than the previous year. At age 50 participants can contribute an extra $7,500 so their contribution limit becomes $30,000. In most cases, you are obligated to begin taking minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined-contribution plans at age 73. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if withdrawn prior to age 59½, may incur a 10% federal income tax penalty.
SIMPLE Accounts The limit on contributions to this incentive match plan for Occidental Petroleum employees will be $15,500 in 2023, after a $1,500 increase. The following are the reasons why you can’t withdraw money from your SIMPLE account: Just like a traditional IRA, you must start receiving your SIMPLE account distribution at age 73. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if withdrawn prior to age 59½, may incur a 10% federal income tax penalty.
Important Note:
This post is meant to be informative only and therefore you should seek advice from a tax or accounting professional before you modify your 2018 tax plan.
Stripped Fact:
Here is some new information for employees of Occidental Petroleum companies in 2023: The annual limit on Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions has risen for the first time. The IRS has raised the HSA contribution limit for people with high-deductible health plans covering only themselves to $3,700 from $3,650 in the previous year. The HSA contribution limit for people with family coverage plans will now be $7,400 which is $100 more. Because of these higher contribution limits, Occidental Petroleum employees can save more in an HSA in order to fund future healthcare expenses and do so in a way that is taxed far less aggressively, which will serve as a big help in retirement. (Source: IRS.gov, Revenue Procedure 2022-48, November 2022)
Stripped Analogy:
Your retirement savings should be thought of as a perfectly calculated recipe that if properly followed will result in a happy and wealthy future. Just as a good chef will have to put more of this or that into the dish to make it taste better, retirement contributions for Occidental Petroleum employees also need to be optimized for the best financial result. The 2023 retirement contribution limits are the special ingredient that will make your retirement plan taste better. Just as salt adds flavor to food, then you will be able to put more money into your retirement accounts. Just as it helps to bring out the flavor of a dish, it will be to your benefit to contribute to your retirement accounts up to the new limits. So, use these limits as the key to your retirement recipe and through their help, make sure that you can enjoy your golden years to the fullest.
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!
Sources:
1. Internal Revenue Service. 'Retirement Topics - IRA Contribution Limits.' IRS, July 2023, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-ira-contribution-limits .
2. Internal Revenue Service. 'Publication 969 (2024), Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans.' IRS, January 2024, https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969 .
3. Internal Revenue Service. 'Retirement Topics - 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan Contribution Limits.' IRS, July 2023, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-401k-and-profit-sharing-plan-contribution-limits .
4. Fidelity Investments. 'HSA Contribution Limits 2024.' Fidelity Investments, January 2024, https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/hsa-contribution-limits .
5. Internal Revenue Service. 'Taxpayers Should Review the 401(k) and IRA Limit Increases for 2023.' IRS, November 2022, https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-review-the-401k-and-ira-limit-increases-for-2023 .
What are the key provisions of the Occidental Petroleum Corporation Retirement Plan that employees should understand to maximize their benefits, and how does the company structure its contributions relative to employees' earnings? As employees of Occidental Petroleum Corporation consider their retirement planning, it's vital to grasp how the company's contributions function, particularly concerning the wage base and annual earnings limits.
Key Provisions of the Occidental Petroleum Corporation Retirement Plan: The Occidental Petroleum Corporation Retirement Plan is fully funded by the company, with contributions based on an employee's annual earnings. The company contributes 7% of annual earnings up to the Social Security wage base ($137,700 in 2020) and 12% on earnings above the wage base. This structure is designed to help employees build substantial retirement savings. The plan's benefit limits align with IRS regulations, and employees should be aware of how these contributions are applied based on annual earnings limits to maximize their benefits(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
How can Occidental Petroleum Corporation employees manage their investment options within the Retirement Plan, and what resources does the company provide to help them make informed decisions? The investment options available through the Occidental Petroleum Corporation Retirement Plan serve as a significant tool for employees wishing to tailor their retirement savings according to their financial goals and risk tolerance. Understanding these options can be complex and requires an in-depth exploration of available funds, associated risks, and projected performance.
Managing Investment Options: Occidental Petroleum employees have control over how contributions to their Retirement Plan are invested. The plan offers various investment funds, including bond and stock market index funds, and target date funds. Employees can manage their investment elections through the online platform, oxy.voya.com, which also provides fund performance data and advice resources, such as Online Advice and Professional Management services, to assist employees in making informed decisions(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
In what ways do vesting schedules impact employees' retirement benefits at Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and what rights do employees have under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regarding these benefits? Navigating the vesting schedule can make a profound difference in the go-forward retirement landscape for employees. Occidental Petroleum Corporation offers a structured approach to vesting, impacting when benefits are owned outright, and understanding the implications of ERISA for retirement planning is essential for all employees.
Impact of Vesting Schedules: Occidental Petroleum's Retirement Plan vests fully after three years of service. Employees are always fully vested in any Rollover accounts. Vesting schedules impact when employees can fully claim their retirement benefits, with protections under ERISA that guarantee the right to earned benefits. Employees who leave before vesting forfeit the nonvested portion of the company’s contributions(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…)(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
What are the distribution options available for employees of Occidental Petroleum Corporation when they reach retirement age, and how do these options affect their financial planning? The variety of distribution options at Occidental Petroleum Corporation can create a much more personalized retirement plan, allowing employees to consider how best to receive their benefits while factoring in tax implications and future income needs.
Distribution Options at Retirement: Employees reaching retirement age (60) have multiple distribution options from the Retirement Plan, including lump sum payments and annuity options. These choices impact financial planning, as each option has different tax and income implications, allowing employees to tailor their benefits to their future financial needs(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…)(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
How does Occidental Petroleum Corporation support employees who experience disability, and what provisions are in place for continuing retirement contributions during such periods? Understanding the support structure provided by the company, specifically in relation to short-term and long-term disability, is crucial for employees who may find themselves in unexpected circumstances. It’s important for them to know whether retirement contributions will continue during their disability or if they might need to make adjustments to their financial planning.
Disability and Retirement Contributions: Occidental Petroleum continues to contribute to the Retirement Plan if an employee is receiving short-term disability benefits. The contributions are based on the employee's actual pay during the disability period. This provision ensures that retirement savings can continue during times of temporary disability, supporting long-term financial planning(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
How can employees at Occidental Petroleum Corporation ensure their beneficiary designations remain current and what are the implications of these designations for estate planning? The process of maintaining accurate beneficiary designations is critical for the smooth transition of retirement benefits, and employees must be aware of how changes in personal circumstances can impact these designations.
Beneficiary Designations: Employees should regularly update their beneficiary designations to ensure their retirement benefits are directed as desired upon their death. Changes in personal circumstances such as marriage, divorce, or the death of a previously designated beneficiary should prompt an update. Failure to do so may result in unintended allocations(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…)(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Occidental Petroleum Corporation Retirement Plan, and how do these requirements differ for various employee categories, such as full-time versus part-time employees? Recognizing the nuances of eligibility criteria within the retirement plan is essential for employees to understand when they can begin to participate and what contributions may apply, especially if they transition between roles.
Eligibility Requirements: Full-time and part-time non-union employees and some union-represented employees are eligible to participate in the plan. Contributions begin automatically on the first day of the month of employment or eligibility. Understanding the specific eligibility requirements, especially for employees transitioning between full-time and part-time roles, ensures accurate participation and benefit accumulation(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
How can employees reach out to Occidental Petroleum Corporation for assistance regarding their Retirement Plan benefits, and what are the best practices for ensuring their inquiries are addressed promptly? Effective communication with the company is key during the retirement planning process. Employees should know how to navigate company channels to maximize their understanding of benefits available to them.
Contacting Occidental Petroleum for Assistance: Employees can manage their retirement plan and address inquiries through the Oxy Retirement Service Center and the oxy.voya.com platform. Best practices for ensuring prompt responses include using the appropriate online tools and staying informed about plan updates and changes(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
What are the tax implications of distributions from the Occidental Petroleum Corporation Retirement Plan, and how can employees plan accordingly to minimize their tax burden during retirement? Having a comprehensive understanding of how taxes will impact withdrawals is crucial for employees as they strategize their retirement income, and these tax considerations can play a significant role in long-term financial planning.
Tax Implications of Distributions: Distributions from the Occidental Petroleum Retirement Plan are subject to standard federal and state taxes, including required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 72. Employees should consider consulting a tax advisor to minimize tax burdens and maximize retirement income by understanding the specific tax consequences of various distribution options(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).
How does Occidental Petroleum Corporation's retirement plan structure address the needs of employees transitioning from active service to retirement, particularly in terms of investment performance and management of existing accounts? As employees consider retirement, they should be well-informed about how the company manages contributions already made, ensuring that their investment strategy aligns with their anticipated retirement lifestyle and goals.
Transition from Active Service to Retirement: Occidental Petroleum supports employees transitioning to retirement by continuing contributions and offering a range of investment options that align with long-term financial goals. This structure allows employees to manage their investments effectively during retirement, ensuring that the plan remains aligned with their financial objectives(Occidental_Petroleum_Co…).