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

What Cheniere Energy Employees Should Know About 2025 and 2026 Federal Tax Brackets

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Cheniere Energy Cheniere Energy, a leading American producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), partners with various healthcare providers for its employee benefits. One such provider is Cigna, known for offering comprehensive medical insurance solutions tailored to employer-sponsored plans, ensuring that Cheniere's workforce has access to essential health services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As healthcare costs continue to escalate, Cheniere Energy and its employees may face significant increases in 2026 due to projected rate hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Without the renewal of enhanced federal subsidies, many consumers, including Cheniere's workforce, could see their out-of-pocket premiums surge by over 75%. The combination of rising medical expenses, driven by both inflation and increased utilization of healthcare services, is expected to put additional financial pressure on employees. Employers may need to navigate these rising costs, potentially leading to greater shifts in healthcare expenses to their workforce. Click here to learn more

'Cheniere Energy employees can benefit from understanding how progressive tax brackets influence long-term income planning,' explains Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement. 'That's why I encourage individuals to review these rules carefully and consult a qualified tax professional for guidance tailored to their situation.'

'Cheniere Energy employees can gain clarity in their retirement planning by recognizing how federal tax brackets shape income decisions,' says Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement. 'I encourage individuals to work with a qualified tax professional to evaluate how these rules may apply to their circumstances.'

In this article, we will discuss:

How federal tax brackets work and why they matter.
How taxable income is calculated for retirement planning.
Strategies that may help reduce taxable income.

Navigating taxes can feel more manageable when you understand how your income is allocated to various federal tax bands. Income tax is calculated by the IRS using seven brackets that adjust annually for inflation. You do not pay the same rate on every dollar you earn because income is taxed progressively. Instead, your taxable income is divided into ranges, each taxed at its own rate. Cheniere Energy employees can benefit from understanding how their tax brackets may change as they prepare for retirement income decisions.

Below are the IRS’s official 2025 and 2026 bracket tables, along with an explanation of how federal brackets work. The Retirement Group can help review how these rules may influence your long-term income strategy. You can reach us at (800) 900-5867 .

How Federal Tax Brackets Work

The seven federal income tax brackets in the United States are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% .

This progressive structure means that each additional portion of income is taxed according to the next bracket as taxable income increases, which may be important for Cheniere Energy employees reviewing future retirement income.

Your marginal tax rate applies to the last dollar of taxable income you earn. Your effective tax rate represents the overall percentage of income paid toward federal tax after all brackets are applied.

Your tax brackets also depend on the filing status you choose:

- Single
- Married filing jointly
- Married filing separately
- Head of household (single with a qualifying dependent)

The IRS adjusts these brackets every year to account for inflation.

How Your Taxable Income Is Calculated

To determine taxable income, start by adding all sources of taxable income, such as interest, qualifying pre-2019 alimony, tips, bonuses, and both employment and freelance earnings.

Next, subtract items already included on your W-2, such as contributions to a health savings account (HSA) or retirement plan contributions through your employer (401(k)).

Then subtract either your itemized deductions or the standard deduction—whichever applies. The remaining amount is your taxable income.

A Federal Effective Tax Rate Example

If a married couple with $150,000 in total income files jointly in 2025 and takes the standard deduction of $31,500 , their taxable income becomes $118,500 . Their federal tax calculation would look like this:

- 10% on the first $23,850 → $2,385
- 12% on $23,851 to $96,950 → $8,772
- 22% on the remaining amount up to $118,500 → $4,741

- Total federal income tax: $15,898

- Effective tax rate: approximately 10.6%

(All bracket values sourced from IRS inflation adjustment notices above.)

Possible Strategies to Lower Taxable Income

These approaches may help reduce taxable income and potentially push you into a lower tax bracket:

- Contributing to traditional IRAs or employer retirement plans
- Adding funds to an HSA if enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan
- Using tax-loss harvesting in taxable brokerage accounts
- Considering the timing of controlled income, such as bonuses or freelance payments

Starting in 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize may deduct up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) for eligible cash charitable contributions.

Do You Have Questions About How Taxes Influence Retirement?

Federal tax brackets play a key role in retirement planning, especially when reviewing withdrawal timing, Social Security decisions, and income sources. Cheniere Energy employees can explore how tax rules fit into their broader retirement planning with guidance from The Retirement Group .

For personalized retirement discussions, call us at (800) 900-5867 .

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Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. Revenue Procedure 2024-40. 22 Oct. 2024,
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-24-40.pdf . Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

2. Tax Policy Center. “How Do Federal Income Tax Rates Work?” Tax Policy Center Briefing Book , Jan. 2024,
https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/how-do-federal-income-tax-rates-work . Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

3. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). “Retirement Accounts.” FINRA for Investors ,
https://www.finra.org/investors/investing/investment-accounts/retirement-accounts . Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

4. Adams, Hayden. “Using Tax Brackets to Manage Your Taxable Income.” Charles Schwab , 12 Feb. 2025,
https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/using-tax-brackets-to-manage-your-taxable-income . Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

5. Vanguard. “Year-End Tax-Savings Tips.” Vanguard Investor Resources & Education , 26 Aug. 2025,
https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/year-end-tax-tips . Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does Cheniere Energy offer to its employees?

Cheniere Energy offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Cheniere Energy provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cheniere Energy provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Cheniere Energy's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Cheniere Energy are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can employees at Cheniere Energy choose how much they want to contribute to their 401(k)?

Yes, employees at Cheniere Energy can choose their contribution percentage, subject to IRS limits.

Are there any investment options available in Cheniere Energy's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cheniere Energy's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees at Cheniere Energy change their 401(k) contributions?

Employees at Cheniere Energy can typically change their 401(k) contributions at any time, subject to plan rules.

What happens to my 401(k) contributions if I leave Cheniere Energy?

If you leave Cheniere Energy, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Cheniere Energy plan, depending on the plan's rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for Cheniere Energy's matching contributions?

Yes, Cheniere Energy has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

Can employees at Cheniere Energy take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Cheniere Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

Are there hardship withdrawal options available in Cheniere Energy's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cheniere Energy's 401(k) plan may allow for hardship withdrawals under certain circumstances as defined by the plan guidelines.

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

Cheniere Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan for employees. For the 401(k) plan, Cheniere Energy matches employee contributions up to 6% of their compensation, with immediate vesting in the company’s contributions. This ensures that employees benefit from the company's commitment to their financial security. The company contributed $16 million to the 401(k) plan in 2022, demonstrating its dedication to supporting retirement savings (Cheniere Energy, Inc.) (Cheniere). In addition to the 401(k) plan, Cheniere provides a long-term incentive plan through an equity program that allows employees to contribute to the company's long-term performance. This program enhances the retirement options for employees, ensuring that they are rewarded for their contributions to Cheniere's success. The benefits package includes statutory leave, maternity and paternity leave, adoption leave, and wellness programs to further support employees in various life stages (Cheniere). For detailed specifics, including terms and conditions, the name of the pension plan, and age and service qualifications, you would need to refer to Cheniere’s internal benefits documentation or their annual reports. These reports contain the breakdown of the company's contribution and retirement benefits. Detailed information regarding the plans can be sourced from their official filings, such as the 2022 Annual Report on file with the SEC, particularly the benefits-related sections on pages 47 to 102 (Cheniere Energy, Inc.).

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2024, Cheniere Energy continued to face financial challenges primarily driven by lower international gas prices and reduced margins. While there hasn't been a major layoff event reported, there has been a significant decrease in EBITDA and net income due to moderating gas prices and higher proportions of long-term contracts. The strategic restructuring has been focused on optimizing operations and expanding existing projects, rather than major employee reductions (Cheniere Energy, Inc.) (Cheniere Energy, Inc.). Importance: This news is critical to address in the current economic and political environment, where energy prices remain volatile, and investment returns are closely tied to global energy demands. The strategic decisions Cheniere makes in restructuring directly impact future profitability, especially given their reliance on international markets. The focus on sustaining operations amidst fluctuating energy prices is essential to maintaining their financial stability. Benefit, Pension, and 401(k) Changes: Cheniere Energy offers competitive benefits, including a 6% match on 401(k) contributions and strong pension plans. However, in 2023-2024, no major revisions to these benefits have been reported. The company continues to provide defined contribution pension plans as well as retirement plans that are integral to their employee retention efforts. The consistency in benefits, despite the market pressures, suggests a commitment to retaining talent during financial fluctuations (Cheniere Energy, Inc.) (Cheniere Energy, Inc.). Importance: Addressing these benefits is crucial in the current investment and tax environment, as changes to pension and 401(k) plans could have significant impacts on employee retention and long-term financial planning. The company's steady approach to maintaining competitive benefits is a key element of its strategy to secure a stable workforce, even amid economic uncertainty and evolving political tax policies.

Cheniere Energy (LNG) offers both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its equity compensation package for employees. These awards are typically granted as part of annual incentive programs or long-term incentive plans (LTIPs). Stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price, often vested over a period, typically three to five years, while RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares upon meeting vesting requirements. In 2022, Cheniere Energy granted significant equity awards as part of its performance-based compensation strategy. Share-based compensation expenses for the year totaled $205 million, reflecting the company's commitment to rewarding long-term performance (Cheniere Energy, Inc.) (Cheniere Energy, Inc.). These RSUs and stock options were made available to both executives and non-executive employees. For 2023, the company continued issuing stock options and RSUs as part of its long-term incentive plan (LTIP). Share-based compensation expenses reached $128 million during the first nine months of 2023 (Cheniere Energy, Inc.). Cheniere Energy's RSUs vest over a specific period, ensuring alignment between employee performance and shareholder value growth. Eligibility for these stock options and RSUs is determined based on role, seniority, and performance at Cheniere Energy. Both corporate executives and key non-executive personnel are typically granted these equity incentives as part of Cheniere’s ongoing talent retention strategy (Cheniere Energy, Inc.) (Cheniere Energy, Inc.).

Cheniere Energy provides its employees with a comprehensive healthcare benefits package that reflects the company's commitment to well-being and family support. Employees are offered medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as wellness programs that incentivize an active lifestyle. In 2023, Cheniere expanded its offerings to include enhanced family-forming benefits, such as subsidized health club memberships and significant parental leave policies. U.S.-based employees receive up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave through short-term disability programs and four weeks of paid leave for non-birth parents. Additionally, Cheniere offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that provide resources for child and elder care. These benefits ensure that Cheniere can attract and retain top talent while promoting employee health in a rapidly changing global economy (Cheniere) (Cheniere Energy, Inc.). The importance of Cheniere Energy's healthcare programs is heightened by the current economic and political environment. With rising healthcare costs and tax implications affecting employees' financial stability, companies like Cheniere play a crucial role in providing comprehensive benefits. The company’s approach to healthcare aligns with broader corporate social responsibility initiatives, emphasizing the importance of supporting employees amid fluctuating healthcare policies. As inflation and regulatory changes continue to impact the healthcare sector, Cheniere’s forward-thinking benefits strategy not only aids employee retention but also contributes to a more stable and sustainable workforce (Cheniere) (Cheniere).

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Cheniere Energy at 700 Milam Street Houston, TX 77002; or by calling them at 1-713-375-5000.

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