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What D.R. Horton Employees Should Know About 2025 and 2026 Federal Tax Brackets

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for D.R. Horton D.R. Horton, being a major homebuilding company, typically provides health insurance through large insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Cigna. These providers offer a range of plans to support D.R. Horton employees and their families, including options for both individual and family coverage. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare consumers can expect significant premium increases, particularly driven by the looming expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Reports indicate that some individuals may face premium hikes of up to 75%, severely impacting access to affordable healthcare. Coupled with rising medical costs-amplified by inflation and increased demand for services-these changes could place a substantial financial burden on employees and their families. The combination of these factors suggests that proactive planning in 2025 will be essential for managing the coming year's healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more

'D.R. Horton 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.'

'D.R. Horton 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. D.R. Horton 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 D.R. Horton 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. D.R. Horton 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 plan does D.R. Horton offer to its employees?

D.R. Horton offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Yes, D.R. Horton provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees enroll in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for D.R. Horton employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Generally, D.R. Horton employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can D.R. Horton employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, D.R. Horton allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

The D.R. Horton 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can D.R. Horton employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

D.R. Horton employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan rules.

What is the vesting schedule for D.R. Horton’s company match in the 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for D.R. Horton’s company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over time.

Are there any fees associated with managing the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with managing the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and annual statements.

How can D.R. Horton employees access their 401(k) account information?

D.R. Horton employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan’s designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

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

D.R. Horton offers its employees both a defined contribution pension plan and a 401(k) plan, known as the D.R. HORTON, INC. PROFIT SHARING PLUS PLAN. The 401(k) plan is managed through Empower and is available to 9,393 employees as of the latest data. This plan allows participants to contribute a portion of their salary towards their retirement savings, with D.R. Horton offering a matching contribution. Typically, the company matches 50% of employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary. The defined contribution pension plan provided by D.R. Horton also plays a key role in helping employees build a secure financial future. While specific details on eligibility requirements like years of service and age qualification are not publicly available, the defined contribution nature of the plan suggests that the benefits are likely based on the total contributions made by both the employee and the employer over time.

Pension Liability Concerns: D.R. Horton has seen fluctuations in its pension liabilities over the past few years. The company’s pension liabilities in 2023 were reportedly stable, though previous years have shown variability. Monitoring these liabilities is essential in understanding the company’s long-term financial commitments. Importance: It's crucial to address this news given the potential impact of economic shifts and tax regulations on the housing market and employee benefits, which can directly influence D.R. Horton's financial stability.

Stock Options (SOs): Employees of D.R. Horton may be granted stock options that allow them to purchase company stock at a predetermined price after a certain vesting period. This price is usually set at the market value of the stock on the grant date. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs are another form of equity compensation offered by D.R. Horton, where employees are granted units that convert into shares of company stock once certain conditions, such as time-based vesting, are met. Eligibility and Availability: D.R. Horton's stock options and RSUs are typically made available to key employees and executives, though the exact eligibility criteria may vary depending on the employee's role, performance, and tenure with the company. These equity incentives are part of D.R. Horton’s broader strategy to retain top talent and incentivize performance. For example, D.R. Horton’s recent filings indicate continued use of these compensation tools through 2022, 2023, and 2024, with ongoing reviews and updates to their stock option and RSU plans to remain competitive in the market. These incentives are detailed in the company's SEC filings and earnings reports, which are publicly available for shareholders and interested parties to review

D.R. Horton offers a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, focusing on both short-term and long-term well-being. The company's healthcare offerings include standard health insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). These plans provide employees with a wide range of coverage options, from basic preventative care to more comprehensive services.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for D.R. Horton at 1341 Horton Cir Arlington, TX 76011; or by calling them at (817) 390-8200.

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