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What Fox Employees Should Know About 2025 and 2026 Federal Tax Brackets

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'Fox 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.'

'Fox 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. Fox 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 Fox 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. Fox 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.

How does 21st Century Fox America Inc. determine the funding status of its pension plan, and what key metrics are utilized in evaluating its financial health? Employees may want to understand the significance of the Funding Target Attainment Percentage and how it influences their retirement benefits, especially as it pertains to both the general and specific circumstances affecting funding levels.

Funding Status and Metrics: 21st Century Fox America Inc. determines the funding status of its pension plan by calculating the Funding Target Attainment Percentage (FTAP), which divides the plan’s net assets by its liabilities. For the 2022 plan year, the FTAP was 125.79%. This metric is crucial because it indicates how well the plan is funded. A high FTAP suggests that the plan is well-funded and capable of meeting its obligations, which directly influences employees' retirement security(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What considerations does 21st Century Fox America Inc. take into account when deciding the investment strategies for its pension plan? Employees should be informed about the policy guidelines that govern the allocation of the plan's assets, including which asset classes are prioritized and the expected outcomes from such investment decisions.

Investment Strategy Considerations: The company follows specific investment policies that establish guidelines for asset allocation within the pension plan. These policies ensure that assets are allocated among major categories like equities, fixed income, and cash. The fiduciaries of the plan determine the target ranges for each category, aiming for stable returns and long-term viability(21st Century Fox Americ…).

How can employees of 21st Century Fox America Inc. assess their rights and the processes involved should the pension plan terminate? This includes evaluating the stipulations provided by federal laws that dictate what happens to vested benefits upon termination and what steps participants can take to secure their entitlements.

Rights and Pension Termination: Should the pension plan terminate, federal law requires 21st Century Fox America Inc. to follow certain procedures. If fully funded, the plan would undergo a standard termination, where an insurance company provides annuities, or a lump sum may be offered. In underfunded cases, a distress termination could occur, where the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) takes over(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What are the recent changes in federal regulations influencing how pension plans, such as the one at 21st Century Fox America Inc., calculate their liabilities? Employees need to grasp the implications of these regulations on their future benefits, specifically regarding the new methodologies for determining financial sufficiency.

Impact of Federal Regulations: Recent changes in federal regulations, including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, adjusted the methodologies for calculating pension liabilities. Plans now incorporate a 25-year interest rate average, which typically results in higher interest rates and lower liabilities, affecting the funding status and employer contributions(21st Century Fox Americ…).

In the context of 21st Century Fox America Inc., what is the role of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in guaranteeing pension benefits, and what are the criteria for ensuring benefits remain secure? Understanding how the PBGC functions and its limits is critical for employees planning their retirements.

Role of PBGC: The PBGC provides a guarantee for vested pension benefits in the event of plan termination. The guarantee is subject to legal limits, which vary depending on the participant’s age and the plan’s termination date. For 2023, the maximum annual benefit for a 65-year-old retiree was $81,000(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What steps can employees take to access information related to their pension plan from 21st Century Fox America Inc., and how can they ensure they receive timely updates regarding their benefits? Details about the channels available for inquiries and the importance of keeping informed about funding levels and benefits are crucial.

Accessing Pension Information: Employees can access information about their pension plan through the Disney Benefits Center by calling (800) 354-3970. Staying informed about the plan’s funding levels and benefits is essential, and employees are encouraged to review the annual funding notice for updates(21st Century Fox Americ…).

How does 21st Century Fox America Inc. manage the risks associated with its pension investments, particularly in a volatile market climate? Employees could benefit from insights into risk management strategies and how they affect long-term pension viability.

Risk Management in Investments: To manage investment risks, 21st Century Fox America Inc. adheres to a diversified asset allocation strategy. This approach helps mitigate market volatility and ensures the long-term sustainability of pension benefits despite changing economic conditions(21st Century Fox Americ…).

In what ways can a participant's years of service and salary history with 21st Century Fox America Inc. affect their retirement benefits, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure accurate benefit calculations? Exploring the relationship between service, salary, and pension outcomes can help clarify employee expectations.

Service and Salary Impact on Benefits: The pension plan is structured to account for employees' years of service and salary history in calculating their retirement benefits. These factors directly affect the benefit amount, and the plan ensures that accurate records are maintained to reflect this information(21st Century Fox Americ…).

What unique benefits does 21st Century Fox America Inc. offer that may enhance its pension plan, and how can employees maximize their advantages while planning for retirement? Understanding available supplemental benefits can empower employees in their retirement planning journeys.

Enhancing Pension Benefits: Employees of 21st Century Fox America Inc. may benefit from supplemental retirement benefits, including early retirement options or disability benefits. Understanding and maximizing these options can significantly impact long-term retirement planning(21st Century Fox Americ…).

How can employees of 21st Century Fox America Inc. get in touch with the Disney Benefits Center to inquire further about their employee benefits or to clarify any aspects of the pension plan? Having clear contact information and the process for accessing support can greatly assist employees in navigating their retirement preparation.

Contacting the Disney Benefits Center: Employees can reach out to the Disney Benefits Center at (800) 354-3970 for any inquiries related to their pension plan or other employee benefits. This resource is crucial for clarifying benefit details and addressing any concerns(21st Century Fox Americ…).

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

Fox Corporation offers a 401(k) plan and a pension plan to its employees. The 401(k) plan includes a company match, typically up to 4-6% of the employee's salary, with a partial match beyond that percentage. The company also offers a defined benefit pension plan, although specific details like the pension formula, years of service, or age qualifications were not detailed in the sources reviewed. However, Fox emphasizes comprehensive benefits, including financial security through retirement plans.

In 2023, Fox News underwent significant layoffs as part of a broader restructuring effort, largely driven by the financial strain following the $787.5 million lawsuit settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. These layoffs, including those from the investigative unit, are believed to be part of cost-cutting measures. This is critical to address due to the current economic and political environment, where the company must adjust to financial pressures while maintaining investor confidence and adapting to changing tax regulations.

Stock Options: Fox Corporation offers stock options that allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise or strike price, after the options have vested. Vesting periods for these options vary, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years. Once vested, employees can exercise their options within a specified period, generally up to 10 years from the grant date. The value of the stock options depends on the market price of Fox Corporation’s stock at the time of exercise; if the market price is higher than the exercise price, the options are "in the money" and can be profitable. Stock options at Fox are primarily available to executives and senior management, although some plans extend to other key employees depending on their role within the company. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Fox Corporation also provides RSUs, which represent a grant of company stock that is transferred to employees once the RSUs vest. Unlike stock options, RSUs do not require the employee to purchase the stock; instead, the shares are automatically granted at no cost upon vesting. The value of RSUs is more predictable, as it is tied directly to the market value of Fox Corporation’s stock at the time of vesting. The vested shares are considered taxable income and are typically subject to withholding for taxes. RSUs at Fox are usually granted to a broader group of employees, including executives, senior management, and other employees as part of their annual performance reviews or hiring packages.

Fox Corporation offers a comprehensive range of health benefits to its employees, which are designed to support their well-being from the first day of employment. The health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, which are available without any waiting period for many positions. In addition to these core health benefits, Fox also provides flexible spending accounts (FSAs), life insurance, business travel insurance, and long-term disability insurance. Fox places a strong emphasis on whole-person health, including not just physical but also mental health support through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This reflects broader trends in employee health benefits, where companies are increasingly focusing on holistic wellness programs that address both physical and mental well-being, especially given the rising costs of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Fox at , ; or by calling them at .

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