What Group 1 Automotive Employees Should Know About 2025 and 2026 Federal Tax Brackets

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Group 1 Automotive Group 1 Automotive typically utilizes major insurance providers like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Aetna to offer health benefits to employees. However, specific plan details and healthcare provider partnerships may vary by location and plan year, so referring directly to their employee benefits information is advisable for the most accurate and tailored details. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, driven by a convergence of issues including the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Without these subsidies, many consumers could face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%, affecting approximately 92% of marketplace enrollees. Additionally, overall medical costs are rising as providers seek higher reimbursements to cope with inflationary pressures, resulting in insurers proposing average premium increases approaching 20%. As such, employees of Group 1 Automotive and others could see substantial hikes in their healthcare expenses, necessitating a thoughtful consideration of their healthcare plans and budgeting for the forthcoming year. Click here to learn more

'Group 1 Automotive 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.'

'Group 1 Automotive 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:

1. How federal tax brackets work and why they matter.

2. How taxable income is calculated for retirement planning.

3. 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. Group 1 Automotive 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 Group 1 Automotive 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. Group 1 Automotive 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.