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

What Intercontinental Exchange Employees Should Know About 2025 and 2026 Federal Tax Brackets

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Offers tax-advantaged savings accounts, EAPs, and remote work flexibility. ACA planning encouraged for early retirees and employees evaluating 2026 options Click here to learn more

'Intercontinental Exchange 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.'

'Intercontinental Exchange 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. Intercontinental Exchange 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 Intercontinental Exchange 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. Intercontinental Exchange 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 .

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 Intercontinental Exchange offer to its employees?

Intercontinental Exchange offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Intercontinental Exchange enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Intercontinental Exchange can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the enrollment period.

Does Intercontinental Exchange match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Intercontinental Exchange provides a matching contribution to employee contributions in the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum employee contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Intercontinental Exchange?

The maximum employee contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Intercontinental Exchange follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

When can employees of Intercontinental Exchange start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees of Intercontinental Exchange can start contributing to their 401(k) plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements set by the company.

What investment options are available in the Intercontinental Exchange 401(k) plan?

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

Can employees of Intercontinental Exchange take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Intercontinental Exchange may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Intercontinental Exchange?

If you leave Intercontinental Exchange, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Intercontinental Exchange plan if permitted.

Is there a vesting schedule for the 401(k) contributions at Intercontinental Exchange?

Yes, Intercontinental Exchange has a vesting schedule for employer contributions to the 401(k) plan, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

How often can employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts at Intercontinental Exchange?

Employees of Intercontinental Exchange can change their 401(k) contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as allowed by the plan.

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

Plan Name: Intercontinental Exchange Pension Plan (specific plan name may vary in documents) Years of Service and Age Qualification: Typically, eligibility for pension plans includes a minimum number of years of service and reaching a certain age. For ICE, you would generally need to have a specific number of years of service (e.g., 5-10 years) and be a certain age (e.g., 55 or older). Pension Formula: Pension benefits are usually calculated based on years of service and salary, often using a formula like “Final Average Salary x Years of Service x Pension Multiplier”. Specific formulas should be detailed in the plan documents. Plan Name: Intercontinental Exchange 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Typically, employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from their date of hire or after a specific waiting period. Plan Details: The 401(k) plan often includes options for employee contributions, company matching contributions, and investment choices. The specifics of matching contributions, vesting schedules, and investment options are detailed in the plan document.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, ICE announced a restructuring plan involving a reduction in workforce. The decision was influenced by strategic shifts to streamline operations and adapt to market changes. The economic uncertainty and ongoing technological advancements necessitated this move to maintain competitive advantage. This restructuring highlights the need for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about such changes given the broader economic and political context affecting investment strategies.

Stock Options: In 2022, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) provided stock options primarily to senior executives and key employees as part of their incentive compensation program. These options generally had a vesting period of 4 years and were priced at the market value at the time of grant. RSUs: Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) awarded RSUs to a broader range of employees including managers and above. The RSUs typically vested over a 3-year period, with performance-based metrics affecting final vesting

Health Benefits: ICE provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The plans are designed to be flexible to cater to various employee needs. Acronyms and Terms: HDHP: High Deductible Health Plan HSA: Health Savings Account FSA: Flexible Spending Account EAP: Employee Assistance Program Recent News: ICE's benefits information is generally updated annually, with the latest changes reflecting adjustments to premiums, co-pays, and coverage options.