What Lithia Motors Employees Should Know About 2025 and 2026 Federal Tax Brackets

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Lithia Motors: Lithia Motors employees typically receive healthcare benefits through a variety of insurance providers, including major national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These insurance partners offer comprehensive health plans that cater to the needs of Lithia Motors' workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, Lithia Motors employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, driven by a combination of factors impacting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Premiums for ACA plans are projected to rise sharply, with some states experiencing hikes upwards of 60%, primarily due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and escalating medical costs. As a result, employers like Lithia Motors may adjust their benefit structures, potentially shifting a greater share of healthcare expenses onto employees. Navigating this landscape will require diligence in understanding upcoming benefit changes and making informed decisions about health plan selections to mitigate rising out-of-pocket costs. Click here to learn more

'Lithia Motors 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.'

'Lithia Motors 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. Lithia Motors 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 Lithia Motors 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. Lithia Motors 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.