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'Monster Beverage 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.'
'Monster Beverage 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:
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How federal tax brackets work and why they matter.
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How taxable income is calculated for retirement planning.
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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. Monster Beverage 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 Monster Beverage 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:
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- Single
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- Married filing jointly
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- Married filing separately
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- 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:
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- 10% on the first $23,850 → $2,385
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- 12% on $23,851 to $96,950 → $8,772
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- 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:
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- Contributing to traditional IRAs or employer retirement plans
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- Adding funds to an HSA if enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan
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- Using tax-loss harvesting in taxable brokerage accounts
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- 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. Monster Beverage 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 savings plan does Monster Beverage offer to its employees?
Monster Beverage offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Monster Beverage match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Monster Beverage provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for Monster Beverage employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Most employees at Monster Beverage are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service.
Can employees at Monster Beverage choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Monster Beverage can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
How often can employees at Monster Beverage change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Monster Beverage can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Monster Beverage employees under the 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for employees at Monster Beverage is set according to IRS regulations, which may change annually.
Does Monster Beverage offer any financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Monster Beverage provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
When can employees at Monster Beverage access their 401(k) funds?
Employees at Monster Beverage can access their 401(k) funds upon reaching retirement age, or in cases of hardship, as defined by the plan.
Are there any fees associated with Monster Beverage's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Monster Beverage's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How does Monster Beverage communicate changes to the 401(k) plan to its employees?
Monster Beverage communicates changes to the 401(k) plan through emails, employee meetings, and updates on the company intranet.



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