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What Murphy Oil Employees Should Know About 2025 and 2026 Federal Tax Brackets

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'Murphy Oil 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.'

'Murphy Oil 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. Murphy Oil 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 Murphy Oil 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. Murphy Oil 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 plan does Murphy Oil offer to its employees?

Murphy Oil offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Murphy Oil enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Murphy Oil can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Murphy Oil match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Murphy Oil provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the maximum employee contribution limit for Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan?

The maximum employee contribution limit for Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can employees of Murphy Oil take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Murphy Oil may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan?

Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan typically offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Murphy Oil has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Murphy Oil can change their contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as specified in the plan documents.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Murphy Oil?

If you leave Murphy Oil, you can roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, depending on the plan’s rules.

Are there any fees associated with Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan, which are outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.

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: Review documents to identify the exact name of Murphy Oil's pension plan. Pension Formula: Determine the formula used by Murphy Oil for calculating pension benefits. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Find out the required years of service and age qualifications for employees to qualify for the pension plan. Plan Name: Identify the name of Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan. Qualification Criteria: Determine who qualifies for the 401(k) plan at Murphy Oil.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Murphy Oil announced a restructuring plan in early 2024 aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. The company will be laying off approximately 10% of its workforce to improve efficiency and align with current market conditions. This move is significant due to the ongoing economic uncertainty and fluctuating oil prices, which have impacted the energy sector. Addressing this news is crucial for understanding how large energy companies are adapting to economic and political pressures.

Murphy Oil Stock Options (MO): Murphy Oil grants stock options to its executives and key employees as part of their compensation packages. These options typically vest over a period of time, often 3-5 years, and provide employees the right to purchase Murphy Oil stock at a predetermined price.

Benefits Overview: Murphy Oil offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide both PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) options. The company also offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) for those enrolled in HDHP. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Includes counseling services and mental health support. Preventive Care: Coverage for preventive services as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.

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

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