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'Given the significant changes introduced by the 2025 tax law, FMC employees should proactively reassess their financial and estate planning strategies with qualified advisors to adapt effectively to both permanent shifts and temporary opportunities,' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'With major tax changes now permanent and new temporary provisions introduced, FMC employees should revisit their retirement and estate planning to optimize financial opportunities in this evolving landscape,' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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Permanent tax code changes affecting income, deductions, and estate planning.
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Temporary tax benefits available from 2025 through 2028.
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New savings and health care provisions available to families and retirees.
A New Tax Landscape for FMC Employees
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a landmark bill into law that made most of the individual and corporate tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. For FMC employees, this legislation could bring long-term effects on income, deductions, and retirement planning. The law also introduces several new tax provisions intended to ease burdens for seniors, families with young children, and those living in high-tax states. While these changes stop the automatic tax increases once slated for December 31, 2025, some provisions will expire after a few years—potentially prompting more political and financial revisions.
Background and Legal Hurdles
Getting the bill passed was complex. Lawmakers balanced the cost of extending the TCJA’s tax breaks by cutting Medicaid spending, reducing some clean energy credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, and eliminating personal exemptions. Analysts urge American households to consider how these trade-offs might affect long-term economic growth. Some components may offer modest tax relief for both consumers and businesses, possibly influencing economic momentum.
Core Permanent Provisions
1. Seven Tax Brackets
The structure of seven tax brackets—ranging from 10% to 37%—remains in place. 1 Adjustments for inflation apply in select cases. FMC professionals should assess their current income tier to understand its effect on overall tax liability.
2. Mortgage Interest Deduction
Interest on up to $750,000 of acquisition mortgage debt ($375,000 if married filing separately) remains deductible. For FMC homeowners, this provision may provide continued tax relief depending on loan size and income.
3. SALT Deduction Cap
The $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions will temporarily increase to $40,000 before reverting in 2030. 1 High-income FMC earners in states with steep taxes may benefit from this short-term expansion.
4. Standard Deduction
Now permanent, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for joint filers. 1 These amounts will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026—making it important for FMC employees to monitor annual changes.
5. Estate and Gift Tax Exclusion
The estate and gift tax exemption has increased to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple. 1 This is especially relevant for FMC executives with large estates or wealth transfer goals.
6. Charitable Giving Incentives
Above-the-line deductions of $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers are reinstated, along with expanded adjusted gross income (AGI) limits for cash donations. FMC retirees who prioritize charitable giving may find new planning opportunities here.
7. Repeal of Personal Exemption
The $4,050 per filer personal exemption has been permanently eliminated. 1 Taxpayers continue to rely on enhanced Child Tax Credits and the standard deduction instead.
Temporary Enhancements (2025–2028)
Tax-Free Tips and Overtime
Workers earning under $300,000 (joint) or $150,000 (single) can deduct up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime pay. This change may be relevant for FMC employees in field service or operations roles.
Senior Deduction Boost
An additional $6,000 deduction is now available for individuals over 65, phasing out at incomes of $75,000 (single) and $150,000 (joint). 2 This could affect many long-tenured FMC employees planning for retirement.
Auto Loan Interest Deduction
Interest on loans for U.S.-assembled vehicles (up to $10,000) is deductible for individuals earning under $100,000 (single) or $200,000 (joint). FMC families may consider how this could influence their vehicle purchasing plans.
Savings and Health Advances
“Trump Accounts” for Minors
Parents can contribute up to $5,000 annually to a child’s account that later converts to an IRA at age 18. FMC families with long-term savings goals may consider this strategy.
Expanded Health Savings Account (HSA) Access
Telehealth services are now permanently included, and reimbursements up to $150/month ($300 for families) for direct primary care are allowed. This offers greater flexibility for FMC workers with high-deductible health plans.
Flexible 529 Plans
Withdrawals from 529 plans now include costs for educational therapy, private tutoring, and testing fees. This expansion may benefit FMC parents supporting children with specialized learning needs.
Notably Excluded
Despite earlier debate, the new law does not repeal taxation of Social Security benefits. Individuals earning above $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (joint) will continue to have up to 85% of their benefits taxed. The temporary senior deduction, however, may reduce total liability for some.
Looking Ahead
The new law solidifies many tax policies and adds time-sensitive benefits designed for families, seniors, and individuals building long-term plans. FMC employees may wish to speak with a financial advisor to evaluate how changes intersect with their compensation, equity, and estate considerations. Critical components like the SALT cap window, AGI phase-outs, and inflation-linked thresholds should be revisited each year to capture new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Think of the 2025 tax act like a home renovation. Some features—like tax-free overtime and enhanced deductions—are temporary extensions that won’t last forever. Others—such as expanded credits and deductions—strengthen the core of the tax code. For FMC professionals and retirees, now may be the right time to reassess your financial approach and align with the latest legislative updates.
AMT Update
The Alternative Minimum Tax exemption has been set at $88,100 for single filers and $137,000 for joint filers in 2025, and it will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. 1 This provision helps reduce the likelihood that higher earners will fall under AMT obligations due solely to inflation.
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
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- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
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Sources:
1. U.S. Bank Wealth Management Team. ' New Tax Laws 2025: Tax Brackets and Deductions .' U.S. Bank, 15 Feb. 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
2. Tax Foundation. ' No Tax on Social Security vs. $4,000 'Senior Bonus' Tax Deduction .' Tax Foundation, 5 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
Other Resources:
1. AARP. ' What to Know About the New Tax Deduction for Older Adults .' AARP Editorial Staff, 7 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
2. Bankrate. ' There's a New Tax Break Worth $6,000 for Older Taxpayers ,' by Andrea Coombes, 11 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
3. Barron’s. ' Retirees, Here's How to Take Advantage of New Tax Breaks .' Barron's Tax Editorial Team, 9 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
How does FMC Technologies plan to manage the investment strategy of its pension plan to ensure it remains solvent and able to meet the benefit payments as employees retire? Given the shifting dynamics of the market, what specific measures is FMC Technologies employing to enhance the liquidity of its assets and mitigate risks associated with underfunding in the current economic climate?
Investment Strategy for Solvency and Benefit Payments: FMC Technologies' pension plan aims to ensure all benefit payments are met as they fall due. The investment strategy includes maintaining funds above the Statutory Funding Objective and transitioning towards lower-risk assets such as Liability Driven Investments (LDI), gilts, and cash. This strategy, driven by advice from LCP, seeks to reduce underfunding risks and ensure liquidity(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
In what ways does FMC Technologies incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into its investment decision-making for the pension plan? How does the commitment to ESG investing align with the broader goals of FMC Technologies, and what impact does it have on the long-term sustainability and performance of the company's pension investments?
ESG Factors in Investment Decisions: ESG factors, including climate change, are considered by FMC Technologies in investment decisions. The company encourages investment managers to integrate ESG considerations into their analysis of future performance and risks. ESG aligns with the long-term sustainability of the pension plan, though there are limited opportunities to apply ESG in the current target investment strategy of LDI, gilts, and cash(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
Can you elaborate on the additional voluntary contribution (AVC) arrangements available through FMC Technologies and how they are designed to support employees in building a more robust retirement income? What choices do employees have within these AVC options, and how can they tailor their investment to suit their individual risk profiles?
Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC): FMC Technologies provides AVC arrangements designed to offer a range of investment options to help employees build a more robust retirement income. These options allow employees to tailor investments based on their risk-return preferences, ensuring flexibility in achieving personal retirement goals(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
As employees of FMC Technologies approach retirement, what processes are in place to evaluate their pension benefits and determine eligibility for various retirement options? What role does the pension plan's advisory team play in assisting employees with financial planning in preparation for retirement?
Pension Benefits Evaluation Process: FMC Technologies uses a structured process to evaluate pension benefits, supported by investment advisers and trustees. This process involves regularly reviewing the funding level and the benefit cash flows to ensure the pension plan is on track to meet employee retirement needs. Advisory teams help employees with financial planning during the transition to retirement(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
What steps is FMC Technologies taking to transition its investment strategy towards greater exposure to low-risk instruments while still aiming for satisfactory returns? How does this transition align with the company’s funding objectives, and what are the anticipated benefits for the employees in the context of their retirement planning?
Transition to Low-Risk Investments: FMC Technologies has transitioned much of its pension assets into LDI, gilts, and cash to de-risk the investment portfolio. This shift aligns with the company's funding objectives to secure pension liabilities and provide stable returns for retirees. The plan is expected to fully transition to these low-risk instruments to support long-term pension solvency(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
How does FMC Technologies measure the performance of its investment managers, and what criteria are used to evaluate their effectiveness in managing the pension plan's assets? In the event that an investment manager does not perform according to expectations, what procedures are in place for FMC Technologies to reassess and possibly reallocate those funds?
Investment Manager Performance: FMC Technologies evaluates the performance of its investment managers using various criteria, including their ability to meet long-term pension objectives. If an investment manager underperforms, FMC Technologies, with advice from LCP, reassesses and rebalances the portfolio as needed to ensure pension assets are properly managed(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
What communication channels does FMC Technologies recommend employees use if they have questions or need clarification regarding their retirement benefits and the pension plan? How can employees easily access additional resources or support to better understand their retirement options as they transition out of active employment?
Communication Channels for Retirement Benefits: Employees of FMC Technologies can access information and support regarding their pension and retirement benefits through direct communication with trustees and the pension advisory team. FMC Technologies recommends utilizing these resources for clarity on retirement options and to understand the transition out of active employment(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
Considering the implications of portfolio diversification, how does FMC Technologies determine the appropriate asset allocation for its pension plan's investment strategy? What considerations are taken into account to ensure that all employees’ retirement savings are managed in a way that balances risk and growth potential?
Asset Allocation and Portfolio Diversification: FMC Technologies’ pension plan employs a diversified asset allocation strategy, ensuring a balance between growth and risk. The investment strategy considers the need to match liabilities with assets while progressively reducing exposure to high-risk assets like equities and increasing exposure to low-risk instruments like LDI and gilts(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
How does FMC Technologies plan to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements regarding its pension plan, particularly concerning employer-related investments? What are the limitations or restrictions imposed by legislation that affect how FMC Technologies can manage its pension fund assets?
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: FMC Technologies remains compliant with regulations regarding employer-related investments. Restrictions under the Pensions Act 1995 and the Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations 2005 prevent significant investments in TechnipFMC or associated companies to avoid conflicts of interest(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).
As risks associated with market fluctuations continue to evolve, how does FMC Technologies plan to adjust its investment strategy to mitigate these risks? What safeguards are put in place to protect retirement benefits during periods of economic uncertainty, and how will these strategies affect the financial well-being of FMC Technologies’ retirees?
Adjusting Investment Strategy for Market Risks: FMC Technologies employs a liability-driven approach to manage the pension fund, mitigating market risks associated with economic fluctuations. Regular reviews of the investment strategy, alongside professional advice, allow the company to adjust and protect the pension plan's assets during uncertain market conditions(FMC_Technologies_Pensio…).