L3Harris Employees & RMDs: What You Need to Know Before Age 73
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for L3Harris
L3Harris Technologies typically provides its employees with healthcare benefits through employer-sponsored insurance plans. The exact healthcare provider may vary based on location and specific employee circumstances, but major insurers commonly used include UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Cigna.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, L3Harris and similar employers are facing significant healthcare cost increases. Reports indicate a projected rise of approximately 8.5% in employer-sponsored insurance costs due to multiple inflationary pressures, including rising medical expenses and increased claims. Additionally, if the federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act expire without renewal, employees may see a drastic rise in their out-of-pocket expenses, compounding the financial impact on both the company and its workforce. Employers are likely to respond by shifting more healthcare costs to employees, necessitating a proactive approach to managing these anticipated changes.
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'L3Harris employees can stay ahead of required minimum distributions by planning early and thoughtfully coordinating withdrawals with their broader retirement income goals.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'L3Harris employees can benefit from understanding RMD rules early so they can thoughtfully incorporate withdrawals into a long-term income plan that fits their personal goals and timing.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
When and how required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken.
Which retirement accounts are subject to RMD rules.
Strategies to thoughtfully use RMD withdrawals in retirement.
Under IRS rules, required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 for those born between 1951 and 1959. Under these rules, you must take out a specific amount of money annually from tax-deferred retirement plans, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s, once you turn 73. Answers to common questions are provided below to help you move forward confidently.
What is a required minimum distribution (RMD)?
A required minimum distribution (RMD) is a set amount of money that the IRS mandates you withdraw each year from your tax-deferred retirement accounts beginning at age 73, including accounts you may have contributed to while working for L3Harris.
When do I have to take my RMD?
Every year on December 31, your RMD must be taken. You can wait until April 1 of the year after your 73rd birthday to take your first RMD—but only your first. Delaying may result in taking two RMDs in the same year, which could increase your taxable income.
If I keep working, do I still need to take an RMD?
If you continue working past age 73 and remain in an employer-sponsored plan with your current employer, you may be able to delay RMDs from that account if:
- You are still actively employed
- You own no more than 5% of the company
- The employer plan permits delayed RMDs
This applies only to the plan with your current employer—not to IRAs or plans from former employers.
How is my RMD calculated?
Your RMD is generally calculated by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by a life-expectancy factor published by the IRS. The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table is typically used unless a spouse more than 10 years younger is the sole beneficiary.
What can I do with my RMD once I take it?
It helps to think through your options before withdrawing your RMD. For example, L3Harris professionals may:
Invest it: Place funds into a taxable investment account or contribute to a 529 plan (if eligible)
Spend it: Apply funds to retirement lifestyle needs
Gift it: Use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from an IRA, which can satisfy RMD rules starting at age 70½ and is excluded from taxable income. For 2025, QCDs may reach up to
$108,000 per person
1
Which accounts require RMDs?
RMDs generally apply to:
- Most 401(k) and 403(b) plans
- Traditional, rollover, SIMPLE, and SEP IRAs
- Certain small business retirement accounts
Roth accounts in workplace plans—like a Roth 401(k)—do not require RMDs for the original owner starting in 2024. Beneficiaries of inherited Roth accounts may still need to withdraw funds.
What if I inherit an IRA?
Many general RMD rules still apply to inherited accounts. Your required withdrawal schedule depends on your relationship to the original account owner and applicable IRS inheritance rules.
Can I take all my RMDs from one account?
It depends on the account type:
IRAs: Can be aggregated and withdrawn from one or multiple IRA accounts
403(b)s: May be aggregated but calculated separately
401(k)s: Must be calculated
and
withdrawn from each account individually—including any L3Harris balance still held
Extra withdrawals do not count toward future years’ RMDs.
Are RMDs taxed?
Yes. RMDs are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to both federal and state income taxes. Taking two RMDs in one year, often caused by delaying the first, can increase your taxable income.
Need help creating your RMD strategy?
Understanding RMDs can influence how you structure your retirement income—especially for L3Harris employees shifting from workplace plans to personal withdrawal strategies. The Retirement Group can help you build an approach that aligns with your situation. Call us at
(800) 900-5867
to get started.
5. Myers, Elizabeth A.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules for Original Owners of Retirement Accounts.
Congressional Research Service, 29 Aug. 2024,
www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12750
.
What specific factors should L3Harris Technologies employees consider when determining the most suitable form of pension benefit at retirement? Employees of L3Harris Technologies may have various options, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts. Understanding the implications of each option, including tax treatments and benefit guarantees, can be crucial in making a decision that aligns with long-term financial goals. It is also important to consider how the selected form may affect survivor benefits and overall retirement income planning.
Pension Options at Retirement: L3Harris Technologies employees have various pension benefit options to consider at retirement, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts(L3Harris Technologies I…). Each option has different tax treatments, survivor benefits, and guarantees. For example, selecting a life annuity ensures a fixed monthly payment for life, while a lump-sum payout might offer more flexibility but comes with immediate tax implications. Employees should evaluate how each option aligns with their long-term financial goals and whether it provides adequate survivor protection for dependents(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How does L3Harris Technologies determine eligibility for early retirement, and what implications does this have for pension benefits? Employees should familiarize themselves with the criteria for qualifying for early retirement, including age and service requirements. Additionally, understanding the benefits that are available should retirement occur before the standard retirement age can affect financial planning, as these benefits can differ significantly from those available at normal retirement age due to reduction factors or penalties.
Early Retirement Eligibility: L3Harris Technologies determines eligibility for early retirement based on age and years of service. Employees may qualify for early retirement if they are at least 55 years old and have completed 10 years of service(L3Harris Technologies I…). Opting for early retirement can result in a reduced pension benefit due to the longer payment period. These reductions, known as early retirement penalties, affect financial planning since the payout is lower compared to waiting until the normal retirement age(L3Harris Technologies I…).
In what ways do the pension formulas at L3Harris Technologies differ, and how can employees assess which plan is most advantageous for their retirement? Employees participating in the L3Harris pension plan can choose between different formulas, such as the Traditional Pension Plan and the Pension Equity Plan. Assessing which formula may yield higher benefits involves understanding the benefits calculation processes, including how each formula accounts for years of service, salary history, and participation criteria, which can significantly impact total retirement income.
Pension Formulas: L3Harris employees can choose between different pension formulas, such as the Traditional Pension Plan and Pension Equity Plan(L3Harris Technologies I…). The Traditional Plan is based on years of service and final average pay, while the Pension Equity Plan uses a lump-sum formula that accrues value over time. Understanding how each formula calculates benefits is essential for employees to determine which plan will provide higher retirement income, depending on their service years and salary history(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How should L3Harris Technologies employees prepare for the selection of a beneficiary, and what are the potential impacts on their pension benefits? Selecting a beneficiary is an important component of retirement planning. Employees at L3Harris Technologies must understand the implications that come with adding a spouse or other individuals as beneficiaries, including the effect on benefit amounts and how beneficiary selection can influence survivor payouts. Moreover, they should familiarize themselves with the requirements for updating beneficiary information and the legal implications of such designations.
Beneficiary Selection: Choosing a beneficiary is a crucial step for L3Harris employees. Adding a spouse or another individual as a beneficiary may reduce the employee's pension benefit but ensures that a portion of the pension continues after the employee's death(L3Harris Technologies I…). Employees should be aware of the survivor benefit provisions, spousal consent requirements, and the need to regularly update their beneficiary information(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What procedures must L3Harris Technologies employees follow to appeal a denied pension benefit claim, and what timelines should they be aware of? Employees should be well-informed about the steps involved in the appeals process for denied claims, including how and when to file an appeal and the importance of providing adequate documentation. Understanding the statutes of limitations related to claims and appeals can significantly influence the outcomes for employees seeking to reinstate or secure their benefits.
Appealing Denied Claims: L3Harris Technologies employees must follow a formal process to appeal denied pension benefit claims(L3Harris Technologies I…). The process includes submitting an appeal within a specific timeframe and providing supporting documentation. It is important to be familiar with the statute of limitations and administrative remedies to ensure the best chance of success when appealing a decision(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How does L3Harris Technologies handle survivor benefits, and what actions should employees take to ensure that their surviving spouses or partners have access to these benefits? Understanding the components of survivor benefits at L3Harris Technologies is crucial. Employees should learn about the eligibility of their spouses or partners following their death, the type of benefits due, and any actions required to secure these benefits. Familiarity with the plan’s rules surrounding survivor benefits and timelines for elections can also affect the financial security of beneficiaries.
Survivor Benefits: L3Harris offers survivor benefits to spouses or designated beneficiaries(L3Harris Technologies I…). Employees must ensure that their spouse or partner is properly designated to receive these benefits, which may involve selecting an annuity option that provides continued payments to the survivor. Understanding the timelines for making these elections and the rules governing survivor benefits is crucial for securing financial support for loved ones(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What resources are available for L3Harris Technologies employees for receiving personalized retirement counseling, and how can these resources aid in making informed financial decisions? Employees may benefit from accessing professional counseling services or informational resources provided by L3Harris Technologies. These resources can include individual retirement planning sessions that help employees align their pension benefits with their overall retirement strategy, ensuring that they utilize their benefits effectively and are informed about their options.
Retirement Counseling Resources: L3Harris provides personalized retirement counseling services to assist employees with their pension and retirement planning(L3Harris Technologies I…). These resources include individual sessions to discuss how pension benefits fit into overall retirement strategies. By leveraging these services, employees can make well-informed decisions about their financial future(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How can employees of L3Harris Technologies find out more about their eligibility for the Cash Balance Plan and the advantages of this plan over traditional pension formulas? Employees should research what defines an "active Cash Balance Plan Participant" as well as the benefit calculations associated with it. Investigating the elements that set this type of plan apart—specifically regarding lump-sum distributions and the ability to track benefits—can better inform employees about the potential advantages for their future retirement income.
Cash Balance Plan: Employees interested in the Cash Balance Plan can research its advantages over traditional pension formulas. The Cash Balance Plan allows for lump-sum distributions and provides clear benefit tracking, which can be more appealing to employees looking for flexibility and control over their retirement funds(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What impact do potential changes to the L3Harris Technologies pension plan have on current employees, and what steps should they take to stay informed about such changes? Employees should remain vigilant regarding any amendments to the pension plan that could influence their retirement benefits. This includes understanding their rights under ERISA and staying engaged with communication from L3Harris regarding plan updates, ensuring that they are equipped to make timely decisions based on the latest information.
Plan Changes: L3Harris employees should stay updated on any changes to the pension plan, which could impact their benefits(L3Harris Technologies I…). Monitoring communications from the company and understanding their rights under ERISA is essential to making timely decisions based on new plan terms or amendments(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How can employees of L3Harris Technologies contact the Benefits Service Center to address specific questions regarding their pension plan or retirement strategy? It is essential for employees seeking clarity on their pension benefits or retirement planning to know how to reach out to the L3Harris Benefits Service Center. This center acts as a vital resource, and understanding its operations—including contact times, methods of contact, and the types of inquiries that can be addressed—will enable employees to receive the guidance they need regarding their benefits.
Benefits Service Center: L3Harris employees can contact the Benefits Service Center for any questions regarding their pension or retirement strategy. The center provides assistance with understanding pension benefits, resolving issues, and addressing specific inquiries related to retirement planning(L3Harris Technologies I…)(L3Harris Technologies I…).
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
L3Harris offers a defined benefit pension plan known as the L3Harris Salaried Pension Plan. The plan provides retirement benefits based on a formula considering years of service and final average pay. In recent years, L3Harris has frozen certain pension plans acquired through mergers, affecting the accrual of new benefits for some employees. Additionally, the company provides a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to support employees' retirement savings. Financial planning resources are also available.
Layoffs and Restructuring: L3Harris Technologies is laying off about 2,000 employees as part of a restructuring plan to streamline operations and reduce costs (Source: Defense News). Strategic Adjustments: The company is focusing on its core defense and aerospace businesses. Financial Performance: L3Harris reported a 10% increase in net income for Q4 2023, driven by strong demand for its defense products (Source: L3Harris).
L3Harris provides both RSUs and stock options as part of its employee compensation. RSUs vest over time, converting into shares, while stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
L3Harris Technologies has taken significant steps to enhance its employee healthcare benefits in recent years, recognizing the importance of adapting to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company implemented comprehensive health plans that cover medical, dental, and vision care, along with mental health support and wellness programs. These benefits are designed to support employees' overall well-being, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare resources to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, L3Harris's commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment is evident through its structured environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives, which aim to mitigate workplace risks and promote a culture of safety. In 2023, L3Harris continued to build on these initiatives by offering enhanced mental health support and flexible work schedules to better accommodate employees' personal and professional lives. The company's benefits package includes competitive compensation, on-site health and wellness centers, and financial tools to help employees manage their finances effectively. These comprehensive benefits are designed to create a supportive and inclusive work environment, essential for attracting and retaining top talent in today's competitive job market. By investing in robust healthcare benefits, L3Harris aims to foster a resilient workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape.
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