/General/General%2012.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%2012.png)
Healthcare Provider Update: Verizon collaborates with Aetna as its primary healthcare provider, offering a range of health plans and services to its employees and their families. Looking ahead to 2026, the healthcare landscape is poised for significant change, as record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are anticipated. With some states facing increases exceeding 60%, many individuals could see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by more than 75%, particularly if enhanced federal premium subsidies are not extended. This scenario could create an additional burden for Verizon employees, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for healthcare coverage amidst such dramatic shifts in costs. Click here to learn more
'We expect changes in exemptions from estate taxes as early as 2025 and Verizon employees should plan ahead,' said Sullivan. The full scope of these changes and early preparation can give you 'great peace of mind and financial security,' says Michael Corgiat, a representative of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
As estate-tax thresholds remain uncertain, Verizon employees might want to start planning their estates now rather than later to avoid pitfalls. As The Wealth Enhancement Group's Brent Wolf puts it, 'such strategic planning is necessary to protect your financial legacy should the tax regime change.'
In this article we will discuss:
1. Changes to Estate-Tax Exemptions Are Coming Soon: As 2025 winds down, a planned reduction in federal estate-tax exemptions could be a problem for affluent investors - especially since those figures are expected to return to pre-2018 levels.
2. Strategies for Wealth Transfer: We will review strategies that high-net-worth individuals might use to limit possible tax liabilities - through gifts and trust structures.
3. Impact of Legislative Uncertainty: The ambiguity surrounding congressional actions on tax laws points to the importance of proactive financial planning for large assets.
Particularly at the end of 2025 the financial environment is complex. Estate-tax exemptions are among the top upcoming considerations for astute investors and asset owners.
The individual federal estate-tax exemption is now at USD 12.9 million, up from USD 12.06 million in 2022. This adds up to USD 25.84 million for a couple compared with USD 24.12 million last year. These amounts - as set forth in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 - are basically what a person can leave tax-free. This may change however.
These exemption amounts will return to pre-2018 levels by the end of 2025 without congressional intervention. This may reduce the exemption by half inflation-adjusted. That's an important matter. With just 1,275 taxable estate returns in 2020, these changes could complicate matters. At roughly USD 6.5 million per person, more Verizon employees will want to tread carefully, given evolving IRS portability rules allowing spouses to transfer exemptions. That does not include the 17 states and the District of Columbia that each have their own inheritance tax and rules.
Many may think USD 6,500,000 is big money. In today's economic climate that could easily translate to a hefty 401 (k) and a metropolitan home. In the future plans, these values should be considered.
Whether Verizon employees are really on the verge of such a change in estate-tax exemptions is a big question mark. Much is debated about how these exemptions will evolve, as Mr. Eric Bronnenkant, Head of Tax at Betterment.com, puts it aptly. Particularly given the political climate these days, congressional decisions are notoriously volatile. Particular large estate taxes present difficult budget issues.
Though you can wait and see, the deadline will surely spur engagements with estate attorneys and financial planners. So transferring USD 3.5 million is no more straightforward than writing a check for someone with USD 10 million in assets. This requires strategic trust structures and other sophisticated estate-planning methodologies that require experienced professionals. All of these maneuvers cannot be accelerated overnight, especially with December 31, 2025 fast approaching.
Another possibility is that Congress delays action through 2026 and retroactively applies changes. Such retroactivity is possible in legislation but not in individual financial actions.
Those prospective changes create a strategic incentive for Verizon employees to transfer assets during one's lifetime. That proactive strategy minimizes future estate taxes while giving you the tangible satisfaction of knowing that your assets will help others in your lifetime as well. If your assets are greater than the specified IRS exemption, the federal government could tax the excess at 40%.
But the irrevocability of virtually all transfer methods makes the transfer of large assets difficult. The future is unpredictable, as Mr. Bronnenkant says. Suppose a person with USD 10 million in assets died after the proposed reduction - the federal estate tax would be levied on that USD 3.5 million surplus. Transferring this amount before the end of 2025 would leave a USD 3 million exemption - which may be a smart move if the new threshold is not exceeded. The IRS says there will be no penalties for transfers up to the limit during 2018-2025.
But if exemptions remain unchanged after 2026 (around USD 13 million), transferring USD 3.5 million would leave about USD 9.5 million in lifetime exemption. But be prudent, said Eric J. Einhart, an honorary National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys board officer. Completely exhausting your exemption might put you in a precarious position.
By comparison, the annual gift limit without reducing your lifetime exemption is USD 17,000 per beneficiary in 2023 - up from USD 16,000. Though systematic bequests are possible, aggressive estate reduction requires more planning.
With upcoming estate-tax changes in mind, many soon-to-retire Verizon employees analyze when to make large gifts to their families. Those nearing retirement age are increasingly considering early wealth transfers to descendants to take advantage of existing tax exemptions, according to a 2022 study by the Brookings Institution. Yet it notes that such gifts could have multiple tax consequences - including retroactive adjustments - depending on future tax reforms. Hence, even though gifting may seem advantageous under the current tax code, future legislative changes may have unexpected tax implications, and planning is necessary.
In conclusion, the best strategy for Verizon employees depends on the situation. Mr. Einhart correctly points out there is no universal solution. Yet there are defined strategies for those who pursue them. For these waters, you need an experienced estate planner with a road map.
Planning a retirement vacation involves considering possible estate-tax changes. Imagine earning a spot on a luxury cruise whose ticket price will go up soon. So you think about buying more tickets for family members at this price and seeing if that is the best value. Yet prices may remain or decline - making your early purchase less profitable. Also, current tax exemptions make gifting assets appealing - but future legislative changes could alter the financial landscape. Like a cruise, you'll need expert advice on how to make sure today's decisions will lead to smooth sailing tomorrow.
Added Fact:
We'll get into the details of how future estate tax changes might affect our target audience of Verizon workers and retirees approaching retirement age. A study in the AARP Bulletin in June 2023 noted that possible changes in estate tax laws could also affect how family businesses are passed down to future generations. The shifting estate tax thresholds may place family-owned businesses under additional financial strain and make it even more critical that individuals plan for succession to ensure their businesses survive into the future.
Articles you may find interesting:
- 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
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- 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
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
Added Analogy:
The future estate tax changes could be like a captain plotting a course through the maze of retirement planning, like navigating a ship through water. Imagine your retirement nest egg as a stately vessel that carries your wealth and legacy. Like weather, the tax landscape is volatile. Today's clear skies will not guarantee sailing tomorrow.
Just as a captain studies weather reports to determine which route to take, so too must prudent retirees and Verizon workers approaching retirement study the changing tax code. The cargo aboard your financial ship represents your family future, and the estate tax changes are the winds of change that blow you forward or lash a dark cloud over your legacy.
As a navigator would need expert advice and the latest navigational aids, so too should you rely on the expertise of experienced estate planners to light your way through these financial waters. You get that customized roadmap so that you can sail safely on your financial voyage and ensure maximum wealth generation for future generations. So, just like a captain would do, put your faith in them to navigate the fiscal seas and keep your legacy in safe harbor amid shifting estate tax tides.
Sources:
1. 'Estate Tax Exemption 2025: How Does it Work?' SK Financial, 5 Jan. 2025, www.skfinancial.com/estate-tax-exemption-2025-how-does-it-work .
2. 'Use It or Lose It: Sunset of the Federal Estate Tax Exemption.' LPL Financial, 29 Jan. 2024, www.lpl.com/news/estate-tax-exemption-sunset.html .
3. '2025 Federal & State Estate and Gift Tax Cheat Sheet.' Wealthspire, 2025, www.wealthspire.com/2025-estate-and-gift-tax-guide .
'Preparing for Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Sunset.' Merrill Lynch, www.ml.com/articles/preparing-for-estate-tax-exemption-sunset.html .
'New 2025 Federal Exemption Amounts and How They Impact Estate and Gift Tax Planning.' Riker Danzig, 12 Nov. 2024, www.riker.com/publications/new-2025-federal-exemption-amounts .
How does the Verizon Pension Plan facilitate retirement income for long-term employees, and what specific benefits can employees expect when enrolling in the retirement program provided by Verizon? What unique features does the Verizon Pension Plan offer compared to other retirement plans an employee might have encountered, and how can employees maximize the benefits of these features throughout their career at Verizon?
Verizon Pension Plan Benefits: Verizon's Pension Plan offers substantial benefits aimed at facilitating a secure retirement for long-term employees. Upon enrolling in the retirement program, employees can expect defined benefits that are based on their salary and years of service, ensuring a predictable and stable income after retirement. Unique to Verizon, compared to some other plans, may include options for early retirement under certain conditions and a choice between annuity payments or a lump-sum distribution upon retirement. Employees can maximize these features by planning for long-term service and considering their retirement income needs early in their careers.
In what ways can employees at Verizon strategize their rollover decisions when transitioning from the Verizon Pension Plan to other retirement savings plans upon leaving the company? What factors should be considered by Verizon employees to ensure they are making informed choices regarding rolling over funds to a traditional IRA or another qualified employer plan?
Rollover Strategies: When transitioning from the Verizon Pension Plan to other retirement savings options upon leaving the company, employees should strategize their rollover decisions carefully. Factors to consider include the tax implications, the investment options available in the rollover destination, and the timing of the transfer to avoid penalties. Verizon employees should evaluate the benefits of rolling over to a traditional IRA or another employer's plan, considering their future financial needs and retirement goals.
What are the implications of the recent IRS limits for 2024 concerning contributions to retirement plans for Verizon employees, and how does Verizon align its offerings with these federal regulations? Additionally, how can Verizon employees best take advantage of these limits to enhance their retirement savings while adhering to tax regulations?
IRS Contribution Limits: The implications of IRS limits for 2024 are critical for Verizon employees as these limits dictate how much can be contributed tax-deferred into retirement plans. Verizon aligns its offerings with these federal regulations by adjusting contribution limits in their plans accordingly. Employees are encouraged to maximize their contributions to take full advantage of tax-deferred growth, especially when IRS limits increase, thereby enhancing their retirement savings while adhering to tax regulations.
How does the special tax treatment for lump sum distributions from the Verizon Pension Plan affect employees who receive their benefits early or have specific circumstances, such as being born before 1936? What options do these employees have to manage their tax burden effectively, and how can they best navigate these complicated rules while planning for their retirement?
Tax Treatment of Lump Sum Distributions: The special tax treatment for lump sum distributions from the Verizon Pension Plan can significantly affect employees who opt to receive their benefits early or under specific circumstances like being born before 1936. These employees have options to manage their tax burden effectively by opting for ten-year averaging or capital gain treatment on eligible distributions, allowing for a potentially lower tax rate on their pension benefits.
For surviving spouses and alternate payees of Verizon employees, what are the specific benefits available under the Verizon Pension Plan? How do these benefits compare to those available to employees, and what steps must surviving spouses or alternate payees take to ensure they receive their entitled benefits without delays or complications?
Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Alternate Payees: For surviving spouses and alternate payees, the Verizon Pension Plan offers benefits similar to those available to employees, such as annuity payments or lump-sum options. These beneficiaries must take certain steps to ensure they receive their benefits without delays, such as providing necessary documentation and adhering to plan rules. The plan details and processes for claiming benefits should be clearly understood to avoid complications.
How can Verizon employees utilize the resources available through the Verizon Benefits Center to better understand and manage their retirement benefits? What specific tools and services does the Benefits Center provide, and how can these resources assist employees in making informed decisions regarding their pension plan options?
Utilizing Resources at the Verizon Benefits Center: Verizon employees can utilize various tools and services provided by the Verizon Benefits Center to manage and understand their retirement benefits. The Benefits Center offers personalized consultations, detailed plan documentation, and tools for estimating pension benefits and planning retirement income, assisting employees in making informed decisions about their pension plan options.
What challenges might Verizon employees face regarding eligibility and tax withholding when receiving their pension payments, and how can they mitigate these issues? It's crucial for employees to understand the mechanics of eligibility regarding rollovers and payment processing; what key pieces of information should they be aware of to avoid unexpected taxes?
Challenges in Eligibility and Tax Withholding: Verizon employees might face challenges regarding eligibility and tax withholding when receiving pension payments. Understanding the plan's criteria for eligibility, the implications of rollovers, and the impact of mandatory withholding on distributions is crucial. Employees can mitigate these issues by consulting with the Verizon Benefits Center or a tax advisor to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected taxes.
What is the process for Verizon employees wishing to initiate a direct rollover from the Verizon Pension Plan, and what documentation will they need to prepare? Can employees receive assistance from the Verizon Benefits Center during this process, and how does using a direct rollover benefit them compared to other forms of payment?
Direct Rollover Process: The process for initiating a direct rollover involves deciding the destination of the rollover (traditional IRA or another employer plan), completing necessary documentation, and potentially seeking assistance from the Verizon Benefits Center. A direct rollover helps in avoiding immediate taxes and maintaining the tax-deferred status of retirement savings.
In terms of retirement preparedness, how does the pension plan at Verizon accommodate employees’ needs for financial security in their senior years? What additional education or resources does Verizon provide to assure that employees fully understand their retirement options and the importance of planning ahead?
Retirement Preparedness: Verizon's pension plan is designed to accommodate the financial security needs of employees in their senior years. In addition to the pension benefits, Verizon provides educational resources and planning tools to ensure employees understand their retirement options and the importance of early and consistent retirement planning.
How can employees reach out to the Verizon Benefits Center for further information about the pension plan and other retirement benefits? What specific contact methods are available to employees, and how can these interactions enhance their understanding and management of retirement benefits provided by Verizon?
Contacting the Verizon Benefits Center: Verizon employees seeking more information about their pension plan and other retirement benefits can reach out to the Verizon Benefits Center through various contact methods such as phone, email, or online portals. These interactions are crucial for enhancing understanding and effective management of retirement benefits, ensuring employees make the most of the benefits available to them.
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)