New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

The Boeing Company Employees: Should You Delay Charitable Giving Until 2026?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for The Boeing Company The Boeing Company offers health benefits through its partnership with various healthcare providers, primarily utilizing the health plans facilitated by Blue Cross Blue Shield and other regional providers, depending on the employees' locations. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for The Boeing Company In 2026, healthcare costs for employees at The Boeing Company are expected to rise significantly, fueled by anticipated premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. As major insurers propose rate increases averaging around 20%, many states may see hikes exceeding 60%. This increase is compounded by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, which could result in out-of-pocket premiums spiking by over 75% for the majority of policyholders. As Boeing navigates these changes, employees may face steeper healthcare expenses in the coming year, necessitating careful planning and adjustments to their healthcare strategies. Click here to learn more

'For The Boeing Company employees, thoughtful timing of 2025–2026 charitable gifts can influence your long-term retirement strategy, making it important to consider your broader financial plan when making these choices.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'The Boeing Company employees can benefit from working with tax and legal professionals to revisit their 2025–2026 charitable giving timelines, as aligning these decisions with your broader financial picture can help you stay organized and make informed choices.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How the 2025–2026 rule changes may affect the tax benefits of your charitable gifts.
The different charitable deduction rules for standard deduction filers versus itemizers.
Strategies for timing your giving as a long-time The Boeing Company employee or retiree.

2025–2026 Charitable Giving: How New Regulations May Affect Your Tax Plan

By Wealth Enhancement's Kevin Land, CFP® and Wesley Boudreaux

Giving to charities at the end of the year has long been a December custom for many households, including long-time employees and retirees from The Boeing Company. However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has changed how charitable deductions work, with substantial updates taking effect in 2025 and 2026. As a result, the familiar “give by December 31” rule may not be the most tax-efficient approach anymore.

The law essentially establishes two different profiles of charitable donors starting in 2026:

1. Filers who take the standard deduction.
2. Filers who itemize deductions.

Depending on which group you belong to, the timing of your charitable contributions can lead to very different tax outcomes, which is especially important if most of your income and benefits come from years of work with The Boeing Company.

Below, we describe:

1. Who stands to gain from postponing some gifts until 2026.
2. Who stands to gain from increasing donations before or during 2025.

Group 1: Standard Deduction Filers

Why some people might prefer to wait and donate in 2026

Instead of itemizing, around 90% of Americans take the standard deduction, ¹ and many The Boeing Company employees and retirees may fall into this category. Under the current 2025 rules, standard deduction filers generally do not receive any direct tax benefit from charitable gifts unless they itemize.

In 2026, that will change. Specifically, a new above-the-line charitable deduction will be available to standard deduction filers beginning in the 2026 tax year: ²

- Up to $1,000 for single filers
- Up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly

Key characteristics—written into the law:

- You do not need to itemize to claim this deduction.
- Only monetary donations given to approved public charities are covered.
- This deduction does not apply to supporting organizations or donor-advised funds.
- Non-cash gifts such as household goods, appreciated stock, and cryptocurrency are not eligible.
- The dollar limits are not indexed for inflation.

Real-world impact

In 2025, a cash donation made by a standard deduction filer is unlikely to produce any tax benefit unless that filer itemizes. If the same donor waits and gives in 2026, they may be able to deduct up to $1,000 or $2,000, depending on filing status.

For instance:

Let’s say you:

- Are married and filing jointly
- Typically donate $2,000 per year
- Expect to take the standard deduction in both 2025 and 2026
- Are in the 22% federal tax bracket

If you donate $2,000 in December 2025, you still take the standard deduction and do not gain any additional federal income tax savings from that gift.

If you instead donate $2,000 in January 2026, you can use the new $2,000 above-the-line deduction, which reduces your federal income tax by:

$2,000 × 22% = $440

Rules for documentation

Donors who give $250 or more in a single donation must obtain written confirmation stating that no goods or services were received in return for the contribution.

Who might use the standard deduction

While the standard deduction is available to all taxpayers, it may be used more often by:

- Retirees with relatively limited deductible expenses
- Younger individuals without many itemizable costs
- Higher earners who have few deductions left to itemize (for example, capped SALT deductions)

For these donors, including many who spent their careers at The Boeing Company, delaying certain cash gifts until early 2026 may turn previously non-deductible contributions into tax-efficient charitable giving.

Group 2: Itemizers

Reasons for wanting to accelerate gifts into 2025

For those who currently itemize, 2025 may be the final year before new deduction restrictions apply, so timing could matter for long-time professionals whose pay and benefits have grown over many years at The Boeing Company.

What changes in 2026?

New charitable “floor” of 0.5% of AGI

Starting in 2026, charitable contributions are only deductible to the extent they exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI). ³

For example:

AGI: $300,000
0.5% floor: $1,500
Only the portion of your charitable contributions above $1,500 is deductible.

The 60% AGI cap on cash contributions remains

Itemizers can generally deduct up to 60% of AGI in cash contributions to qualifying public charities. ³ Any contributions above this limit may be carried forward for up to five years. This cap applies in addition to the new 0.5% floor starting in 2026.

Example for a higher-income itemizer:

Let’s say you:

- Have AGI of $500,000
- Are in the 35% federal tax bracket
- Typically donate $25,000 per year

In 2025, before the new floor applies:

- Subject to the usual AGI limits, you may be able to deduct nearly the full $25,000.

In 2026:

- 0.5% of AGI = $2,500
- Only contributions above $2,500 are deductible
- Of your $25,000 in gifts, only $22,500 may be deductible
- Losing a $2,500 deduction at a 35% tax rate may increase your federal income tax by $875

This difference can be especially important for donor-advised fund strategies or large gifts that The Boeing Company professionals may plan as part of a broader legacy or estate plan.

Who might itemize

Usually, itemizers have:

- AGI above the national average
- High state and local taxes
- Deductible expenses such as meaningful mortgage interest
- Long-term charitable goals and multi-year giving plans

For these individuals, accelerating larger gifts in 2025 may result in a more favorable deduction position than waiting until 2026.

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Which Group Do You Belong To?

Delaying charitable giving until 2026 might be worth considering if:

- You typically use the standard deduction
- You give $1,000 to $2,000 or more to charities each year
- You do not expect to itemize in 2025
- You could shift a cash gift from December 2025 to January 2026 and potentially use the new above-the-line deduction

Giving before year-end 2025 might be more appealing if:

- You will itemize in 2025, or already know you will have substantial itemized deductions
- You intend to make sizable, flexible charitable gifts (for example, to a major institution or to a donor-advised fund)
- The new 0.5% AGI floor in 2026 would reduce the amount you can deduct
- Frontloading your giving in 2025 allows you to keep more of your charitable deduction under the current rules

How We Help Clients Make These Decisions

At Wealth Enhancement, when we review charitable planning for employees and retirees from large companies such as The Boeing Company, we consider:

- Income tax planning under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
- Health care and long-term care needs
- Multigenerational strategies and estate planning
- Business, stock option, or liquidity events that influence annual income

We help families:

- Evaluate the likelihood that they will itemize in both 2025 and 2026
- Set charitable giving goals over a three- to ten-year period
- Compare donating in 2025 versus shifting gifts into 2026
- Coordinate planning with estate planning attorneys and certified public accountants

How The Retirement Group Can Help The Boeing Company Employees

The Retirement Group can walk through the numbers with you and design a charitable giving approach that fits within your broader retirement strategy if you are unsure whether your 2025–2026 charitable plan should involve delaying or accelerating gifts as a current or former employee of The Boeing Company.

Call (800) 900-5867 to discuss how your charitable plans fit alongside your pension, 401(k), and other retirement benefits.

Next Steps

Before you write your next year-end charitable check:

- Confirm whether you expect to itemize or take the standard deduction.
- Review how the upcoming 2026 rules may affect your deductions.
- Consider whether shifting gifts into 2025 or 2026 could improve your overall tax outcome.
Reach out to Wesley Boudreaux or Kevin Landis, CFP®, at Wealth Enhancement, and consider coordinating with The Retirement Group to determine which path best aligns with your goals as a long-term employee or retiree from The Boeing Company.

Sources:

1. Forbes Advisor. ' Standard Deductions For 2024-2025 Tax Returns And Extra Benefits For People 65+ ,' by Taylor Tepper. Oct. 8, 2025.

2. “One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB): Impact on Charitable Giving.” Fidelity Charitable , 2025,
https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/articles/obbb-tax-reform.html .

3. “Navigating Charitable Giving in the Wake of New Tax Reform.” National Philanthropic Trust , 30 July 2025,
https://www.nptrust.org/philanthropic-resources/philanthropist/navigating-charitable-giving-in-the-wake-of-new-tax-reform/ .

Other Resources:

1. “New Limitations on Charitable Deductions Take Effect in 2026.” Greenberg Traurig , 28 Oct. 2025,
https://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2025/10/new-limitations-on-charitable-deductions-take-effect-in-2026

2. “The OBBBA Clock Is Ticking: Why 2025 Might be the Year to Act for Maximum Charitable Deductions.” Vanilla , 28 Oct. 2025,
https://www.justvanilla.com/blog/obbba-year-end-charitable-planning-2026 .

3. “Charitable Organizations: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements.” IRS , 30 Sept. 2025,
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/charitable-organizations-substantiation-and-disclosure-requirements .

How does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP) integrate with other retirement plans offered by Boeing Company, and what specific changes have been made recently to enhance retirement benefits for employees? Discuss the implications these changes might have on employees planning their retirement.

The Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP) integrates with other Boeing retirement plans, such as the Boeing Pension Value Plan and other defined benefit plans. Recently, changes like the addition of a Roth contribution option and a shift toward enhanced defined contributions have been made to improve benefits for certain employees, particularly those who previously participated in both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. These changes enhance retirement planning flexibility but may require employees to adjust their strategies depending on their long-term financial goals.

What are the key eligibility requirements for participation in the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan, and how do these requirements align with industry standards for retirement plans within large corporations? Specifically, address how the eligibility criteria impact various groups of employees within Boeing Company.

Key eligibility requirements for the Boeing VIP include no minimum age or service requirements, though certain groups, such as union employees and non-resident aliens, may be excluded. These criteria align with industry standards, making the plan accessible to a broad range of employees. The inclusivity of eligibility supports employees at various career stages, though exclusions may affect unionized employees or contractors differently from their non-union counterparts(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

In what ways does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan support employees who wish to make catch-up contributions, particularly for those nearing retirement age? Examine the financial benefits and potential challenges associated with these contributions for Boeing employees.

Boeing VIP allows catch-up contributions for employees aged 50 and over, aligning with IRS guidelines for retirement savings. This option benefits employees nearing retirement by enabling them to contribute more toward their savings. However, the increased financial burden of larger contributions could pose a challenge for employees with tighter budgets, potentially limiting their ability to maximize catch-up contributions(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How does the investment allocation strategy within the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan reflect the principles of risk management and diversification? Evaluate the types of investment options available and their relevance for Boeing employees planning for retirement.

The investment strategy of Boeing VIP emphasizes risk management and diversification, offering a wide range of options, including lifecycle funds, index funds, and company stock. These choices provide flexibility for employees with varying risk tolerances, helping them manage retirement savings effectively. The availability of different fund types ensures that employees can align their investment choices with their retirement timelines and risk preferences(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

What options does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan provide for loans and withdrawals, and how do these options affect employeesâ€™ financial planning? Analyze the conditions under which Boeing employees can access their funds and the implications of these conditions on long-term retirement savings.

Boeing VIP offers loans and withdrawal options, including hardship withdrawals and in-service distributions at age 59½. These features provide flexibility in accessing retirement funds but come with conditions that could affect long-term savings. For example, taking a loan or withdrawal may reduce the funds available for retirement and may lead to penalties, making it important for employees to carefully consider the implications before accessing their funds(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How can Boeing employees effectively utilize the resources available through the Boeing Retirement Service Center to optimize their retirement planning? Discuss the types of support services provided and how they can aid employees in making informed decisions regarding their retirement benefits.

Boeing employees can utilize resources through the Boeing Retirement Service Center, which provides support for retirement planning. The center offers tools, counseling, and online resources to help employees understand their options and optimize their benefits. These services assist employees in making informed decisions, ensuring they have access to the latest information about their retirement plans(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

In what ways does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan facilitate automatic enrollment and escalation for employees? Assess the impact of these features on employee participation rates and retirement savings at Boeing Company.

Automatic enrollment and escalation features in the Boeing VIP encourage higher participation rates and increased savings. Employees are automatically enrolled at 4% pre-tax contributions, with an option for annual increases of 1% up to 8%. These features simplify the process for employees and help them build their retirement savings incrementally over time(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How does Boeing Company ensure that its pension and retirement plans remain compliant with current IRS regulations and requirements? Discuss the importance of ongoing compliance audits and employee education in maintaining the integrity of the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan.

Boeing ensures compliance with IRS regulations by regularly updating its plans and conducting compliance audits. Maintaining adherence to regulations is essential for protecting the plan's tax-qualified status, and Boeing also focuses on employee education to ensure they understand the requirements and benefits of the plan(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

What steps should Boeing employees take if they have questions or seek more information about the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan? Outline the available channels for communication and the types of inquiries that can be directed to Boeing's human resources department.

Boeing employees with questions about the VIP can contact the Boeing Retirement Service Center or their human resources department. These channels provide assistance with inquiries related to plan features, contributions, and withdrawals, offering personalized guidance to help employees manage their retirement planning effectively(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How does the recent shift from traditional defined-benefit pensions to a defined-contribution model, as seen in the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan, influence the financial security of future retirees from Boeing? Explore the long-term effects this transition may have on employee savings behavior and retirement readiness.

The shift from traditional defined-benefit pensions to a defined-contribution model, like the Boeing VIP, changes the way employees plan for retirement. Employees are now more responsible for managing their own investments and savings, which may lead to varying levels of financial security depending on their decisions. This transition emphasizes the need for employees to be more proactive in their retirement planning to ensure they meet their long-term financial goals(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Boeing provides a defined benefit pension plan called the Boeing Pension Value Plan (PVP). Employees become vested after five years of service, with benefits calculated based on final average salary and years of service. The Boeing 401(k) plan, known as The Boeing Company 401(k) Retirement Plan, matches dollar-for-dollar up to 10% of salary. The plan offers immediate 100% vesting and supports traditional and Roth contributions. [Source: Boeing Benefits Handbook, 2022, p. 30]

Boeing has introduced voluntary layoff and early retirement packages for eligible employees as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce costs. The company continues to provide comprehensive retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan and various health and well-being programs for retirees. Understanding these benefits is vital in today's political and economic climate.

Boeing grants stock options and RSUs to incentivize employees. Stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price after vesting, while RSUs are awarded with vesting conditions such as tenure or performance. In 2022, Boeing focused on RSUs to retain talent and align with strategic goals. This approach continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance-linked stock options. Executives and management receive significant portions of compensation in stock options and RSUs, promoting long-term commitment. [Source: Boeing Annual Reports 2022-2024, p. 50]

Boeing’s 2022 healthcare updates included mental health support and telemedicine improvements. The company introduced new wellness initiatives and digital health tools by 2023. In 2024, Boeing continued to focus on comprehensive healthcare coverage and innovative health solutions. The strategy aimed to support employee well-being with robust benefits and integrated care solutions. Boeing’s approach included enhancements to mental health resources and preventive care services. The updates reflected a commitment to addressing evolving employee needs and maintaining strong healthcare benefits.

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Check Out Articles for The Boeing Company employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for The Boeing Company at 100 N Riverside Plaza, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60606; or by calling them at +1 312-544-2000.

https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/pension_plan2023.pdf - Page 11 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/401k_plan2024.pdf - Page 14 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/rsu_plan2022.pdf - Page 16 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/stock_options2023.pdf - Page 22 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/healthcare2024.pdf - Page 25 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/annual_report2023.pdf - Page 35 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/employee_handbook2022.pdf - Page 40 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/retirement_guide2023.pdf - Page 12 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/benefit_highlights2024.pdf - Page 37 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/benefit_summary2023.pdf - Page 29