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5 Tax Moves L3Harris Employees Should Make Before Year-End

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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. Click here to learn more

L3Harris employees can maximize year-end planning by using credit card usage for deductible expenses and charitable donations that provide immediate tax benefits and long-term financial security, 'said Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Adjusting withholdings, using IRA strategies and Qualified Charitable Distributions can help L3Harris employees avoid penalties and achieve a comfortable retirement, said Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Strategies to optimize L3Harris financial planning before the year ends.

2. Tax-saving ideas: strategic credit card use & charitable donations.

3. Techniques for long-term financial security - IRA borrowing and Social Security planning.

When it comes to L3Harris financial planning, implement strategies to optimize your fiscal health as the year winds down. This article details novel strategies to consider before December 31st to improve financial position with L3Harris.

Use of Strategic L3Harris Credit Cards.

Contrary to the conventional advice to cut back on credit card use, a prudent strategy involves using them to pay for deductible expenses. The tax benefit occurs on the date of charge, not on payment. That's especially useful for tax-deductible expenditures like real estate taxes and philanthropic contributions, provided they remain below USD 10,000. By following a monthly balance payment schedule, this approach maximizes tax deductions and takes advantage of credit card points without paying interest.

Charitable Contributions Through Decluttering

Often overlooked is getting L3Harris tax deductions for donating old personal items. And it's a tax benefit too. It involves recording the donated items, getting a receipt and ensuring the total worth is not more than USD 5,000, to avoid an appraisal. The deduction is equal to the current value of the item or its original price, whichever is less.

Adjusting Withholdings

L3Harris employees with supplemental income sources like side work must adjust their tax withholdings to avoid penalties. In increasing penalties for underpayment to 8%, the Internal Revenue Service stresses the need to pay at least 90% of an annual tax obligation by year's end. Withholdings are considered to have been uniformly applied throughout the year so one could potentially avoid such penalties by strategically enhancing withholdings near the end of the year.

Property Tax Payment Strategy

A USD 10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions and current interest rates over 5% on savings accounts have reduced the financial appeal of prepaying property taxes. Keep consistent payment schedules to maximize interest earned on savings accounts.

Use IRA for Short Term Liquidity.

When pressed for cash, borrowing from an IRA may be the smart move. That means repaying the borrowed funds within sixty days and only once every twelve months. Conforming to these regulations carries no penalty or tax.

Integrating Traditional End-of-Year Financial Moves.

These suggestions offer new perspectives, but should be used in addition to conventional end-of-year financial procedures rather than in place of them. The above strategies include grouping itemized deductions, optimizing contributions to L3Harris retirement accounts, maximizing medical savings accounts, evaluating Roth conversions, establishing donor-advised funds and capital loss harvesting.

Remember these recommendations should be considered supplements to your full L3Harris financial plan. You should consult a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to tailor these recommendations for your specific financial situation. With the end of the year approaching, proactive financial planning measures may provide significant long-and short-term benefits.

Persons approaching or retiring from L3Harris - especially those around age 60 - need to understand Social Security benefits in terms of tax planning. Knowing when to start getting Social Security benefits is critical. Beneficiaries with large retirement accounts or other sources of income could see a big boost in their monthly benefit by delaying SS start age 70. This can maximize tax efficiency and long term financial stability. Postponing benefits until full retirement age of 70 produces an estimated 8% increase in benefits annually, according to a report from the Social Security Administration in 2021.

Year-end tax planning is like preparing a garden for winter. In the same way an arboriculturist trims excess vegetation, prunes undesirable plants and urban gardens late-season harvest crops, retirees should also carefully prune taxable income, trim unnecessary expenditures and sow the seeds of future financial development. By applying the credit cards toward deductible expenses, one prunes the tree for better growth the following year. Donating unused items is like pulling vegetation; It takes away unnecessary things and adds to the charitable soil. Strategic cash flow management through IRA adjustments, deferring property tax prepayments and manipulating withholdings is like sowing winter crops; They require some anticipation of seasonal changes, but provide for a good harvest of savings and financial security in retirement.

Added Fact:

In addition to the strategies above, L3Harris employees can take advantage of a qualified Charitable distribution (QCD) option in their IRA - For those age 70 1/2 or older - that allows direct transfers of up to USD 100,000 per year to a qualified charity without the Distribution being taxable income. That move meets the year's Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and may lower the retiree's income tax bracket, but also supports charitable causes without affecting the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. This strategy, which can be useful to retirees looking for tax-efficient ways to give to charity, was highlighted in IRS guidelines for 2021, highlighting its value in retirement and tax planning.

Added Analogy:

An experienced captain navigating year-end tax planning for L3Harris employees is like navigating the maze of retirement. So just as a captain uses charts, compasses and the stars to navigate, employees must use strategic tax moves to steer their financial ship toward retirement success. Use credit card strategies for deductible expenses like sailing with a good wind that blows the ship forward. Donating unused items suggests shedding unnecessary pounds for speed and agility.

It's like tuning the course of a vessel by changing withholdings and managing property taxes. Borrowing from an IRA for liquidity is like having a reserve tank of fuel for those moments of need. As a captain might use such tools alongside more conventional navigation methods, so too can using such tax strategies alongside more traditional financial planning deliver a smooth ride toward financial security and a comfortable retirement. With each move comes a little adjustment to the sails so retirees and those approaching retirement can move into the next chapter confidently and safely.

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Sources:

1. J.P. Morgan Private Bank. '5 Tax Planning Actions to Take Before Year-End.'  J.P. Morgan Private Bank , October 2024, pp. 1-3.

2. SmartAsset. 'Retirement Tax Strategies to Consider.'  SmartAsset , December 2024, pp. 2-4.

3. Ed Slott and Company, LLC. 'Using Your IRA for a Short-Term Loan.'  Ed Slott and Company , May 2024, pp. 1-2.

4. Fortune. 'Tax Tips for HENRYs: 5 End-of-Year Moves if You Are High Earner Not Yet Rich.'  Fortune , November 2024, pp. 1-2.

5. Yahoo Finance. '4 Ways to Save on Taxes in Retirement.'  Yahoo Finance , February 2025, pp. 1-3.

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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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for L3Harris at 1025 w nasa blvd Melbourne, FL 32919; or by calling them at 800-528-7711.

https://www.l3harris.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.l3harris.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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