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Enhanced Estate and Gift Tax Benefits for DocuSign Employees in 2024

Healthcare Provider Update: DocuSign offers 100% employer-paid health plans from day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees benefit from HSAs, FSAs, and mental health support. The company provides up to six months of paid parental leave, fertility and adoption assistance, and caregiver support. Additional perks include wellness reimbursements, financial planning services, and a 401(k) with matching 7. DocuSign With ACA premiums expected to surge in 2026, DocuSigns fully covered health plans and family-focused benefits help employees maintain coverage without facing steep marketplace costs. Click here to learn more

As we transition into 2024, the landscape of federal gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax laws has shifted significantly due to major inflation adjustments. For DocuSign employees focusing on their financial strategies, these changes present valuable opportunities for enhancing intergenerational wealth transfer and achieving greater tax efficiency.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has raised the lifetime exemption levels for the federal estate tax and the GST tax considerably. Individual exemptions have grown from $12.92 million in 2023 to $13.61 million, a $690,000 increase. Similarly, for married couples, the exemption has surged from $25.84 million to $27.22 million. These adjustments facilitate significant wealth transfers to heirs or direct gifts to grandchildren (via GSTs) without incurring federal estate or GST taxes.

The aligned increase in both the estate tax exemption and the generation-skipping tax exemption allows for direct asset transfers to grandchildren or into trusts for their benefit, helping families circumvent the double taxation of estate taxes on subsequent generations.

However, these augmented exemption amounts are set to expire on December 31, 2025, unless new legislation extends them. Initially quadrupled by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, these exemptions will nearly halve if not renewed. This impending reduction underscores the importance of proactive estate and gift planning soon.

For 2024, the federal gift tax annual exclusion has also seen a roughly 6% increase to $18,000 per recipient, up from $17,000 the previous year. This enables DocuSign employees to devise strategic gifting plans that preserve estate value and promote wealth transfer between generations.

With the 2025 sunset date approaching, maximizing these increased exemptions is crucial to save on taxes. Consider utilizing the annual gift tax exclusion, which allows up to $18,000 per recipient in 2024 without impacting your lifetime estate or gift tax exemptions. Additionally, direct payments to medical providers for healthcare or educational institutions for tuition are exempt from gift taxes.

Including a gift tax return (IRS Form 709) is essential for contributions exceeding the annual exclusion, as part of comprehensive estate planning.

DocuSign employees should also explore trust-based strategies like lifetime irrevocable trusts, which remove assets from the taxable estate, and Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), where the grantor receives annuity payments for a set period before the remainder passes to beneficiaries, potentially tax-free.

Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) are another option, allowing one spouse to leverage their gift tax exemption to establish a trust for the other, who then accesses the trust's assets.

Engaging with financial advisors is crucial to navigate the complexities of state-specific estate and gift tax laws, which vary widely and affect overall tax obligations and estate planning strategies.

As federal tax exemptions are about to sunset, this is a critical time for DocuSign employees to review and possibly revise their estate and gifting strategies. These calculated decisions can lead to more efficient wealth transfer to future generations and significant tax savings.

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When making these choices, it is advisable for professionals and retirees to consult with advisors to formulate their plans in light of current tax rules and potential future changes.

For DocuSign employees retiring or nearing retirement, consider establishing a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) in 2024. A QPRT allows homeowners to transfer their residence into a trust, residing there for a designated period, potentially reducing the taxable value of their estate. This strategy is particularly valuable ahead of potential reductions in exemption amounts post-2025, enabling high-value assets to be transferred at a reduced tax cost.

Like a gardener preparing for a fruitful season, the upcoming changes in inheritance and gift tax laws in 2024 are an excellent opportunity for DocuSign employees to strategically transfer wealth and make impactful gifts. The expanded exemption levels, akin to fertile soil, facilitate the management of estates to minimize tax implications and maximize growth for future generations. Acting now, before these favorable conditions sunset in 2025, is like planting a crop at the optimal time to ensure a bountiful harvest for years to come.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by DocuSign?

The 401(k) plan at DocuSign is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

Does DocuSign match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, DocuSign offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What are the eligibility requirements to participate in DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Employees of DocuSign who are at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.

How can I enroll in DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in DocuSign's 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period or after meeting eligibility requirements.

What investment options are available in DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

DocuSign's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds.

Can I change my contribution percentage to DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to DocuSign's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What is the vesting schedule for DocuSign's 401(k) matching contributions?

DocuSign follows a specific vesting schedule for matching contributions, which typically requires employees to remain with the company for a certain number of years.

Are there any fees associated with DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with DocuSign's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What happens to my DocuSign 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave DocuSign, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the DocuSign plan if eligible.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with DocuSign?

Yes, DocuSign allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

DocuSign provides its employees with a Defined Contribution Plan, specifically the DOCUSIGN, INC. 401(K) PLAN. This plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their earnings to individual accounts, with possible employer matching contributions (Capitalize) (SimpleQDRO). The plan is administered by Vanguard, covering around 2,463 employees as of recent filings (Capitalize). The DOCUSIGN, INC. 401(K) PLAN is a cash or deferred arrangement under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing employees to defer part of their compensation in exchange for contributions to the plan. Participants can direct their investments, with default options available for those who do not specify an investment direction (SimpleQDRO). As for the company's retirement plan, DocuSign does not offer a traditional pension plan. Instead, the focus remains on the 401(k) and profit-sharing elements, where contributions are tied to company profitability (SimpleQDRO). The DOCUSIGN, INC. 401(K) PLAN includes participant-directed accounts and provides options for lump sum withdrawals or rollovers into IRAs (SimpleQDRO). The plan is designed to allow immediate distribution of benefits upon qualification, such as retirement or employment termination.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, DocuSign announced a significant restructuring plan due to slowing growth and increased operational costs. The company is reducing its workforce by approximately 10%, affecting various departments including sales and support. This move aims to streamline operations and focus on core business areas. The decision comes as a response to the challenging economic conditions and a shift in the market dynamics which have pressured tech firms to optimize their cost structures. This is important to address given the current economic environment where many companies are reassessing their strategies due to inflation and market fluctuations.

DocuSign offered stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of their compensation package. These were typically available to senior executives and employees at various levels depending on their role and tenure. DocuSign used acronyms like ISO (Incentive Stock Options) and RSU (Restricted Stock Units) to denote their stock options and equity awards.

Benefits Overview Page: DocuSign's benefits information for employees is detailed on their official website, covering medical, dental, vision insurance, and other health-related benefits. Look for specific terms like “Comprehensive Health Coverage,” “Preventive Care,” and “Mental Health Support.” Employee Reviews: Glassdoor often provides insights into employee satisfaction with benefits, including specific terms like “401(k) matching,” “HSA (Health Savings Account),” and “FSA (Flexible Spending Account).”

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for DocuSign at 221 Main St, Suite 1550 San Francisco, CA 94105; or by calling them at (877) 720-2040.