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

Enhanced Estate and Gift Tax Benefits for Kontoor Brands Employees in 2024

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kontoor Brands: Kontoor Brands does not publicly list a specific healthcare provider as it may depend on various factors including the employees' locations and specific plan options. However, companies of this size typically partner with major national insurance providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, which offer a range of employer-sponsored health plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Kontoor Brands navigates the healthcare landscape, it faces potential healthcare cost increases projected at 8.5% in 2026. This surge is attributed to several factors, including rising medical expenses, heightened claims activity, and shifts in cost-sharing strategies being implemented by employers. Furthermore, the impending expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies could exacerbate costs for many employees, leading to a significant 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums for those reliant on marketplace insurance. This scenario highlights the urgent need for companies to reevaluate their health benefits strategies in preparation for the financial implications of these rising 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 Kontoor Brands 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 Kontoor Brands 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.

Kontoor Brands 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 Kontoor Brands 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 Kontoor Brands 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 Kontoor Brands 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 type of retirement savings plan does Kontoor Brands offer to its employees?

Kontoor Brands offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

How can employees of Kontoor Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

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

Yes, Kontoor Brands provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, helping to enhance retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Kontoor Brands?

The vesting schedule for the Kontoor Brands 401(k) match typically follows a standard schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents provided by the HR department.

Can employees of Kontoor Brands change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

The Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a loan option available through the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kontoor Brands allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Kontoor Brands?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan’s online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kontoor Brands?

If an employee leaves Kontoor Brands, they have several options for their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Kontoor Brands plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment choices.

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

For Kontoor Brands, the company offers a 401(k) Savings Plan as part of its employee retirement benefits. In 2022 and 2023, the plan was structured to allow employees to make elective deferrals from their salaries, which are matched by the company under a safe harbor provision. Employees can also participate in hardship withdrawals and loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to IRS rules. Participants may access their accounts at retirement, disability, death, or termination of employment. Vesting is immediate for all employee contributions and the company's matching contributions (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). The company's pension-related benefits have changed over time, with a move away from traditional defined benefit plans to more flexible, employee-directed investment plans such as the 401(k). Kontoor Brands reported pension assets in their financial statements, noting a median total pension plan asset of $9.25 million from fiscal years ending 2019 through 2023 (finbox). Although specific defined benefit pension plans were not emphasized in recent years, restructuring efforts resulted in gains from pension curtailments during fiscal events such as in 2022

News: In 2023, Kontoor Brands initiated workforce reductions as part of its global restructuring efforts. The company announced layoffs across several regions, including the U.S. and Europe, to streamline its operations under the "Project Jeanius Global Transformation" initiative. This restructuring also included the relocation of Kontoor's European headquarters, resulting in severance payments and other employee-related costs, while attempting to globalize its operating model (Business Wire) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Additionally, Kontoor overhauled its 401(k) plan by updating its investment options lineup, providing employees with better financial planning resources for retirement (Business Wire).

Stock Options: Kontoor Brands provides eligible employees with stock options, allowing them to purchase shares at a predetermined exercise price. The vesting schedules for stock options at Kontoor Brands typically span over three to four years. As of 2022 and continuing into 2023 and 2024, these stock options were available to mid-to-senior-level employees, primarily in management roles (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). RSUs: Kontoor Brands also grants RSUs, which vest over a set period, typically three years. RSUs do not require employees to purchase shares, but rather, once vested, they convert into actual shares of Kontoor Brands stock. This feature ensures that employees benefit directly from the company's stock price performance. The availability of RSUs in 2022, 2023, and 2024 extended to a broader group of employees, including executives and high-performing individuals within various business units

Kontoor Brands, a global lifestyle apparel company, provides a comprehensive health and wellness program to support its employees' physical and financial well-being. Their benefits include competitive healthcare plans designed to offer flexibility, security, and choice to meet the needs of employees and their families. Key health benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with access to wellness programs like an onsite gym, company cafeteria, and a community garden (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Employee health is further supported by Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity networks, which focus on fostering diversity, inclusion, and a sense of community. Additionally, Kontoor offers paid time off for volunteering, promoting community engagement through activities like planting pollinator gardens and installing denim insulation in homes

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Kontoor Brands employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Kontoor Brands at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.kontoorbrands.com/investors/financial-info/sec-filings/content/0001760965-24-000037/ktb202311-k.htm https://finbox.com/NYSE:KTB/explorer/pension_assets/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/news-media/press-release/136/kontoor-brands-reports-third-quarter-2022-results-updates https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240801389189/en/Kontoor-Brands-Reports-2024-Second-Quarter-Results-Raises-Full-Year-Outlook https://www.kontoorbrands.com/investors https://www.kontoorbrands.com/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/about https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/ktb/employees/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/174/kontoor-brands-reports-2023-fourth-quarter-and-full-year https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/leading-companies-announcing-layoffs-and-hiring-freezes/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/careers/benefits https://www.kontoorbrands.com/careers/benefits