Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Casey's General Stores Casey's General Stores utilizes The Retirement Group as its healthcare provider, which assists retirees and employees in navigating healthcare benefits and understanding changing healthcare costs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, Casey's General Stores employees and retirees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, largely due to anticipated record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. With some states predicting premium increases surpassing 60%, coupled with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, the potential for out-of-pocket expenses to climb by over 75% looms large. This perfect storm of rising medical expenses and regulatory changes could place additional financial strain on those relying on ACA plans, necessitating careful budgeting and planning to mitigate the impact of these changes. Click here to learn more
In this third installment of our series on estate planning, we focus on the strategic use of closely held business interests for lifetime gifting, exemplified through a detailed case study of actual scenarios. This is crucial for Casey's General Stores professionals contemplating the future of their business segments and the financial well-being of their successors.
Imagine a Casey's General Stores professionals who estimates their business unit might sell for around $100 million based on industry revenues, despite never having a professional valuation. Our case study explores different estate planning tactics to maximize financial returns based on this estimation.
Scenario Analysis: Strategic Estate Planning Options
Option 1: No Advance Planning
In a straightforward scenario where the executive sells the business unit for the anticipated $100 million without prior estate planning, they would net $70 million after considering a 30% income tax rate. With a $13 million gift/estate tax exemption retained until death, a substantial estate tax liability would leave approximately $47.2 million for their heirs.
Option 2: Valuation-Based Gifting with a Later Sale
An alternative for the executive might involve gifting a 20% stake in the business to their children prior to a sale. Post-valuation by a specialist, the business is worth $85 million, not $100 million. The valuation discounts the gifted portion by 25% due to lack of control and marketability, significantly lowering the taxable value. This strategic gifting increases the amount transferred to heirs to $47.7 million when the business is later sold at the expected $100 million.
Option 3: Using a Grantor Trust for Gifting
Taking sophistication further, the executive could transfer a 20% stake of the business into an irrevocable grantor trust, benefiting themselves without the need to pay additional gift taxes while covering the trust’s income tax obligations. This method shelters more assets from the 40% estate tax, allowing heirs to inherit about $50.1 million, showcasing the effectiveness of grantor trusts in estate planning.
Option 4: Dual Spousal Gifting to a Grantor Trust
If the Casey's General Stores professional is married, they could utilize their combined $26 million exemption before the sale by transferring a 40% stake to a grantor trust. This dual-exemption approach greatly diminishes the taxable estate value at death, resulting in a significant $58.2 million passing to their descendants.
Consequences and Key Considerations
These hypothetical scenarios underscore the importance of proactive estate planning for Casey's General Stores professionals, especially when managing substantial business assets. Each strategy offers unique benefits in asset protection and tax savings. However, the potential increase in net proceeds from investments and changes in federal gift and estate tax exemptions should also be considered, along with state-specific taxes which can vary.
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Future discussions in this series will cover optimal methods to document these transfers and meet all legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring the integrity of the estate planning process. By understanding and leveraging these strategic options, business owners can significantly enhance the financial legacy they leave, contributing to the prosperity of future generations.
An often-overlooked aspect of estate planning for business owners over 60 is the use of life insurance within a trust to cover estate taxes. This strategy can prevent the need to liquidate business assets, ensuring the continuity and integrity of the business for future generations. According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, this approach can substantially reduce the taxable estate while providing liquidity during critical times, aligning with strategic estate planning goals.
Casey's General Stores professionals can benefit from our comprehensive guide on lifetime gifting using closely held business interests for strategic estate planning. Learn how trusts and valuation discounts can significantly enhance the financial legacy left to heirs, with detailed examples and tax implications provided. This article is essential for any planning for retirement, offering insights into maximizing asset transfers to minimize tax liabilities and ensure family prosperity.
Navigating estate planning with corporate holdings is akin to managing a sophisticated sailing regatta. Just as a skilled sailor uses precise instruments and charts to optimize their course, a business owner must employ accurate valuation tools and strategic gifting tactics to navigate the complex waters of tax regulations and market conditions. Early planning ensures that the full value of their life's work is seamlessly transferred to the next generation, minimizing tax burdens and enhancing financial stability.
What type of retirement savings plan does Casey's General Stores offer to its employees?
Casey's General Stores offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Is the 401(k) plan at Casey's General Stores available to all employees?
Yes, the 401(k) plan at Casey's General Stores is available to all eligible employees.
Does Casey's General Stores provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Casey's General Stores provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain conditions.
How can employees at Casey's General Stores enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Casey's General Stores can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's HR portal.
What is the minimum age requirement to participate in Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan?
The minimum age requirement to participate in Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan is typically 21 years old.
Can employees at Casey's General Stores take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, employees at Casey's General Stores may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, depending on the plan's provisions.
What investment options are available in Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan?
Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can employees at Casey's General Stores change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Casey's General Stores can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.
What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan may vary, but employees usually become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.
Are there any fees associated with Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Casey's General Stores' 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.