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General Motors Employees: Three Key Strategies for Tax-Free Giving to Your Family

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for General Motors General Motors (GM) primarily partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and other insurers for its employee healthcare plans. These partnerships provide a variety of health coverage options, including medical, dental, and vision care, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, American consumers can expect significant challenges in healthcare costs driven by a confluence of factors, particularly in the context of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Premiums are anticipated to rise sharply, with some states reporting increases as high as 60%. This surge is influenced by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies that currently mitigate costs for millions of enrollees. Consequently, General Motors and other employers may face escalating expenses for providing employee health benefits, as many consumers could see out-of-pocket premiums increase dramatically, making it imperative for companies to strategically reassess their healthcare offerings to maintain affordability for their workforce. Click here to learn more

'Gifting is a great way to transfer wealth but if it is not done correctly, it can result in taxes being paid on the wrong account,' says Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

“High net worth individuals are looking for ways to help their families now rather than later, but they need to make sure their generosity is consistent with a good financial plan,” says Mavar.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • The tax consequences of giving away money during one’s lifetime as opposed to on death.

  • Strategies for enhancing tax exemptions when giving out large amounts of money.

  • The short and long-term effects of gifting on both the donor and the recipient.

The employees of General Motors companies are often involved in the financial planning and therefore try to make significant gifts of money to their families while they are still alive rather than only through bequests after death. This trend is easy to explain: it is fun to see the results of such generosity in the modern world, for instance, to help with buying a home in the current real estate market or to pay for college for grandchildren. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges, especially in terms of tax efficiency.

Giving Wisely: How to Increase the Impact of the Gift While Minimizing the Tax Risk

One of the main benefits of bequeathing assets like stocks is the “step up” in basis, which sets a new value of the asset at the market price at the time of the owner’s death. This means that heirs can sell the inherited stocks at the current high prices without having to pay capital gains tax on the proceeds as long as the sale price equals the stepped up basis. On the other hand, gifts of stocks during one’s lifetime are not exempt from this adjustment. The original purchase price, or basis, stays there, which can result in very high capital gains taxes if the stock is sold when market prices are high.

However, if the gift recipient’s income is below the following limits: $47,025 for singles and $94,050 for married couples filing jointly, they can sell these stocks without having to pay capital gains taxes on them. This creates a perfect situation for General Motors employees to help their family members who are starting their careers or earn less than these limits. It is important to avoid such transactions as they may lead to higher taxable income and, therefore, taxes.

Taking Full Advantage of the Gift Exemptions

According to the current rules, an individual can make a gift of up to $18,000 per recipient in 2024 without having to report the gift on his or her tax return and have it count against the taxpayer’s lifetime gift tax exclusion. In the case of married couples, the split gifting technique enables each spouse to make an $18,000 gift to the same person, thus enabling the two to give $36,000 every year tax free. In case gifts are made which are more than these figures, the excess must be reported on IRS Form 709, however, taxes are not due until the exclusion amount is exceeded which is currently $13.61 million. The annual exclusion is also available for gifts that are made during the year of death and in the year following death.

Another way to avoid the annual gift tax exemption is to make the payment directly for the health or education of another person. For instance, payments made directly to educational institutions are not considered as part of the $18,000 annual exclusion for gifts and, therefore, General Motors employees can provide generous support without compromising their lifetime gift exemption. This way, the money is used precisely for its intended purpose and there is no chance that the recipient will spend it on something else or become financially dependent.

Assessing the Financial Impacts of Gift Giving

This means that General Motors employees should also consider the tax consequences of the financial gift that they are planning to give to their recipient. Support should always be given with the aim of empowering the recipient, not enabling them or making them dependent. This assessment is important in order to determine if the giving is helping or harming the recipient.

The donor’s financial stability is just as important as the recipient’s. Such gifts can be made sustainable by a financial plan that has been developed by professional advisors. In this way, General Motors employees can ensure that they are able to give in a way that is consistent with their financial future.

In conclusion, it is an excellent practice to give but it is advisable to know the strategies that can be employed in order to reduce the amount of tax paid and at the same time, achieve the desired results. By looking at the short and long-term consequences of their generosity, General Motors employees can make reasonable decisions that will benefit them and their families. For those who are involved in the process of financial gifting, more specific plans and options can be provided by thorough planning tools and the advice of financial professionals.

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An IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can also be a useful approach, especially for retirees. An individual who has reached the age of 70½ can transfer up to $100,000 each year from his or her IRA to a charitable organization. This can help achieve charitable goals while also potentially leaving the donor in a lower tax bracket, as the donation is not included in taxable income and satisfies RMDs. This approach is in harmony with strategic estate planning and holds the advantage of not affecting non-charitable beneficiaries.

Sources:

What is the 401(k) plan offered by General Motors?

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

How does General Motors match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

General Motors typically matches a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit, which helps boost retirement savings.

Can employees of General Motors choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees of General Motors can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

What is the eligibility requirement for General Motors' 401(k) plan?

Employees of General Motors are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, which may vary by employment status.

Does General Motors offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, General Motors offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

How can General Motors employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the General Motors 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting their HR representative.

What is the contribution limit for General Motors' 401(k) plan?

The contribution limit for General Motors' 401(k) plan is subject to IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

Are there any fees associated with General Motors' 401(k) plan?

Yes, General Motors' 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can General Motors employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, General Motors allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What happens to a General Motors employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

If a General Motors employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the General Motors plan, or cash it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
General Motors offers a defined benefit pension plan for both salaried and hourly employees. GM also provides a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
General Motors offers RSUs to its executives and eligible employees. RSUs vest over a three to four-year period, promoting long-term performance and alignment with company goals.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for General Motors at 1 general mills blvd Golden Valley, MN 55426; or by calling them at 1-800-248-7310.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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