The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently revealed that a staggering amount over $1 billion
in tax refunds from the 2020 tax year remains unclaimed. This considerable sum represents excess payments that Mosaic employees, among others, have not yet reclaimed for various reasons, including incomplete filing forms and the intricacies of tax regulations.
Moreover, an additional $7 billion in unclaimed funds are overlooked annually due to missed claims on earned-income tax credits, child tax credits, and recovery rebate credits for both the 2020 and 2021 tax years. This highlights a pervasive issue within the tax system where employees at major corporations like Mosaic could miss out on substantial financial returns simply because they are unaware of or do not fully understand applicable tax laws and benefits.
For Mosaic employees, it’s critical to recognize that time is still on your side if you've forgotten to claim rightful credits or deductions. The IRS allows refund claims up to three years post the original filing deadline, typically April 15. Due to pandemic-related delays, the filing deadline for the 2020 tax year has been extended to May 17, providing an extra window to correct your filings and claim your dues before they revert permanently to the U.S. Treasury after the deadline.
At the state level, unclaimed funds are even more common. For instance, Nebraska has seen around $420 million in unclaimed property tax deductions since 2020. Similarly, in New Mexico, more than 16,000 residents failed to claim approximately $6 million in rebate credits anticipated for 2022.
A significant portion of these unclaimed refunds can be attributed to taxpayers who either did not file a return or failed to update their mailing addresses with the IRS, resulting in refunds that were never delivered. In 2020, the median amount of these unclaimed refunds was $932 per taxpayer.
The complexity of the tax code often deters taxpayers from pursuing their entitlements, including lesser-known deductions such as those for home offices and specific benefits for owners of pass-through entities. Ryan LoRusso, a partner at Withers, mentions that even tax experts frequently overlook benefits due to the code's complexities.
Most states align with the federal deadline of May 17 to file claims for the 2020 tax year.
According to Lucy Dadayan from the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, most states offer a three-year window to file for unclaimed refunds, mirroring the IRS.
However, filing an amended return can be both challenging and costly, as Jamie Yesnowitz, a tax principal at Grant Thornton, emphasizes. The financial and administrative burdens of filing amended returns might deter individuals, especially when the potential savings do not justify the fees.
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Strategic estate planning is crucial in this environment. Consider a person with substantial assets, such as a $3 million brokerage account and a $3 million tax-deferred retirement account, planning to distribute wealth to family and charities. Understanding the tax implications and available credits or deductions can significantly affect the financial outcome of such legacies.
In summary, the complexities of tax laws mean many potential refunds and credits go unclaimed. Mosaic employees need to be proactive and informed about their tax filings to optimize potential refunds and credits, enhancing their personal financial management and engaging more deeply with the broader financial and economic landscape.
Mosaic employees, particularly those nearing or in retirement, should also be vigilant about tax scams. During tax season, retirees are often targeted by fraudulent schemes, including fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment. The IRS warns that these calls are scams, exploiting fears about law enforcement and compliance. A report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration in February 2021 indicated that over $10 million was lost to such scams in the previous year, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Mosaic?
The 401(k) plan at Mosaic is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does Mosaic match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Mosaic offers a company match of 50% on employee contributions up to 6% of their salary, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
When can employees at Mosaic enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Mosaic can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial onboarding process and during the annual open enrollment period.
Is there a vesting schedule for Mosaic's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Mosaic has a vesting schedule for company contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the employer match.
What investment options are available in Mosaic's 401(k) plan?
Mosaic offers a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, index funds, and actively managed funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Mosaic?
Yes, Mosaic allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Mosaic?
If you leave Mosaic, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Mosaic plan if eligible.
Does Mosaic offer financial education resources for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Mosaic provides financial education resources, including workshops and one-on-one consultations, to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
How often can employees change their contribution rate to the Mosaic 401(k) plan?
Employees at Mosaic can change their contribution rate at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
Are there any fees associated with Mosaic's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Mosaic's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
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