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Understanding the SECURE Act and IRS Regulations: What KeyCorp Employees Need to Know for Their Retirement Planning

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KeyCorp: KeyCorp partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as their primary healthcare provider. This relationship offers KeyCorp employees a broad range of health insurance options and services to ensure their healthcare needs are met efficiently. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. With the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, many enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. This situation is exacerbated by rising medical costs and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, which in some states might surpass 60%. The combination of these factors suggests a challenging landscape for consumers, potentially prompting healthier individuals to exit the market, thus raising costs for those who remain. As the healthcare industry grapples with these changes, proactive planning for 2026 will be essential for individuals and employers alike. Click here to learn more

In December 2019, the 'Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement  (SECURE) Act ' introduced transformative adjustments to the taxation of post-mortem distributions from qualified retirement accounts. A pivotal element of these changes was the elimination of the 'stretch' provision for most non-spouse beneficiaries, replaced by the 10-Year Rule, which mandates the full distribution of inherited retirement assets within a decade of the account holder’s death. This shift directly affects KeyCorp employees planning for or managing inheritance scenarios.

By February 2022, the IRS had released Proposed Regulations extending the impacts of the SECURE Act by imposing requirements for annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) over a 10-year period for beneficiaries, provided the deceased had been subject to RMDs prior to their death. This meant that annual distributions were mandatory even during the decennial distribution period, significantly altering the landscape for taxation and estate planning. This regulation demands attention from KeyCorp advisors to assist their colleagues effectively.

This complexity was further emphasized with the IRS’s release of the Final Regulations on July 18, 2024, which not only confirmed these stipulations but also expanded the situations in which various beneficiaries would be impacted. These regulations have strengthened the framework for both eligible and non-eligible beneficiaries, introducing nuanced rules that address scenarios ranging from undistributed RMDs at the death of an account owner to the management of inherited estates through different types of trusts. Such intricacies require careful navigation to optimize outcomes for KeyCorp families.

Key Provisions and Their Implications

1. Post-mortem Distribution Rules:  For beneficiaries inheriting after the Required Beginning Date (RBD) of the account holder, annual RMDs are mandatory until the end of the tenth year following the death. This rule emphasizes the IRS’s stance on reinforcing tax deduction benefits previously extended through the stretch measure. KeyCorp employees must be aware of these timelines to make informed decisions about their retirement assets.

2. Management of Undistributed RMDs:  The regulations stipulate that if the deceased had not taken their full RMD at death, any beneficiary can fulfill this obligation. This flexibility helps simplify compliance for beneficiaries managing inherited estates, which is particularly relevant for KeyCorp beneficiaries who may be navigating these waters for the first time.

3. Specific Rules for Spouses:  A new 'hypothetical RMD' rule requires surviving spouses who first opt for the 10-Year Rule and then decide to treat the inheritance as their own account, to carry out RMDs as if the assets were still in their account. This regulation highlights the importance of careful planning by surviving spouses in managing asset rotation schedules, a critical consideration for KeyCorp families ensuring financial stability.

4. Trusts as Beneficiaries:  The regulations outline how Passage Trusts, whether Conduit or Accumulation types, are treated under the law, specifying the beneficiaries considered for RMD calculations. This ensures that trusts designed to extend asset distributions over an extended period are meticulously structured to comply with the new rules, offering strategic insights for KeyCorp planners.

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5. Annuities and Retirement Accounts:  Clarifications on how annuities embedded in retirement accounts are to be treated for RMD calculations highlight the management of annual payments to meet RMD obligations. These clarifications are vital for KeyCorp employees who have invested in these financial vehicles as part of their retirement planning.

Strategic Perspectives for Financial Advisors

Financial advisors face these regulations with a deep understanding of their implications on estate planning strategies. This evolution highlights the need to review future plans and beneficiary designations to adapt to the new legal framework. Advisors are tasked with interpreting these complex rules to provide clear, strategic expertise that minimizes tax liabilities and ensures compliance while achieving clients’ long-term financial goals, which is especially pertinent for KeyCorp advisors working with their peers.

In conclusion, the latest regulations from 2024 mark a crucial evolution in managing retirement assets post-death. By strengthening rules regarding the timing and mode of distribution, the IRS aims to ensure quicker tax remedies while allowing some leeway in certain cases. For financial advisors, staying informed about these regulations is essential to effectively assist their clients, ensuring that strategic decisions are both tax-efficient and aligned with estate management goals. As this legislation continues to evolve, it will be crucial for advisors to engage proactively and continually educate themselves to deliver the best value to their clients in this complex environment. KeyCorp advisors are uniquely positioned to navigate these changes, providing invaluable guidance to their colleagues and families.

What type of retirement plan does KeyCorp offer to its employees?

KeyCorp offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.

How can KeyCorp employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

KeyCorp employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department.

Does KeyCorp match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, KeyCorp provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by IRS regulations and may change annually.

Can KeyCorp employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, KeyCorp allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance under certain conditions.

What investment options are available in KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

How often can KeyCorp employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

KeyCorp employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to payroll processing schedules.

Is there a vesting schedule for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, KeyCorp has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.

At what age can KeyCorp employees begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

KeyCorp employees can begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.

What happens to KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves KeyCorp, they can roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account or leave it in the plan, depending on the balance.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
KeyCorp offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package for its employees, including a 401(k) plan and a cash balance pension plan. Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan at a 2% contribution rate upon hire, with the option to contribute up to 100% of eligible compensation. KeyCorp matches contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 7% after one year of service. The plan allows both pre-tax and Roth contributions, with a variety of investment options available. The company also offers a cash balance pension plan, though specific details about the pension formula and eligibility requirements were not publicly disclosed in the documents reviewed. The information was sourced from KeyCorp's benefits documentation, specifically on pages related to retirement and financial wellness​
Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023 and 2024, KeyCorp faced restructuring efforts driven by market conditions, which resulted in layoffs across various departments. These layoffs are part of KeyCorp's strategy to manage rising costs and align resources more efficiently. The financial services sector has seen increased pressure due to economic fluctuations and regulatory challenges​ (InvestmentNews). It is important to address this news because of the current economic environment, which has significantly impacted corporate decision-making. The tax and political landscape has also created a more uncertain outlook, making cost management and workforce reductions crucial for businesses like KeyCorp.
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) provides employees with stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation and incentive programs. These RSUs are offered to select employees at the company's discretion, based on performance and role. Employees at KeyCorp typically receive RSUs that vest over time, encouraging long-term retention and performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the stock option and RSU programs were part of broader efforts to retain talent, with eligibility based on management-level roles and tenure within the company
KeyCorp provides comprehensive health benefits to support the well-being of its employees, with a strong focus on both physical and financial wellness. The health benefits offered are centered around three high-deductible health plan options, all of which are managed through UnitedHealthcare and provide preventive care at 100%, even before deductibles are met​ (Key.com)​ (Key.com). The available plans are compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing employees to make pre-tax contributions to cover medical expenses. KeyCorp's healthcare plans also include coverage for prescription drugs through Express Scripts. Additionally, dental and vision plans are offered, and employees who work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for these benefits​ (Key.com). There are also wellness programs such as health screenings, health coaching, and fitness benefits, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among employees​ (
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for KeyCorp at , ; or by calling them at .

https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/company-stock https://livewell.com/finance/how-do-interest-rates-affect-pension-payouts/ https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2023-lump-sums-defined-benefit-plans-much-lower-as-interest-rates-rise https://investor.key.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy-statements/default.aspx https://www.investmentnews.com/industry-news/news/401k-lawsuits-keep-piling-up-193992 https://www.key.com/about/benefits/financial-wellness/retirement-savings.html https://scotiabank.investorroom.com/2024-08-12-Scotiabank-announces-agreement-to-acquire-14-9-equity-interest-in-KeyCorp https://www.preqin.com/data/profile/investor/keycorp-pension-plan/93733 https://contracts.justia.com/companies/keycorp-753/contract/57524/ https://www.clevescene.com/news/layoffs-looming-at-key-updated-2506629 https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/leading-companies-announcing-layoffs-and-hiring-freezes/ https://www.wpxi.com/unavailable-location/ https://www.wealthspire.com/ https://www.dol.gov/ https://www.futureplan.com/ https://www.investopedia.com/ https://www.omnicalculator.com/finance/retirement

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