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Understanding the SECURE Act and IRS Regulations: What Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Employees Need to Know for Their Retirement Planning

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information The healthcare provider associated with Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WABTEC) is often contingent upon employee choices, as many employees may utilize employer-sponsored plans or opt for plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Typically, large companies like WABTEC partner with major insurance providers, including plans offered by UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, or Anthem, allowing employees to choose from various healthcare options tailored to their needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, employees at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies may face significant increases in their healthcare costs, primarily due to anticipated rate hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With premium increases for some insurers expecting to exceed 60%, many employees could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar. The combination of rising medical costs, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and major insurers seeking higher rates point towards potential out-of-pocket premium hikes that could exceed 75%. These changes necessitate early planning and strategic decision-making regarding healthcare plans to mitigate financial impacts. 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 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. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies advisors are uniquely positioned to navigate these changes, providing invaluable guidance to their colleagues and families.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies?

The 401(k) plan at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can employees enroll in the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available through the HR portal or by contacting the HR department directly.

Does Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies?

The vesting schedule for matching contributions at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies?

Yes, employees at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's rules.

What investment options are available in the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 401(k) plan?

The Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 401(k) plan?

Yes, Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies may have a minimum contribution requirement, which is outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.

How often can employees at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies make changes to their investment allocations?

Employees at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies can typically make changes to their investment allocations on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies?

If an employee leaves Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies, they can either roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out their balance, or leave the funds in the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies plan if allowed.

Are there any penalties for early withdrawal from the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 401(k) plan?

Yes, early withdrawals from the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 401(k) plan may incur penalties and taxes, unless certain conditions are met, such as financial hardship.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies at , ; or by calling them at .

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