Healthcare Provider Update: First Horizon offers health, dental, and vision insurance tailored to individual and family needs. Employees benefit from HSAs, FSAs, disability coverage, and parental leave. The company provides a 401(k) with up to 6% matching, adoption reimbursement, and wellness programs. Additional perks include tuition reimbursement, mentoring, and digital wellness platforms3. First Horizon With ACA premiums projected to rise sharply, First Horizons employer-sponsored plans and financial wellness tools help employees avoid the volatility of marketplace costs. Their matched savings and flexible spending options provide a buffer against rising healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more
The transition into retirement often leads to a shift in financial balances, including changes in tax responsibilities stemming from investment income sources such as IRAs. First Horizon employees might assume that their tax burdens will decrease as their regular employment income ceases. However, profound tax planning and understanding of IRA distributions are essential to avoid unexpected tax hikes during retirement.
The Myth of Reduced Taxes in Retirement
Ed Slott, a renowned tax and IRA expert and author of 'The Retirement Savings Time Bomb...And How to Defuse It,' addresses the widespread myth that taxes decrease after retirement. First Horizon employees, like many others, might find themselves in higher income brackets than anticipated. This situation is largely due to the nature of deferred taxation on retirement accounts like IRAs, which, if not managed properly, can lead to significant tax liabilities.
Tax Strategy and IRA Management for First Horizon Employees
In the years leading up to and immediately following retirement, strategic financial planning can greatly influence an individual's tax situation. Between the ages of 59½ and 73, First Horizon employees have a prime opportunity to manage their IRAs without penalties, offering a chance to alter their tax obligations. This period before the onset of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at age 73 is critical for implementing strategies aimed at reducing future taxes.
Market Conditions and Conversion Timing
The timing of a Roth conversion can significantly impact financial outcomes due to market condition fluctuations. According to Slott, it is advisable to wait until the end of the year (November or December) to perform conversions. First Horizon employees can benefit from this timing strategy, allowing for a better understanding of the financial year and any potential tax liabilities, thereby optimizing the tax impact of the conversion.
Tax Planning Beyond RMDs for First Horizon Employees
For those who continue saving during retirement, prioritizing Roth accounts can be advantageous. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth accounts do not require RMDs, offering more flexibility and potential tax savings in the future for First Horizon employees. Moreover, understanding and applying tax laws and provisions, such as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), can further reduce taxable income. The QCD allows individuals over age 70½ to donate part of their IRA distributions directly to a charity, reducing their taxable income.
Long-term Benefits of Roth Contributions
The benefits of Roth contributions extend beyond immediate tax advantages. For younger employees at First Horizon starting their careers, investing in Roth accounts ensures that their savings grow tax-free, providing a significant long-term benefit. Recent legislative changes under the SECURE Act 2.0 have further facilitated the shift to Roth accounts by allowing employers to make Roth 401(k) contributions, enhancing the appeal of Roth savings for all ages.
In Conclusion
Effective tax planning is crucial for managing retirement finances, particularly concerning IRAs. First Horizon employees should understand the interplay between various types of retirement accounts and tax strategies, leading to substantial savings and a more secure financial future. Whether considering Roth conversions or optimizing contribution types, the goal remains the same: to minimize tax liabilities and maximize financial freedom in retirement.
Further Clarifications for First Horizon Employees
For deeper discussions on managing IRA rollovers and avoiding common risks, resources like Morningstar provide valuable information and expert advice. First Horizon employees can enhance their ability to handle the complex challenges of retirement finances by collaborating with financial experts and staying informed about tax laws and retirement planning strategies.
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A recent study by the Tax Policy Center highlights the critical importance of state taxes in retirement planning, an often-overlooked element. First Horizon retirees who might consider relocating to or residing in states with significant tax obligations should understand state tax regulations. States like Florida and Nevada do not impose income taxes, which can greatly reduce the overall tax burden on retirement distributions from IRAs and other taxable funds. This strategic relocation decision is increasingly valued by First Horizon employees looking to optimize their financial resources.
Navigating retirement tax strategies is like piloting a boat through changing winds. Just as an experienced sailor must adjust their sails to effectively harness the wind, First Horizon retirees need to adjust their financial strategies to manage the fluctuating tax consequences of their IRA distributions. The calm of pre-retirement can quickly be disrupted by the required minimum distributions (RMDs) at age 73, pushing retirees towards higher tax levels, just like unforeseen winds challenge even the most skilled navigators. Employing strategies such as Roth conversions during the 'golden years' from 59½ to 73 is akin to adjusting your rigging before a storm, ensuring a smoother and more controlled financial transition into retirement.
What type of retirement savings plan does First Horizon offer to its employees?
First Horizon offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does First Horizon provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, First Horizon provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
Employees at First Horizon are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
How can employees at First Horizon enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in First Horizon's 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
First Horizon offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees at First Horizon take loans against their 401(k) balance?
Yes, First Horizon allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan documents.
What is the vesting schedule for First Horizon's 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for First Horizon's matching contributions typically follows a graded schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.
Are there any fees associated with First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with First Horizon's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees at First Horizon change their 401(k) contribution amount?
Employees at First Horizon can change their 401(k) contribution amount at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What is the maximum contribution limit for First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for First Horizon's 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for specifics.