Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ingredion For Ingredion, the primary healthcare provider facilitating health benefits for employees is generally expected to be a major national health insurer. While specific details can vary by location and employee plan selection, Ingredion typically partners with prominent insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Cigna. Employees should review their specific benefits documentation to confirm the insurer applicable to their individual or family healthcare plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look toward 2026, Ingredion employees may face significant healthcare cost increases stemming from rising premiums in the ACA marketplace. Notably, with many states anticipating premium hikes exceeding 60%, employees could feel the pinch as employers may adjust benefit structures, shifting more costs onto them. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies may further amplify these financial burdens, with up to 92% of ACA enrollees potentially experiencing out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. Given the upward trend in medical costs driven by pharmaceutical expenses and healthcare service inflation, it is vital for employees to proactively plan for these anticipated changes in their healthcare expenditures. Click here to learn more
When Ingredion employees sell appreciated assets such as stocks or real estate, they might face significant capital gains taxes. However, an effective tax reduction strategy known as an upstream transfer can be used. This involves transferring these assets to one's parents and later reclaiming them, potentially lowering the taxable amount. This method proves especially beneficial for those with substantial wealth, as it can reduce capital gains and potentially double the amount that their children inherit without triggering estate taxes. Here's a detailed analysis of how upstream transfers work, their benefits, and the associated risks.
Understanding Upstream Transfers
For Ingredion employees who have seen a significant increase in the value of their assets over time, transferring these assets can result in hefty capital gains taxes. In the United States, capital gains tax is calculated based on the difference between the sale price of an asset and its original purchase price (known as the cost basis). Long-term capital gains tax can be as high as 23.8%, including the net investment income tax. (Source: IRS - Capital Gains Tax Rates)
Upstream transfers benefit from a tax exemption that allows for a step-up in basis upon inheritance. This means that when an individual inherits an asset, its cost basis is adjusted to its market value at the time of the decedent’s death. This adjustment can significantly reduce the taxable amount on any capital gains when the asset is sold. (Source: IRS - Inherited Property Basis)
For instance, consider a Ingredion employee who holds stock that has appreciated by $1 million since purchase. If sold, they would face about $238,000 in taxes at a 23.8% rate. However, by transferring the stock to their parents and reclaiming it after their demise, the employee would only be taxed on any appreciation that occurs after their parents' death, potentially minimizing capital gains tax liabilities.
Tax Concerns and Estate Planning Advantages
One major advantage of upstream planning for Ingredion employees is its ability to reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes. However, this strategy also offers significant estate planning benefits. The current estate tax exemption is set at $13.61 million per individual (or $27.22 million for married couples), allowing individuals to transfer or acquire assets up to this threshold without incurring estate taxes. (Source: IRS - Estate Tax Exemption Limits)
Wealthy families can use additional transfers to reduce estate tax deductions. By transferring their assets to parents who have not yet used their tax exemption, families can preserve more wealth from estate taxes. The popularity of asset transfers has increased since the federal estate tax exemption status was introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, this increased exemption is scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 unless extended by Congress, prompting many to consider this strategy before the exemption amount decreases. (Source: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - IRS Summary)
Essential Details and Risks
While upstream transfers are helpful for tax reduction, they also involve risks. A primary concern is the potential loss of control over the assets when transferred to parents. In most cases, parents have the decision-making power regarding their assets, including their transfer or sale during their lifetime. This setup allows parents to decide to share the estate with other successors, such as a future spouse or other children. Moreover, parents’ creditors could claim the assets, complicating the situation further.
Additionally, family dynamics play a crucial role in the success of upstream planning. The involvement of multiple family members, including siblings and spouses, can lead to conflicts and disagreements. For example, parents might alter their estate plan to favor one child, even if it was another who originally provided the assets. Open and transparent communication among all parties is essential to minimize the potential for family conflict.
Timing and Legal Considerations
Timing is another critical factor in upstream transfers. Typically, these transfers are most effective when parents are older or have limited longevity. The strategy is usually recommended when parents are within their last seven years of life and are not expected to live beyond five years. However, if parents pass away within a year after the asset transfer, the basis step-up is disallowed, undermining one of the strategy’s main benefits. (Source: IRS - Step-Up in Basis Rules)
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Furthermore, the value of transferred assets can fluctuate over time, as can the estate tax exemption. If assets significantly appreciate after the transfer or if the estate tax deduction is reduced, an unexpected tax liability could occur for the family. This underscores the importance of a rigorous plan and ongoing monitoring of the situation to keep the transfer tax-efficient.
In Conclusion
Future transfers offer an effective strategy for reducing tax liabilities on capital gains and enhancing wealth transmission to future generations. However, this method requires careful consideration of the legal, financial, and family dynamics involved. Wealthy individuals, including those at Ingredion considering an upstream plan, should consult with experienced estate planning professionals to determine if this strategy aligns with their overall financial goals and family circumstances. Proper planning and implementation can make upstream transfers a valuable tool in a comprehensive tax and estate planning strategy.
What is the 401k plan offered by Ingredion?
The 401k plan offered by Ingredion is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their earnings on a tax-deferred basis.
How does Ingredion match employee contributions to the 401k plan?
Ingredion matches employee contributions to the 401k plan up to a certain percentage, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
Can employees of Ingredion choose how their 401k contributions are invested?
Yes, employees of Ingredion can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401k plan to align with their retirement goals.
What is the eligibility requirement for Ingredion's 401k plan?
To be eligible for Ingredion's 401k plan, employees typically need to meet specific criteria such as age and length of service.
When can employees of Ingredion enroll in the 401k plan?
Employees of Ingredion can enroll in the 401k plan during the initial enrollment period or during open enrollment periods as specified by the company.
How can Ingredion employees change their 401k contribution amount?
Ingredion employees can change their 401k contribution amount by submitting a request through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department.
Does Ingredion offer a loan option against the 401k savings plan?
Yes, Ingredion does offer a loan option against the 401k savings plan, allowing employees to borrow from their savings under certain conditions.
What happens to my 401k savings if I leave Ingredion?
If you leave Ingredion, you have several options for your 401k savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
Are there any fees associated with Ingredion's 401k plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Ingredion's 401k plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.
Can Ingredion employees access their 401k funds while still employed?
Generally, Ingredion employees cannot access their 401k funds while still employed, except through loans or hardship withdrawals as permitted by the plan.