'Given the significant changes introduced by the 2025 tax law, L3Harris employees should proactively reassess their financial and estate planning strategies with qualified advisors to adapt effectively to both permanent shifts and temporary opportunities,' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'With major tax changes now permanent and new temporary provisions introduced, L3Harris employees should revisit their retirement and estate planning to optimize financial opportunities in this evolving landscape,' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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Permanent tax code changes affecting income, deductions, and estate planning.
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Temporary tax benefits available from 2025 through 2028.
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New savings and health care provisions available to families and retirees.
A New Tax Landscape for L3Harris Employees
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a landmark bill into law that made most of the individual and corporate tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. For L3Harris employees, this legislation could bring long-term effects on income, deductions, and retirement planning. The law also introduces several new tax provisions intended to ease burdens for seniors, families with young children, and those living in high-tax states. While these changes stop the automatic tax increases once slated for December 31, 2025, some provisions will expire after a few years—potentially prompting more political and financial revisions.
Background and Legal Hurdles
Getting the bill passed was complex. Lawmakers balanced the cost of extending the TCJA’s tax breaks by cutting Medicaid spending, reducing some clean energy credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, and eliminating personal exemptions. Analysts urge American households to consider how these trade-offs might affect long-term economic growth. Some components may offer modest tax relief for both consumers and businesses, possibly influencing economic momentum.
Core Permanent Provisions
1. Seven Tax Brackets
The structure of seven tax brackets—ranging from 10% to 37%—remains in place. 1 Adjustments for inflation apply in select cases. L3Harris professionals should assess their current income tier to understand its effect on overall tax liability.
2. Mortgage Interest Deduction
Interest on up to $750,000 of acquisition mortgage debt ($375,000 if married filing separately) remains deductible. For L3Harris homeowners, this provision may provide continued tax relief depending on loan size and income.
3. SALT Deduction Cap
The $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions will temporarily increase to $40,000 before reverting in 2030. 1 High-income L3Harris earners in states with steep taxes may benefit from this short-term expansion.
4. Standard Deduction
Now permanent, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for joint filers. 1 These amounts will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026—making it important for L3Harris employees to monitor annual changes.
5. Estate and Gift Tax Exclusion
The estate and gift tax exemption has increased to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple. 1 This is especially relevant for L3Harris executives with large estates or wealth transfer goals.
6. Charitable Giving Incentives
Above-the-line deductions of $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers are reinstated, along with expanded adjusted gross income (AGI) limits for cash donations. L3Harris retirees who prioritize charitable giving may find new planning opportunities here.
7. Repeal of Personal Exemption
The $4,050 per filer personal exemption has been permanently eliminated. 1 Taxpayers continue to rely on enhanced Child Tax Credits and the standard deduction instead.
Temporary Enhancements (2025–2028)
Tax-Free Tips and Overtime
Workers earning under $300,000 (joint) or $150,000 (single) can deduct up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime pay. This change may be relevant for L3Harris employees in field service or operations roles.
Senior Deduction Boost
An additional $6,000 deduction is now available for individuals over 65, phasing out at incomes of $75,000 (single) and $150,000 (joint). 2 This could affect many long-tenured L3Harris employees planning for retirement.
Auto Loan Interest Deduction
Interest on loans for U.S.-assembled vehicles (up to $10,000) is deductible for individuals earning under $100,000 (single) or $200,000 (joint). L3Harris families may consider how this could influence their vehicle purchasing plans.
Savings and Health Advances
“Trump Accounts” for Minors
Parents can contribute up to $5,000 annually to a child’s account that later converts to an IRA at age 18. L3Harris families with long-term savings goals may consider this strategy.
Expanded Health Savings Account (HSA) Access
Telehealth services are now permanently included, and reimbursements up to $150/month ($300 for families) for direct primary care are allowed. This offers greater flexibility for L3Harris workers with high-deductible health plans.
Flexible 529 Plans
Withdrawals from 529 plans now include costs for educational therapy, private tutoring, and testing fees. This expansion may benefit L3Harris parents supporting children with specialized learning needs.
Notably Excluded
Despite earlier debate, the new law does not repeal taxation of Social Security benefits. Individuals earning above $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (joint) will continue to have up to 85% of their benefits taxed. The temporary senior deduction, however, may reduce total liability for some.
Looking Ahead
The new law solidifies many tax policies and adds time-sensitive benefits designed for families, seniors, and individuals building long-term plans. L3Harris employees may wish to speak with a financial advisor to evaluate how changes intersect with their compensation, equity, and estate considerations. Critical components like the SALT cap window, AGI phase-outs, and inflation-linked thresholds should be revisited each year to capture new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Think of the 2025 tax act like a home renovation. Some features—like tax-free overtime and enhanced deductions—are temporary extensions that won’t last forever. Others—such as expanded credits and deductions—strengthen the core of the tax code. For L3Harris professionals and retirees, now may be the right time to reassess your financial approach and align with the latest legislative updates.
AMT Update
The Alternative Minimum Tax exemption has been set at $88,100 for single filers and $137,000 for joint filers in 2025, and it will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. 1 This provision helps reduce the likelihood that higher earners will fall under AMT obligations due solely to inflation.
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Sources:
1. U.S. Bank Wealth Management Team. ' New Tax Laws 2025: Tax Brackets and Deductions .' U.S. Bank, 15 Feb. 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
2. Tax Foundation. ' No Tax on Social Security vs. $4,000 'Senior Bonus' Tax Deduction .' Tax Foundation, 5 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
Other Resources:
1. AARP. ' What to Know About the New Tax Deduction for Older Adults .' AARP Editorial Staff, 7 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
2. Bankrate. ' There's a New Tax Break Worth $6,000 for Older Taxpayers ,' by Andrea Coombes, 11 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
3. Barron’s. ' Retirees, Here's How to Take Advantage of New Tax Breaks .' Barron's Tax Editorial Team, 9 July 2025. Accessed 12 July 2025.
What specific factors should L3Harris Technologies employees consider when determining the most suitable form of pension benefit at retirement? Employees of L3Harris Technologies may have various options, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts. Understanding the implications of each option, including tax treatments and benefit guarantees, can be crucial in making a decision that aligns with long-term financial goals. It is also important to consider how the selected form may affect survivor benefits and overall retirement income planning.
Pension Options at Retirement: L3Harris Technologies employees have various pension benefit options to consider at retirement, such as life annuities, contingent annuities, and lump-sum payouts(L3Harris Technologies I…). Each option has different tax treatments, survivor benefits, and guarantees. For example, selecting a life annuity ensures a fixed monthly payment for life, while a lump-sum payout might offer more flexibility but comes with immediate tax implications. Employees should evaluate how each option aligns with their long-term financial goals and whether it provides adequate survivor protection for dependents(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How does L3Harris Technologies determine eligibility for early retirement, and what implications does this have for pension benefits? Employees should familiarize themselves with the criteria for qualifying for early retirement, including age and service requirements. Additionally, understanding the benefits that are available should retirement occur before the standard retirement age can affect financial planning, as these benefits can differ significantly from those available at normal retirement age due to reduction factors or penalties.
Early Retirement Eligibility: L3Harris Technologies determines eligibility for early retirement based on age and years of service. Employees may qualify for early retirement if they are at least 55 years old and have completed 10 years of service(L3Harris Technologies I…). Opting for early retirement can result in a reduced pension benefit due to the longer payment period. These reductions, known as early retirement penalties, affect financial planning since the payout is lower compared to waiting until the normal retirement age(L3Harris Technologies I…).
In what ways do the pension formulas at L3Harris Technologies differ, and how can employees assess which plan is most advantageous for their retirement? Employees participating in the L3Harris pension plan can choose between different formulas, such as the Traditional Pension Plan and the Pension Equity Plan. Assessing which formula may yield higher benefits involves understanding the benefits calculation processes, including how each formula accounts for years of service, salary history, and participation criteria, which can significantly impact total retirement income.
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How should L3Harris Technologies employees prepare for the selection of a beneficiary, and what are the potential impacts on their pension benefits? Selecting a beneficiary is an important component of retirement planning. Employees at L3Harris Technologies must understand the implications that come with adding a spouse or other individuals as beneficiaries, including the effect on benefit amounts and how beneficiary selection can influence survivor payouts. Moreover, they should familiarize themselves with the requirements for updating beneficiary information and the legal implications of such designations.
Beneficiary Selection: Choosing a beneficiary is a crucial step for L3Harris employees. Adding a spouse or another individual as a beneficiary may reduce the employee's pension benefit but ensures that a portion of the pension continues after the employee's death(L3Harris Technologies I…). Employees should be aware of the survivor benefit provisions, spousal consent requirements, and the need to regularly update their beneficiary information(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What procedures must L3Harris Technologies employees follow to appeal a denied pension benefit claim, and what timelines should they be aware of? Employees should be well-informed about the steps involved in the appeals process for denied claims, including how and when to file an appeal and the importance of providing adequate documentation. Understanding the statutes of limitations related to claims and appeals can significantly influence the outcomes for employees seeking to reinstate or secure their benefits.
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How does L3Harris Technologies handle survivor benefits, and what actions should employees take to ensure that their surviving spouses or partners have access to these benefits? Understanding the components of survivor benefits at L3Harris Technologies is crucial. Employees should learn about the eligibility of their spouses or partners following their death, the type of benefits due, and any actions required to secure these benefits. Familiarity with the plan’s rules surrounding survivor benefits and timelines for elections can also affect the financial security of beneficiaries.
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What resources are available for L3Harris Technologies employees for receiving personalized retirement counseling, and how can these resources aid in making informed financial decisions? Employees may benefit from accessing professional counseling services or informational resources provided by L3Harris Technologies. These resources can include individual retirement planning sessions that help employees align their pension benefits with their overall retirement strategy, ensuring that they utilize their benefits effectively and are informed about their options.
Retirement Counseling Resources: L3Harris provides personalized retirement counseling services to assist employees with their pension and retirement planning(L3Harris Technologies I…). These resources include individual sessions to discuss how pension benefits fit into overall retirement strategies. By leveraging these services, employees can make well-informed decisions about their financial future(L3Harris Technologies I…).
How can employees of L3Harris Technologies find out more about their eligibility for the Cash Balance Plan and the advantages of this plan over traditional pension formulas? Employees should research what defines an "active Cash Balance Plan Participant" as well as the benefit calculations associated with it. Investigating the elements that set this type of plan apart—specifically regarding lump-sum distributions and the ability to track benefits—can better inform employees about the potential advantages for their future retirement income.
Cash Balance Plan: Employees interested in the Cash Balance Plan can research its advantages over traditional pension formulas. The Cash Balance Plan allows for lump-sum distributions and provides clear benefit tracking, which can be more appealing to employees looking for flexibility and control over their retirement funds(L3Harris Technologies I…).
What impact do potential changes to the L3Harris Technologies pension plan have on current employees, and what steps should they take to stay informed about such changes? Employees should remain vigilant regarding any amendments to the pension plan that could influence their retirement benefits. This includes understanding their rights under ERISA and staying engaged with communication from L3Harris regarding plan updates, ensuring that they are equipped to make timely decisions based on the latest information.
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How can employees of L3Harris Technologies contact the Benefits Service Center to address specific questions regarding their pension plan or retirement strategy? It is essential for employees seeking clarity on their pension benefits or retirement planning to know how to reach out to the L3Harris Benefits Service Center. This center acts as a vital resource, and understanding its operations—including contact times, methods of contact, and the types of inquiries that can be addressed—will enable employees to receive the guidance they need regarding their benefits.
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