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Lockheed Martin and the 2025 Tax Overhaul: What Employees Need to Know Now

'Given the significant changes introduced by the 2025 tax law, Lockheed Martin 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, Lockheed Martin 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:

Permanent tax code changes affecting income, deductions, and estate planning.
Temporary tax benefits available from 2025 through 2028.
New savings and health care provisions available to families and retirees.

A New Tax Landscape for Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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. Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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. Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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). Lockheed Martin 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. Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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. Lockheed Martin 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 Lockheed Martin 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.

How does Lockheed Martin determine the monthly pension benefit for employees nearing retirement, and what factors should employees consider when planning their retirement based on this calculation? Specifically, how do the concepts of "Final Average Pay" and "Credited Years of Service" interact in the pension calculation under Lockheed Martinâ€™s retirement plan?

Lockheed Martin Pension Calculation: Lockheed Martin calculates monthly pension benefits using the "Final Average Pay" (FAP) and "Credited Years of Service" (CYS). The FAP is determined by averaging the three highest annual compensations prior to 2016, while CYS counts the years from employment start to December 31, 2019, when the pension was frozen. The benefit per year of service is calculated based on whether the FAP is less than or exceeds the Social Security Covered Compensation, with specific formulas applied for each scenario. These calculations directly affect the monthly pension benefit, which may also be reduced if retirement commences before a certain age due to early retirement penalties.

Given the recent changes in Lockheed Martin's pension policy, what implications could this have for employees who are planning to retire in the near future? How should these employees navigate their expectations regarding retirement income given that the pension has been frozen since 2020?

Implications of Pension Freeze: Since Lockheed Martin froze its pension plan in 2020, no future earnings or years of service will increase pension benefits. This freeze shifts the emphasis towards maximizing contributions to 401(k) plans, where Lockheed Martin increased its maximum contribution to 10% for non-represented employees. Employees planning for imminent retirement should recalibrate their financial planning to account for this change, prioritizing 401(k) growth and other retirement savings vehicles to compensate for the pension freeze.

What options does Lockheed Martin provide for employees regarding healthcare insurance as they approach retirement age? How do these options compare in terms of coverage and cost, particularly for those who will transition to Medicare upon reaching age 65?

Healthcare Options Near Retirement: As Lockheed Martin employees approach retirement, they can choose from several health insurance options. Before Medicare eligibility, they may use COBRA, a Lockheed Martin retiree plan, or the ACA's private marketplace. Post-65, they transition to Medicare, with the possibility of additional coverage through Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans. Lockheed Martin supports this transition with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement, providing an annual credit to help cover medical expenses.

Understanding the complex nature of Lockheed Martin's pension and retirement benefits, what resources are available to employees to help them navigate their choices regarding pension claiming options? In what ways can the insights from these resources aid employees in making informed decisions about their financial future?

Resources for Navigating Retirement Benefits: Lockheed Martin employees have access to resources like the LM Employee Service Center intranet, which includes robust tools such as a pension estimator. This tool allows for modeling different retirement scenarios and understanding the impacts of various pension claiming options. Additional support is provided through HR consultations and detailed plan descriptions to ensure employees make informed decisions about their retirement strategies.

For employees with varying years of service at Lockheed Martin, how can their employment history impact their pension benefits? What strategies should individuals explore to maximize their benefits given the different legacy systems that might influence their retirement payout?

Impact of Employment History on Pension Benefits: The length and nature of an employee’s service at Lockheed Martin significantly influence pension calculations. Historical changes in pension policies, particularly the transition points of the pension freeze, play critical roles in determining the final pension benefits. Employees must consider their entire career timeline, including any represented or non-represented periods, to understand and maximize their eligible pension benefits fully.

How does the Lockheed Martin retirement plan ensure that benefits are preserved for spouses or dependents after an employee's passing? How do different claiming options affect the long-term financial security of the employee's family post-retirement?

Benefit Preservation for Dependents: Lockheed Martin's pension plan includes options that consider the welfare of spouses or dependents after an employee's passing. Options like "Joint and Survivor" ensure ongoing benefits for surviving spouses, while choices like "Life with X-Year guarantee" provide continued payments for a defined period after the employee’s death. Understanding these options helps secure long-term financial stability for beneficiaries.

What steps can Lockheed Martin employees take to prepare financially for retirement, especially if they have outstanding loans or financial obligations? How crucial is it for employees to understand the conditions under which these loans must be settled before retirement?

Financial Preparation for Retirement: Employees approaching retirement should focus on clearing any outstanding loans and maximizing their contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). These steps are crucial for ensuring a smooth financial transition to retirement, minimizing potential tax impacts, and maximizing available retirement income streams.

With the evolution of Lockheed Martin's retirement initiatives, particularly the shift toward higher 401(k) contributions, how should employees balance contributions to their 401(k) with their overall retirement savings strategy? What factors should they consider in optimizing their investment choices post-retirement?

Balancing 401(k) Contributions: With the pension freeze, Lockheed Martin employees should increasingly rely on 401(k) plans, where the company has increased its contribution cap. Employees must balance these contributions with other savings strategies and consider their investment choices carefully to ensure a robust retirement fund that can support their post-retirement life.

How does Lockheed Martin's approach to retirement planning include the management of health savings accounts (HSAs) for retirees? What are the tax advantages of HSAs, and how can employees effectively utilize this resource when planning for healthcare expenses in retirement?

Management of HSAs for Retirees: Lockheed Martin encourages maximizing contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which offer significant tax advantages. These accounts not only provide funds for current medical expenses but can also be used tax-free for healthcare costs in retirement, making them a critical component of retirement health expense planning.

What is the best way for employees to contact Lockheed Martin regarding specifics or questions about their retirement benefits? What channels of communication are available, and how can they access the most current and relevant information regarding their retirement planning? These questions aim to encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion about retirement planning within Lockheed Martin, addressing various aspects of the company's benefits while promoting engagement with internal resources.

Contacting Lockheed Martin for Retirement Benefit Queries: Employees should direct specific inquiries about their retirement benefits to Lockheed Martin's HR department or consult the benefits Summary Plan Descriptions available through company resources. These channels ensure employees receive accurate and comprehensive information tailored to their individual circumstances.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Lockheed Martin at 6801 rockledge drive Bethesda, MD 20817; or by calling them at 863-647-0370.