Retirement Legislation Awaits Further Action for McCormick Employees

Legislation that could benefit McCormick employees and retirees with individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and retirement plans such as employees in McCormick companies, is currently moving through Congress. The Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022 has passed almost unanimously in the House. A similar bill (with some differences), the Enhancing American Retirement Now Act, has been drafted in the Senate but will have to wait until Congress is back in session in November for further consideration. If the Senate passes its bill, the House and the Senate would need to reconcile the two bills, and then each would vote on the reconciled bill.

Some significant provisions in the proposed legislation that may aid in your McCormick retirement planning are summarized below.

Contributions
House	Senate
The $1,000 IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and older would be indexed for inflation, starting in 2024.	The $1,000 IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and older would be indexed for inflation, starting in 2023.
For workplace retirement plans such as a 401(k), the catch-up contribution limit would be increased to $10,000 (indexed for inflation) for eligible participants aged 62 to 64, starting in 2024.	For workplace retirement plans such as a 401(k), the catch-up contribution limit would be increased to $10,000 (indexed for inflation) for eligible participants aged 60 to 63, starting in 2025.

For SIMPLE plans, the catch-up contribution limit would be increased to $5,000 (indexed for inflation) for eligible participants aged 62 to 64, starting in 2024. For SIMPLE plans, the catch-up contribution limit would be increased to $5,000 (indexed for inflation) for eligible participants aged 60 to 63, starting in 2025. An employer would be able to make matching contributions to a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k) on behalf of an employee who is making qualified student loan payments, starting in 2023. An employer would be able to make matching contributions to a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k) on behalf of an employee who is making qualified student loan payments, starting in 2024.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Distributions
House	Senate
The current starting age of 72 for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts would be increased to age 73 starting in 2023, age 74 starting in 2030, and age 75 starting in 2033.	The current starting age of 72 for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts would be increased to age 75 for calendar years after 2031.
The penalty for failing to make an RMD would be reduced from 50% to 25%, starting in 2023. In addition, the penalty would be reduced to 10% if the taxpayer corrects an RMD shortfall and submits a corrected tax return before the earlier of (a) when the IRS demands payment or (b) the end of the second taxable year after the taxable year in which the penalty is imposed.	The penalty for failing to make an RMD would be reduced from 50% to 25%, starting in 2023. In addition, the penalty would be reduced to 10% if the taxpayer corrects an RMD shortfall and submits a corrected tax return before the earlier of (a) when the IRS demands payment or (b) the end of the second taxable year after the taxable year in which the penalty is imposed.
Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) for individuals aged 70½ and older would be expanded to allow a one-time election to be made for a QCD of up to $50,000 (to be adjusted for inflation) to a charitable remainder unitrust, a charitable remainder annuity trust, or a charitable gift annuity.	Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) for individuals aged 70½ and older would be expanded to allow a one-time election to be made for a QCD of up to $50,000 (to be adjusted for inflation) to a charitable remainder unitrust, a charitable remainder annuity trust, or a charitable gift annuity.
An exception to the penalty for early distributions from a retirement plan would be available for up to $10,000 of distributions to a domestic abuse victim after the date of enactment.	An exception to the penalty for early distributions from a retirement plan would be available for up to $10,000 of distributions to a domestic abuse victim after the date of enactment.

Other
House	Senate
SIMPLE and SEP Roth IRAs would be allowed starting in 2023.	SIMPLE and SEP Roth IRAs would be allowed starting in 2024.
If a retirement plan permits it, an employee would be able to elect to have employer-matching contributions treated as Roth contributions, starting with contributions made after the date of enactment.	If a retirement plan permits it, an employee would be able to elect to have employer-matching contributions treated as Roth contributions, starting with contributions made in 2023.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

McCormick's primary pension plan is the "McCormick & Company, Inc. Pension Plan." Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need a minimum of 5 years of service to qualify for benefits. The typical age qualification for full benefits is 65, although early retirement options may be available with reduced benefits. Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on years of service and average salary during the highest earning years, though specific formulas may vary by plan specifics and employee tenure. McCormick offers a 401(k) plan named the "McCormick & Company, Inc. 401(k) Plan." Qualifications for 401(k) Plan: Eligibility is typically available to employees after completing 30 days of service. Employees can contribute a portion of their salary to the 401(k) plan and may receive company match contributions based on the plan's terms.

Layoffs and Restructuring: In early 2024, McCormick announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This includes the elimination of approximately 1,000 jobs globally, which represents around 5% of its workforce. The company cited the need to adapt to changing market conditions and enhance its competitiveness in the industry. This move is crucial to monitor due to its impact on employees and the broader implications for the food industry. The current economic climate, characterized by inflation and shifting consumer behavior, underscores the importance of understanding such corporate strategies and their long-term effects. Company Benefits and 401k Changes: Alongside the layoffs, McCormick is revising its employee benefits package, including adjustments to its 401k matching contributions. The company is reducing its 401k match from 6% to 4% and modifying healthcare benefits to reduce costs. These changes are part of a broader effort to control expenses amid economic uncertainty. It is essential to stay informed about these developments, as they reflect broader trends in corporate benefits adjustments driven by the current economic, investment, and tax environment. Understanding these changes can help employees better prepare for their financial futures.

McCormick & Company offers stock options and RSUs as part of their compensation package. For 2022, eligible employees include senior executives and other high-level employees based on their performance and role. McCormick uses acronyms like SOP (Stock Option Plan) and RSU (Restricted Stock Unit) in their documentation.

Healthcare Plans: McCormick offers a variety of healthcare plans including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They have multiple plan options to cater to different needs, such as PPO and HMO plans. Benefits Overview: McCormick provides comprehensive coverage with preventive care, prescription drug benefits, and wellness programs. They also have a telemedicine option and employee assistance programs (EAP). Recent Updates: The company has been updating its benefits to include more mental health resources and virtual care services.