GameStop Employees: Does Your Child Need to File an Income Tax Return?

As a parent working at GameStop, we encourage our children to work, so they can learn important values about work and independence. At what point, if at all, do children need to file an income tax return for the money they earn?

The IRS does not exempt anyone from the requirement to file a tax return based on age, even if your child is declared as a dependent on your tax return.

Your dependent children must file a tax return when they earn above a certain amount of income.

Dependent children with earned income in excess of $12,550 must file an income tax return. Dependent children with unearned income of more than $1,100 must also file a return. And if the dependent child's earned and unearned income together total more than the larger of $1,100, or a total earned income up to $12,200 plus $350.

These thresholds are subject to change, so please consult a professional with tax expertise regarding your individual situation.

Here's an example. Kyle is a 20-year-old college student who's claimed as a dependent by his parents. He received $400 in unearned income and $5,500 for a part-time job on campus. He does not have to file a tax return because both his unearned and earned income fall below the thresholds. Kyle's total income of $5,900 is less than his total earned income plus $350.

Even if your child earns less than the threshold amount, filing a tax return may be worthwhile if your child is eligible for a tax refund.

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If you decide to prepare a separate return for your child, the same reduced standard deduction rules detailed above will apply.

The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties.

IRS.gov, 2022

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

GameStop provides its employees with both a 401(k) plan and a defined contribution pension plan. These retirement benefits are designed to help employees secure a steady income after their career. GameStop's 401(k) plan, known as the GameStop Corp. Employees' Savings Plan, allows employees to contribute a portion of their earnings to their retirement savings. GameStop offers matching contributions to encourage employee participation, typically matching 100% for the first 3% contributed and 50% for the next 2%, though specifics may vary slightly by year. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, the contribution limits set by the IRS have increased, with employees allowed to contribute up to $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024. Catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and older are an additional $7,500 annually. This plan provides flexible investment options and allows for rollover of funds into new plans if employees leave the company (Smart 40K Plus) (PayScale). GameStop's defined contribution pension plan works by allowing the company to make contributions to individual employee accounts, which are invested in a selection of funds chosen by the employee. Over time, this fund grows based on contributions and market performance. The plan does not specify a fixed benefit at retirement; instead, the payout depends on the investment performance. In 2022, the average account value for employees participating in the GameStop Corp. Employees' Savings Plan was $11,942

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, GameStop announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This included the closure of several underperforming stores and a significant reduction in workforce. The company cited the need to adapt to changing retail environments and improve profitability as key reasons for these actions. Analysts point out that GameStop’s move is part of a broader trend of retailers adjusting their business models in response to economic uncertainties and shifts in consumer behavior. This restructuring is particularly relevant given the current economic climate, which is marked by inflation and shifts in consumer spending patterns.

2022: RSUs were granted to senior management and high-potential employees to retain top talent and incentivize performance. Vesting periods typically ranged from one to four years. Source: GameStop 2022 Annual Report, Page 46. 2023: GameStop adjusted its RSU program to reflect changes in executive compensation practices and market conditions. RSUs were granted with performance-based vesting conditions. Source: GameStop 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 35. 2024: The RSU program for 2024 includes modifications to align with strategic goals and market trends, with enhanced focus on performance metrics. Eligibility remains concentrated on key personnel and executives. Source: GameStop 2024 SEC Filing, Page 53. Specific Company Stock Options and RSUs:

Visit GameStop’s official website and look for their “Careers” or “Benefits” section. Check if they have any recent press releases or updates regarding employee health benefits. Employee Review Websites: Glassdoor: Look up GameStop’s page on Glassdoor to see employee reviews about benefits. Indeed: Search for GameStop and check the “Benefits” section for employee comments. Business News Websites: Forbes: Search for articles related to GameStop and employee benefits. Business Insider: Look for any recent news affecting GameStop's health benefits. Industry News Sources: HR Dive: This site often covers updates on employee benefits and health care trends. SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): Look for articles on changes in health benefits in retail or GameStop specifically. Government or Legal Websites: U.S. Department of Labor: Check if there are any filings or notices related to employee benefits for GameStop. IRS: Search for any relevant information on health benefits regulations that might affect GameStop. Specific Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) FSA (Flexible Spending Account) HSA (Health Savings Account) COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Recent Employee Healthcare News for GameStop: Look for any recent changes in their health benefits plans, such as increased premiums, changes in coverage, or new wellness programs. Check if there have been any major lawsuits or regulatory changes affecting their health benefits. Look for any company announcements about improving or reducing benefits. You can use these sources and terms to get a comprehensive view of GameStop’s employee health benefits for the years 2022, 2023, or 2024. If you need a detailed summary of specific findings, let me know!