Many companies offer employer-issued stock as a benefit, in addition to other compensation and benefits. But what happens if you leave a job that offered you employer-issued stock or if you experience another triggering life event (such as turning 59½)?
That’s where net unrealized appreciation (NUA) strategies come in. There are a few favorable rules to help you determine what to do with those company stocks to potentially minimize your tax bill.
Let’s look at what NUA is, how NUA rules work, and some of the potential benefits of an NUA strategy.
What is Net Unrealized Appreciation?
NUA is the difference between how much you paid or contributed to your company stock and its present market value. For example, if you were issued employer stock at $20 per share and it is now worth $40 per share, you would have an NUA of $20 per share ($40 – $20 = $20).
What are the NUA Rules?
NUA is taxed differently than other payments. According to the IRS, “If the lump-sum distribution includes employer securities, the NUA is generally not subject to tax until you sell the securities.”1
With this rule from the IRS in mind, a participant may be able to transfer company stock from their previous plan into a taxable investment account without having to treat the entire amount as ordinary income. Instead, they would only have to treat the original amount they paid as ordinary income, which could potentially save them money on taxes.
This strategy can be used when taking distributions out of an original account due to a triggering life event, such as retiring or changing jobs.
The Benefits of an NUA Strategy
The main benefits of utilizing an NUA strategy are tax-related. Because you are only taxed on your contribution amount and not any unrealized gains, you may be able to avoid taxation now and receive favorable long-term capital gains taxes later.
According to the IRS, “The tax rate on most net capital gain is no higher than 15% for most individuals. Some or all net capital gain may be taxed at 0% if your taxable income is less than or equal to $40,400 for single or $80,800 for married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er).” As you can see, implementing an NUA strategy by rolling your employer stock into a taxable investment account can pay off both in the short term and in the long term.2
It’s important to talk to a financial professional experienced in implementing an NUA strategy. In addition to the benefits above, there are also considerations and requirements that apply to your personal situation, tax liabilities, and the specific company stock that must be followed. You must meet special requirements to take full advantage of an NUA strategy. For example, you must receive the stock as a lump-sum, in-kind distribution and then transfer the stock itself into your investment account.
The financial advisors at Outlook Wealth Advisors have years of experience in helping our clients, especially those in the oil and gas industry, navigate an NUA strategy as part of their retirement strategy. As both CPAs and CFPs, they apply a holistic approach helping you to maximize your income and minimize your taxes. As you explore the nuances of an NUA strategy, you owe it to yourself to discuss the details with someone who’s been there before and successfully helped hundreds turn their benefits into a reliable income stream.