Social Security & Working After Nokia?

65 is the new 55 when it comes to retirement from your Nokia firm, meaning you may have the option to work at the same time you claim Social Security benefits. If you retire from Nokia and get a part-time job or some consulting income, your paycheck can affect the amount you receive monthly, the amount you owe in taxes for the year, and your Medicare premiums.

Reasons abound to keep working, but for most, it simply comes down to math and to emotions.

With a longer lifespan on average, many of our clients from Nokia are concerned they won't have enough savings to last their lifetime, and understandably so.

If you plan to keep working after retiring from your Nokia while collecting Social Security, here is what you need to keep in mind:

Timing Matters

If you start your Social Security benefits before your (FRA), or full retirement age (which is between 66 and 67, depending on the year you were born), you will end up with a permanently reduced monthly benefit because of the early age. If you claim at the earliest possible age of 62, your monthly checks could be up to 30% less than at your full retirement age(FRA). ¹

There will also be an earnings test until you reach that full retirement age(FRA): If you have earned income in excess of $19,560 in 2022, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 of earned income over the limit.

The year you reach your full retirement age(FRA), the earnings test limit is $51,960 in 2022, and your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 of earned income over the limit.

These reduced benefits do not just 'disappear'. If your benefits have been reduced due to earnings, your monthly Social Security check will be increased after your full retirement age(FRA) to account for benefits withheld earlier due to excess earnings.

Note: Earned Income does not include investment income, pension payments, government retirement income, military pension payments, or similar types of 'unearned' income.

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'Earned Income' includes wages, net earnings from self-employment, bonuses, vacation pay, and commissions earned—because they're all based upon employment. Once you reach your full retirement age(FRA), there is no earnings test and no benefit reductions based on earned income.

Scenarios: Claiming Social Security at 62 while working

This hypothetical example is calculated by Fidelity Financial Solutions Team, using Social Security and tax tools. The tools are based on data and methodology published by the Social Security Administration (as of March 2022) and Internal Revenue Service (as of March 2022). All benefits are calculated in today’s dollar.(See: Income Taxes And Your Social Security Benefit for more information.). The actual benefit would be adjusted for inflation. State/Local taxes are not considered. All the numbers are rounded to the closest $500. Example assumes an individual turning 62 in 2022, makes $100K/year before retirement, $65K/year expenses in retirement, receives $24K/year Social Security benefits at age 62, single tax filing status, and standard deduction for federal tax purpose. Any additional income needs are covered by withdrawals from tax deferred account, therefore are fully taxable.

Tax Impacts

Separate from the earnings test, Social Security benefits themselves are subject to federal income taxes above certain levels of 'combined income.' Combined income generally consists of your adjusted gross income (AGI), ² nontaxable interest, and one-half of your Social Security benefits.

For individual filers with combined income below $25,000, none of your Social Security is taxed. For joint filers with combined income below $32,000, none of your Social Security is taxed. (See: Income Taxes And Your Social Security Benefit for more information.)
For individual filers with combined income of $25,000 to $34,000, 50% of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income taxes. If your combined income exceeds $34,000, then up to 85% of your Social Security benefits could be taxed.
For joint filers with combined incomes of $32,000 to $44,000, 50% of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income taxes. If your combined income exceeds $44,000, then up to 85% of your Social Security benefits could be taxed.

Regardless of your income level, no more than 85% of your Social Security benefits will ever be subject to federal taxation.

Additionally, 11 states also tax your Social Security benefits. The rules and exemptions vary widely across this group so it is wise to research the rules for your state or consult with a tax professional if you're one of our Nokia clients that this applies. ³

State Social Security Tax

The eleven states below impose a tax on Social Security benefits to varying degrees.

Colorado

Colorado's pension-subtraction system exempts up to $24,000 in pension and annuity income, including some Social Security benefits. The exemption is based on your age, starting at age 55.

Connecticut

Connecticut partially or fully exempts Social Security benefits, based on a person's filing status and income.

Kansas

Kansas exempts Social Security benefits from state tax, based on the taxpayer's income. Your Social Security benefits are exempt from Kansas income tax if your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is $75,000 or less, regardless of your filing status.

Minnesota

Minnesota partially taxes Social Security benefits. The state allows a subtraction from benefits ranging from $2,725 for married taxpayers who file separately, to $4,260 for single taxpayers, to $5,450 for married taxpayers who file jointly. The rule is subject to phaseouts starting at incomes of $82,770 for joint married filers, $41,385 for married taxpayers filing separately, and $64,670 for heads of household and single filers. The subtraction is less for these incomes and eventually phases out entirely as you earn more.

Missouri

Missouri exempts Social Security benefits from state tax, provided that the individual is age 62 or older and has adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 if married and filing jointly, or $85,000 for all other filing statuses. Those who earn more than that might qualify for the exemption if they're disabled.

Montana

Montana asks residents to use the Montana Individual Income Tax Return to determine the portion of Social Security benefits that's taxable by the state (page 5 and page 6). That might be different from the federal amount.

Nebraska

Starting in 2022, Nebraska began phasing out taxation of social security benefits. The state allows a deduction for Social Security income that's included in your federal adjusted gross income if your federal Adjusted Gross Income(AGI) is less than or equal to $61,760 for married couples filing jointly, or $45,790 for all other filers.

New Mexico

Starting in 2022, the state of New Mexico changed rules that would exempt most seniors from paying tax on social security benefits. This exemption is available to taxpayers with the following income thresholds — $100,000 for single filers, $150,000 for married filers filing jointly, and $75,000 for married filers filing separately.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has an exemption on Social Security taxation for those who have reached full retirement age as defined by the IRS. Eligible taxpayers must have federal Adjusted Gross Income(AGI)s of $88,950 if single, or $111,200 if married and filing jointly.

Utah

In late 2019, Utah adopted a sweeping tax bill that includes a tax credit for Social Security benefits that are included in a taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. The Adjusted Gross Income(AGI) thresholds are $25,000 for married filing separately, $50,000 for married filing jointly, and $30,000 for single filers.

Vermont

Vermont previously followed the federal rules for determining the taxable portion of Social Security benefits, and then it adopted exemptions for taxpayers with incomes below $25,000 for single filers and $32,000 for other statuses. Benefits for those with higher incomes are taxed at incremental levels, with no exemption available for Adjusted Gross Income(AGI) of over $55,000 if single or over $70,000 if you're married and file jointly.

Medicare & Social Security

In addition to federal and possibly state income taxes, you will pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on any wages earned in retirement. There is no age limit on these withholdings, nor any exemption for any sort of Social Security benefits status.

These earnings can also count toward the calculation of your benefits. The Social Security Administration checks your earnings record each year and will increase your benefit, if appropriate, based on these additional earnings.

If you are making much less in retirement than before, could it hurt your benefits?

No. This is because the benefit payment is still based on your 35 highest years of earnings. At worst, there would be no impact; at best, it could help if this replaces any of the lower 35 years.

Note: Your earnings may not only push you into a higher tax bracket, but also into a higher threshold for your Medicare premiums once you are over 65. Medicare sets the cost (premium) for Part B each year at a fixed rate for most participants ($170.10 a month for 2022), but it increases for individuals with an annual income over $91,000 and married couples with an annual income above $182,000. The cost for these higher-earning participants can range from $238.10 to $578.30 per month in 2022.

If your income is above a certain level, you may have to pay IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjusted Amount) in addition to your Part B or Part D premium. We recommend you consult with a tax professional for more details on whether or not you are affected.

Can I Contribute to a Retirement Account?

Another key advantage of ongoing earned income even after you collect Social Security is that you can keep contributing to your retirement savings accounts like traditional IRAs, health savings accounts (HSAs), Roth IRAs, and 401(k)s.

Note: If you are over 72, you will have to take the required minimum distribution (RMD) from your traditional IRA, except for during the 2020 pause because of COVID-19.

Your traditional 401(k), or similar Nokia retirement plan, is a different story. In general, you can continue stashing away money in your current Nokia-provided plan as long as you're still working, even part-time, and you can delay taking your RMD until after you retire.

These additional savings can help, especially if your savings are running a bit behind your goals. The combination of the added savings, tax-deferred growth potential, and the ability to defer tapping into your savings can be powerful, even at the end of your working career.

What unique features and benefits does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan offer to its participants, and how can these benefits be maximized by current employees of Nokia of America Corporation? Additionally, what resources are available for employees to educate themselves about the various aspects of the plan, including eligibility, distribution options, and potential tax implications?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan offers participants a defined benefit plan designed to provide financial security through retirement by supplementing Social Security and other retirement savings. Benefits can be maximized through strategies like ensuring accurate service records, understanding distribution options such as lump-sum payments or annuities, and consulting financial advisors to align these benefits with long-term retirement goals(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does participation in the Nokia Retirement Income Plan facilitate financial security in retirement for employees, specifically in terms of pension benefit calculations and options such as lump-sum distributions or annuities? Moreover, what are some strategies that Nokia of America Corporation employees can employ to ensure they are fully prepared to utilize their retirement benefits as they transition towards retirement?

Participation in the Nokia Retirement Income Plan ensures financial security in retirement through pension benefit calculations based on service years and salary history. Employees can choose from options like lump-sum distributions or lifetime annuities. By carefully selecting a distribution option and incorporating it into a broader retirement strategy, employees can optimize financial outcomes(Nokia of America Corpor…).

With respect to changes in personal circumstances, such as marriage or divorce, what provisions does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan have to protect the benefits of employees from Nokia of America Corporation? How can employees navigate the complexities of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) within the context of their pension benefits, and what resources are available to assist them in this process?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan protects benefits in cases of personal changes such as marriage or divorce through provisions like the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Employees can consult the Nokia Benefits Resource Center for assistance in navigating QDROs to ensure a fair division of benefits. Guidance is available for understanding the QDRO requirements and how they apply to their pension(Nokia of America Corpor…).

What steps must employees take to initiate the commencement of their benefits from the Nokia Retirement Income Plan once they reach retirement age? Furthermore, what are the important considerations employees need to keep in mind regarding the selection of a payment form and any potential impact this may have on their overall financial strategy during retirement?

To initiate pension benefits under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, employees must submit a claim when they reach retirement age. They should consider factors such as payment form options (lump sum or annuity) and the impact on long-term financial plans. Choosing the appropriate payment form is critical to maximizing retirement income(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How can employees of Nokia of America Corporation ensure their beneficiaries are properly designated under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what implications does this designation have for benefit distribution in the event of their death? Additionally, what steps should employees take to update their beneficiary designations in light of significant life events?

Employees can ensure their beneficiaries are properly designated by updating their beneficiary forms through the Nokia Benefits Resource Center. Proper designation affects how benefits are distributed in the event of their death, and it is crucial to update designations after life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child(Nokia of America Corpor…).

In terms of compliance with federal regulations, how does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan adhere to ERISA guidelines concerning employee benefits, and what rights do employees of Nokia of America Corporation possess under these regulations? Also, how can employees exercise their rights effectively if they encounter issues regarding their pension benefits?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), giving employees the right to receive information about their benefits and hold fiduciaries accountable. If employees face issues with their pension, they can exercise their rights through claims and appeals, with recourse available through legal action if necessary(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does the Nokia of America Corporation support employees who might be eligible for a disability pension under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what specific eligibility criteria must be met? Additionally, what resources are available to assist employees in understanding this facet of their retirement benefits?

Employees eligible for a disability pension under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan must meet specific criteria, such as proving permanent disability before reaching retirement age. Resources like the Nokia Benefits Resource Center can provide guidance on the eligibility process and required documentation(Nokia of America Corpor…).

What specific actions should an employee of Nokia of America Corporation take when applying for a pension benefit under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what documentation is typically required to streamline this process? Furthermore, in the event of a claim denial, what recourse do employees have to challenge the decision through the plan's appeal process?

When applying for pension benefits, employees should provide documentation such as proof of age and employment history. In case of a denial, they have the right to appeal through the Employee Benefits Committee. If necessary, employees can further appeal to federal courts under ERISA(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does the pension benefit guarantee from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) apply to employees of Nokia of America Corporation, and what are the limitations of this guarantee in protecting retirement benefits? Additionally, how can understanding these protections help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning?

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) guarantees benefits under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan in case the plan terminates. However, there are limitations, such as caps on benefit amounts. Understanding these protections helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How can employees contact the Nokia Benefits Resource Center to gain more information about their benefits and the specific resources available under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan? What are the recommended communication channels and hours for reaching out to ensure timely and effective assistance?

Employees can contact the Nokia Benefits Resource Center through the Your Benefits Resources (YBR) website or by calling the designated phone line. It is recommended to use these channels during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) for timely assistance with pension-related questions(Nokia of America Corpor…).

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

Nokia provides both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan. The defined benefit plan includes legacy plans from Alcatel-Lucent and Siemens, providing retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. In 2021, Nokia merged its Retirement Plan (NRP) with the Lucent Technologies Inc. Pension Plan (LTPP) to streamline management. The 401(k) plan offers diverse investment options and company matching contributions.

Operational Efficiency: Nokia is undergoing a restructuring process that includes layoffs affecting about 5,000 employees globally. Strategic Focus: The company is shifting its focus towards 5G technology and network infrastructure (Source: Reuters). Financial Performance: Nokia reported a 7% increase in net sales for Q2 2023, reflecting strong demand for its 5G products (Source: Nokia).

Nokia provides both RSUs and stock options to its employees. RSUs vest over time, converting into shares, while stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price.