Navigating Social Security While Working: Essential Insights for Lennar Employees

65 is the new 55 when it comes to retirement from your Lennar firm, meaning you may have the option to work at the same time you claim Social Security benefits. If you retire from Lennar 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 Lennar 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 Lennar 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 Lennar 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 Lennar retirement plan, is a different story. In general, you can continue stashing away money in your current Lennar-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 type of retirement savings plan does Lennar offer to its employees?

Lennar offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

How can employees at Lennar enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Lennar can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Lennar match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Lennar provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, which helps enhance retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Lennar's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Lennar's 401(k) plan is in line with IRS regulations, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.

Can employees at Lennar take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Lennar allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in Lennar's 401(k) plan?

Lennar's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

How often can employees at Lennar change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Lennar can change their 401(k) contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or at any time as allowed by the plan provisions.

Is there a vesting schedule for Lennar's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Lennar has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the match.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Lennar?

If you leave Lennar, you can roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with Lennar's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Lennar's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

Lennar offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan to its employees. The company’s 401(k) plan allows full-time and part-time employees to enroll, with company matching contributions. This 401(k) plan is part of Lennar’s retirement planning benefits, which help employees save for the future. According to Lennar’s official benefits page, all eligible employees can participate in the 401(k) plan with a company match (Lennar). Lennar also provides a pension plan, although specific details regarding the exact formula for the pension plan, such as years of service and age qualifications, are not immediately available on their public benefits page. Lennar encourages its associates to participate in these retirement plans to prepare for their post-employment financial security. The company's focus is on ensuring that its employees have access to a comprehensive retirement package, though further details on the exact structure of the pension plan would require more internal documents or direct inquiries. Based on available sources, Lennar emphasizes a flexible approach to retirement, allowing employees to benefit from both their 401(k) and pension contributions, ensuring financial wellness during retirement (Lennar).

Restructuring Layoffs: Lennar Corporation continues to navigate economic challenges, driven in part by increased costs in construction materials, rising mortgage interest rates, and overall inflation. In response to the downturn in real estate markets and reduced demand for homes, Lennar has announced strategic layoffs across multiple departments to streamline operations and reduce operational costs. This restructuring effort aims to enhance long-term profitability, though the company acknowledges the short-term hardships caused by workforce reductions (Lennar Corporation). Importance: Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic environment, as rising inflation and interest rates directly impact housing markets. Understanding these layoffs is essential for stakeholders and employees to assess Lennar's future financial health and investment strategies during a time of market volatility (Lennar Corporation).

For Lennar Corporation, the available stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are designed to incentivize long-term retention and align employee performance with company growth. Lennar offers Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) to eligible employees, allowing them to purchase shares of Lennar stock at a fixed price after a vesting period. RSUs, on the other hand, are provided to key employees as a form of deferred compensation, vesting over a specified period, often contingent on performance metrics or tenure at Lennar. Eligibility for stock options and RSUs at Lennar includes senior management and select employees identified as critical to the company's strategic objectives. These benefits are not broadly distributed to all employees but rather allocated to those in roles with significant decision-making responsibilities. RSUs at Lennar typically vest in increments, providing long-term value as the company stock appreciates (Simply Wall St) (Stock Analysis). In 2023, Lennar continued offering these benefits, with stock options granted as part of long-term incentive plans and RSUs used to reward sustained performance. The company's stock option grants generally have a 10-year term, while RSUs are subject to a three-to-five-year vesting schedule (Stock Analysis). Specific details on grants and eligibility can be found in Lennar's annual report, which outlines these compensation strategies under the executive compensation section.

Lennar offers a comprehensive healthcare package designed to support the well-being of its employees and their families. Their benefits include full medical, dental, and vision coverage, with prescription drug options integrated into the health plans. Lennar also prioritizes employee wellness through programs like the Well-Being Max Bonus, which provides incentives for healthy living, and they offer unique support, such as a Chief Medical Officer dedicated to advising associates on health matters. Lennar’s commitment to health extends beyond the basics by including coverage for short-term disability and an adoption assistance program, reimbursing up to $30,000 per child. These healthcare programs have remained consistent from 2022 through 2024, with enhancements aimed at adapting to the evolving economic and health landscapes (Lennar) (Lennar). In the current economic and political climate, it is vital to understand how healthcare benefits are impacted by inflation and shifting tax policies. Lennar has ensured that its employees maintain access to affordable healthcare by including coverage for essential services and providing programs to offset rising medical costs. With healthcare costs and insurance premiums under scrutiny due to political shifts, Lennar’s proactive measures to include comprehensive coverage and wellness programs highlight the importance of addressing these challenges. In a competitive real estate market, Lennar’s healthcare benefits not only support employee retention but also position the company favorably amid uncertainties in the healthcare and insurance sectors (Lennar Corporation) (Lennar Corporation).