IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rates for Last Half of 2022 For Kroger Employees

Company Name For plan years beginning in Year Month First Segment Second Segment Third Segment Plan Type
Kroger All 2025 January 4.74% 5.55% 5.92%
Kroger All 2024 January 4.89% 5.14% 5.29%

Due to recent increases in the price of fuel, the IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, medical, and moving expense purposes for the second half of 2022. The standard mileage rate for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for charitable purposes is set by statute and remains unchanged.

For July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, the standard mileage rates are as follows:

  • Business use of auto : Our Kroger clients may find this particularly beneficial. 62.5 cents per mile (up from 58.5 cents for January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022) may be deducted if an auto is used for business purposes. As a Kroger employee, your employer from Kroger may reimburse you for your business travel expenses using the standard mileage rate. However, if Kroger does not reimburse you for your business travel expenses, you cannot currently deduct your unreimbursed travel expenses as miscellaneous itemized deductions.

  • Charitable use of auto : 14 cents per mile (the same as for January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022) may be deducted if an auto is used to provide services to a charitable organization if you itemize deductions on your income tax return. We'd like our clients from Kroger to note that your charitable deduction may be limited to certain percentages of your adjusted gross income, depending on the type of charity.

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  • Medical use of auto : 22 cents per mile (up from 18 cents for January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022) may be deducted if an auto is used to obtain medical care (or for other deductible medical reasons) if you itemize deductions on your income tax return. It's also important that our Kroger clients note that you can deduct only the part of your medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of the amount of your adjusted gross income.

  • Moving expense : 22 cents per mile (up from 18 cents for January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022) may be deducted if an auto is used by a member of the Armed Forces on active duty to move, pursuant to a military order, to a permanent change of station (unless such expenses are reimbursed). The deduction for moving expenses is not currently available for other taxpayers.
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    The IRS normally updates the standard mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year. Mid-year increases in the standard mileage rates are rare — the last time the IRS made such an increase was in 2011.

    How does the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN ensure that employees receive adequate retirement benefits calculated based on their years of service and compensation? Are there specific formulas or formulas that KROGER uses to ensure fair distribution of benefits among its participants, particularly in regards to early retirement adjustments?

    The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN ensures that employees receive adequate retirement benefits based on a formula that takes into account both years of credited service and compensation. The plan, being a defined benefit plan, calculates benefits that are typically paid out monthly upon reaching the normal retirement age, but adjustments can be made for early retirement. This formula guarantees that employees who retire early will see reductions based on the plan’s terms, ensuring a fair distribution across participants​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    In what ways does the cash balance formula mentioned in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN impact the retirement planning of employees? How are these benefits expressed in more relatable terms similar to a defined contribution plan, and how might this affect an employee's perception of their retirement savings?

    The cash balance formula in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN impacts retirement planning by expressing benefits in a manner similar to defined contribution plans. Instead of a traditional annuity calculation, the benefits are often framed as a hypothetical account balance or lump sum, which might make it easier for employees to relate their retirement savings to more familiar terms, thereby influencing how they perceive the growth and adequacy of their retirement savings​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    Can you explain the concept of "shared payment" and "separate interest" as they apply to the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN? How do these payment structures affect retirees and their alternate payees, and what considerations should participants keep in mind when navigating these options?

    In the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN, "shared payment" refers to a payment structure where the alternate payee receives a portion of the participant’s benefit during the participant's lifetime. In contrast, "separate interest" means that the alternate payee receives a separate benefit, typically over their own lifetime. These structures impact how retirees and their alternate payees manage their retirement income, with shared payments being tied to the participant’s life and separate interests providing independent payments​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    What procedures does KROGER have in place for employees to access or review the applicable Summary Plan Description? How can understanding this document help employees make more informed decisions regarding their retirement benefits and entitlements under the KROGER plan?

    KROGER provides procedures for employees to access the Summary Plan Description, typically through HR or digital platforms. Understanding this document is crucial as it outlines the plan’s specific terms, helping employees make more informed decisions about retirement benefits, including when to retire and how to maximize their benefits under the plan​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    With regard to early retirement options, what specific features of the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN can employees take advantage of? How does the plan's definition of "normal retirement age" influence an employee's decision to retire early, and what potential consequences might this have on their benefits?

    The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN offers early retirement options that include adjustments for those retiring before the plan’s defined "normal retirement age." This early retirement can result in reduced benefits, so employees must carefully consider how retiring early will impact their overall retirement income. The definition of normal retirement age serves as a benchmark, influencing the timing of retirement decisions​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    How does the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN address potential changes in federal regulations or tax law that may impact retirement plans? In what ways does KROGER communicate these changes to employees, and how can participants stay informed about updates to their retirement benefits?

    The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN incorporates changes in federal regulations or tax laws by updating the plan terms accordingly. KROGER communicates these changes to employees through official channels, such as newsletters or HR communications, ensuring participants are informed and can adjust their retirement planning in line with regulatory changes​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    What are some common misconceptions regarding participation in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN that employees might have? How can these misconceptions impact their retirement planning strategies, and what resources does KROGER provide to clarify these issues?

    A common misconception regarding participation in the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN is that it functions similarly to a defined contribution plan, which it does not. This can lead to confusion about benefit accrual and payouts. KROGER provides resources such as plan summaries and HR support to clarify these misunderstandings and help employees better strategize their retirement plans​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    How does the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN interact with other employer-sponsored retirement plans, specifically concerning offsetting benefits? What implications does this have for employees who may also be participating in defined contribution plans?

    The KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN interacts with other employer-sponsored retirement plans by offsetting benefits, particularly with defined contribution plans. This means that benefits from the defined benefit plan may be reduced if the employee is also receiving benefits from a defined contribution plan, impacting the total retirement income​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    What options are available to employees of KROGER regarding the distribution of their retirement benefits upon reaching retirement age? How can employees effectively plan their retirement income to ensure sustainability through their retirement years based on the features of the KROGER plan?

    Upon reaching retirement age, KROGER employees have various options for distributing their retirement benefits, including lump sums or annuity payments. Employees should carefully plan their retirement income, considering the sustainability of their benefits through their retirement years. The plan’s features provide flexibility, allowing employees to choose the option that best fits their financial goals​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    How can employees contact KROGER for more information or assistance regarding the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN? What are the recommended channels for employees seeking guidance on their retirement benefits, and what type of support can they expect from KROGER's human resources team?

    Employees seeking more information or assistance regarding the KROGER CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN can contact the company through HR or dedicated plan administrators. The recommended channels include direct communication with HR or online resources. Employees can expect detailed support in understanding their benefits and planning for retirement​(KROGER_2023-10-01_QDRO_…).

    With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
    Kroger offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) retirement savings account plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan allows employees to save for retirement with personal and employer contributions, including a company match. Employees can choose from various investment options within the 401(k) plan to grow their retirement savings.
    Operational Changes: Kroger is undergoing a restructuring process that includes closing underperforming stores and cutting administrative costs. Layoffs: The company has announced layoffs affecting about 1,500 employees (Source: CNN). Financial Performance: Despite these changes, Kroger reported a 7% increase in same-store sales for Q2 2023, reflecting strong consumer demand (Source: Kroger).
    Kroger offers RSUs that vest over time, providing shares to employees upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price, potentially benefiting from stock price increases.
    Kroger has made significant updates to its employee healthcare benefits to align with the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., entered into a direct agreement with Prime Therapeutics to ensure continued access to affordable healthcare services for over 33 million Americans. This agreement, effective January 1, 2023, allowed Kroger's pharmacies to remain in-network for Prime's Medicare Part D members and other commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid customers. This initiative underscores Kroger's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services, including administering COVID-19 vaccines, offering in-store antibody tests, and distributing at-home COVID-19 tests, thereby enhancing health access and affordability. In 2023, Kroger was recognized for its commitment to workplace mental health, receiving the Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America for the second consecutive year. This certification highlights Kroger's efforts to create a supportive and caring environment for its associates, focusing on mental, physical, and financial well-being. Kroger's wellness programs, mental health services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and paid time off were rigorously evaluated, demonstrating the company's ongoing dedication to employee well-being. These efforts are part of Kroger's broader strategy to ensure a healthy and productive workforce, which is critical in navigating the current economic challenges and maintaining long-term business success.