Want to start a new Safe Harbor 401(k) plan or add a Safe Harbor feature to your existing plan? Here are the deadlines you need to know.
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A Safe Harbor 401(k) exempts employers from the Actual Deferral Percentage (ADP) test that could limit the retirement contributions of owners, family members of owners, and Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs) earning $130,000 or more. Thanks to the SECURE Act established in 2020, employers have more time to decide whether this option is one they’d like to add to an existing 401(k) plan.
IRS Notice 2016-16 permits businesses to change or implement Safe Harbor plans mid-year as long as:
If you are considering modifying a Safe Harbor 401(k) plan for your small business this year, keep in mind employers are always allowed to increase future nonelective contributions from 3 to 4%, add an age 59.5 withdrawal feature, shift the plan entry date from monthly to quarterly, change default investment funds, and alter the dispute resolution rules.
Generally speaking, employees are entitled to receive 30-90 days’ notice of fundamental changes to the plan, so they have enough time to adapt their investment strategy if necessary. Employers who are operating at an economic loss or who provide notice prior to the start of the plan year can receive special exemptions to reduce or suspend contributions mid-year as needed.
The IRS does not allow certain types of Safe Harbor changes mid-year, such as:
If you’re an employer who does not have an existing 401(k) plan, but the Safe Harbor provision is one you know you’re interested in adding, then the following dates apply to your situation:
Sometimes employers take a wait-and-see approach to Safe Harbor contributions. If they are likely to pass the ADP test, they’ll keep the standard plan. If it looks like failure is imminent, they’ll adopt the Safe Harbor provision mid-year.
Since 1999, Ubiquity has provided quick and easy setup and administration for small business 401(k)s. Our affordable, flat-fee model means that costs never go up if your assets under management grow or the number of plan participants increases. As a full-service Safe Harbor 401(k) plan administrator specifically geared toward small businesses, we offer dedicated support and guidance for both employers and employees. Contact us for a free Safe Harbor consultation to discover how easy it can be to start saving for your future and offer employees competitive retirement benefits with an employer match or non-elective contribution.
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San Francisco, CA 94104
Support: 855.401.4357
© 2023 Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
Privacy Policy
Do not sell my info
44 Montgomery Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94104
Support: 855.401.4357