Retirement Planning Made Easy: How a 401k Benefits Small Business Owners
A 401(k) is a way for small business owners to help their employees save for retirement. And thanks to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, small businesses can claim a tax credit for the first three years they implement their plan.
Employees can borrow from their accounts but must repay them within a certain period to avoid penalties and high-interest rates.
Tax-Deferred Savings
Most small business owners can benefit from a tax-deferred savings vehicle. In addition, offering a retirement plan can attract and retain qualified employees. Employees often evaluate job offers based on corporate culture, growth opportunities, and benefits packages. A 401k for small business owner can help your company stand out.
Small businesses have several retirement account options, including a SIMPLE IRA, which requires employers to match employee contributions up to 3% of salary or wages. These plans also have lower fees than 401(k)s, making them more affordable for smaller companies.
For self-employed individuals, there are a variety of tax-deferred savings vehicles to choose from, such as a SEP IRA or a solo 401(k). When selecting a provider for your retirement savings account, look for all-inclusive providers who charge a flat monthly or annual administrative fee and a per-participant investment/service fee. Additionally, consider any fee structures for investing, such as fund expense ratios and brokerage commissions.
Retain Talent
Having a retirement plan is a powerful recruiting and retention tool. Especially in today’s tight labor market, losing talented workers to competitors with more attractive benefits packages is easy. Having a 401k in place sends the message that you’re invested in your employees’ future with your company, which may make them more likely to accept your job offer or stay on board.
A 401(k) plan allows you to contribute as a business owner on a pre-tax basis, and you’re also eligible for any employer matching or profit-sharing contributions made to the plan. You can even set up a safe harbor plan to pass nondiscrimination testing, which benefits companies with highly compensated employees (HCEs).
Working with a retirement plan provider that fully integrates with your HR and payroll platform is essential. This will ensure that employee personal information and contribution rates are accurately reflected in your systems, which can save time and reduce errors. Some offer seamless integration with top-rated payroll providers and provide valuable learning materials and tools to help you manage your retirement program more efficiently.
Attract New Employees
A 401k is a powerful recruiting tool that can help attract new employees. According to a survey, almost half of the employees surveyed said retirement plan benefits were significant when considering a job with a new company.
In addition, offering a 401k can help retain current employees. Studies show that departing employees often cite the absence of retirement planning options as a reason for leaving. Offering a 401k is a cost-effective way to combat this problem and prevent costly turnover.
To get started, small business owners should choose a provider that offers user-friendly 401k plans and comprehensive employee retirement services. Some provide low-cost 401k with complete recordkeeping and administration tools and seamless payroll integration.
Prevent Turnover
Offering a 401(k) is one way to level the professional playing field for your small business against larger competitors and help attract top talent. According to a recent survey, 71% of employees would stay at a company with a retirement savings plan, and 3 in 4 would turn down a job offer without one.
401(k) plans also protect employee investments from creditors and bankruptcy. Unless you have a loan in the account, 401(k) plan monies are legally yours. They can be rolled over to another employer’s retirement program or an individual IRA when you leave the business or retire.
Consider cost and simplicity when choosing a 401(k) plan provider. Historically, the administrative costs associated with a 401(k) plan have been prohibitively expensive, but providers can now provide services for around half what they used to cost. In addition, many providers offer low-expense fund options that put your team in a better position to build their retirement nest egg. Lastly, some providers also provide automatic enrollment features to help you meet upcoming requirements and boost participation rates.
Build Your Nest Egg
Investing in your retirement is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success when you retire. The biggest hurdle is committing to saving money each year, but 401(k) plans help make it easier by deducting contributions from your taxable income. Plus, investment gains are tax-deferred so that you can grow your nest egg even faster.
For small business owners, offering a 401(k) plan can be a great way to attract top talent and boost employee retention rates. You can also provide various features encouraging employees to save, like profit sharing and employer matching. It’s easy for business owners to overlook their savings when focusing on their company’s growth. But a 401(k) allows you to set aside money for your future and enjoy the same tax benefits as your employees. Moreover, you can avoid complicated IRS reporting and nondiscrimination testing by setting up a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA.