should your business implement a retirement plan?

Part 4 401(k)s

The 401(k) plan has become a cornerstone of retirement savings in the United States.  Introduced in 1978, the 401(k) plan has evolved into a widely adopted retirement savings vehicle, providing numerous benefits for employees and employers.

Benefits for Employees:

• Tax Advantages: One of the primary attractions of a 401(k) plan for employees is the tax benefits it offers. Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made on a pre-tax basis, meaning that the money is deducted from the employee's paycheck before taxes are calculated. This lowers the employee's taxable income, resulting in immediate tax savings.
• Employer Matching Contributions: Many employers offer a matching contribution to their employees' 401(k) plans. This means that for every dollar an employee contributes, the employer will also contribute a certain percentage, up to a specified limit. This employer match is essentially free money, boosting the overall retirement savings of the employee.
• Automatic Payroll Deductions: 401(k) contributions are typically deducted automatically from an employee's paycheck. This ensures a consistent and disciplined approach to saving for retirement, as employees don't have to actively manage their contributions.
• Investment Options: 401(k) plans offer a range of investment options, allowing employees to tailor their retirement portfolios to their risk tolerance and financial goals. Common investment options include stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds.
• Portability: 401(k) plans are portable, meaning that employees can take their retirement savings with them if they change jobs. They can either leave the funds in the existing 401(k) plan, roll them over to a new employer's plan, or transfer them to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

Benefits for Employers:

• Employee Recruitment and Retention: Offering a competitive 401(k) plan can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. Prospective employees often consider the retirement benefits offered by a company when making career decisions.
• Tax Deductions: Employers can deduct their contributions to employees' 401(k) plans. This provides a tax advantage for the employer, making it a cost-effective way to invest in their workforce.
• Increased Employee Productivity: Employees who are financially secure and have a clear path to retirement are likely to be more focused and productive in their work. The peace of mind that comes with knowing there's a robust retirement plan in place can positively impact employee morale and engagement.

There are a couple of additional items employers should be aware of before implementing a 401(k) plan:

• Fiduciary Responsibility: Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the 401(k) plan in the best interests of their employees. This obligation ensures that employers act responsibly in selecting investment options, monitoring fees, and providing clear communication about the plan.
• Administrative Cost:  Compared to the other retirement plans we’ve discussed, the 401(k) plan is the most costly to maintain and has the highest administrative burden.

​As always, you should contact your tax/financial advisor before implementing any retirement plan.  If you would like our assistance choosing the right retirement plan for you, we’d be glad to help.

Disclosure:  Tax law is constantly changing due to new legislation, cases, regulations, and IRS rulings. Our Firm closely monitors these changes. Please call us before implementing any information discussed in this article, or if you need additional information concerning any item mentioned above. We will gladly assist you.