401 (k) for small business in Frontenac, MO. Setting up a 401(k) plan for your small business in Frontenac, MO can offer numerous benefits to both you and the people that work for you, helping businesses offer more security and benefits to people in the job market. In addition to attracting top talent, offering a 401(k) plan can also help both businesses and employees lower their tax liability. But, some business owners might not be sure if they want to proceed because of the time commitment, as well as the intricate web of regulations, laws, and investment opportunities available.
At Correct Capital Wealth Management, our Frontenac, MO financial advisors and retirement consultants help companies of all sizes offer 401(k) plans that fit their business and provide stability for their employees. We take the heavy financial lifting off your plate, so you can spend your energy on growing your business while we focus on growing your and your employees' savings. Speak to a Correct Capital team member today at 314-930-401(k) or fill out our online form to get started with creating a 401(k) for your small business in Frontenac, MO.
Why You Should Up a 401(k) for Your Small Frontenac, MO Business
Establishing and operating a 401(k) for a small business in Frontenac, MO can do wonders for employers, your employees, and your business's bottom line:
- recruit and keep great talent — Providing retirement plans is an essential asset for attracting and keeping skilled employees, particularly in a competitive Frontenac, MO job market. One survey says 401(k) plans are the most important financial benefit to employees, and offering one can help your business stand out, especially if you offer 401(k)s to rank-and-file employees as well.
- Tax benefits — Both businesses and employees can benefit from tax advantages with a 401(k) plan. Matching contributions from employers are tax deductible to the extent that the contributions do not surpass the annual corporate tax deduction limit on employer contributions, as stipulated in section 404 of the Internal Revenue Code. There are also several tax credits when employers first establish a 401(k) plan, and if the employer offers automatic enrollment. Employee contributions reduce their taxable income and their contributions grow tax free.
- Increased financial security for employees — A 401(k) plan allows employees to save for retirement through automatic contributions deducted from their paychecks. Greater financial security eventually leads to more productivity.
- Decreased liability — Employers assume a fiduciary duty to their employees when they offer retirement plans, which involves a a deep level of investment comprehension and responsibilities. If you work with an ERISA 3(38) Fiduciary provider to assist you with your small business's 401(k), much of that liability will go to them.
- Simple administration — When you parter with a 3(16) administrator to establish your small business 401(k) plan, they'll handle the critical tasks of employee education, compliance, and administrative tasks for you, so you can enjoy the rewards of offering a plan without much nuisance. Furthermore, advisors can help with 401(k) payroll integration for further simplicity. If an employee moves to a new job elsewhere, they can simply rollover their 401(k) to a new retirement account without much hassle to you.
Types of 401(k) Plans For Your Small Business in Frontenac, MO
Depending on your industry, your "small business" may have up to 1,500 employees, or it may just be yourself. However many employees you have, there is a 401(k) plan that will work for you:
401(k) Plans
In any 401(k) plan, employees can put funds into the account through payroll deductions. Most 401(k)s offer a wide range of investments that may include mutual funds, index funds, bonds, and company stock. Employers can employers can deposit an equal amount as their employees as an added perk to employees. Most 401(k) plans must abide by strict nondiscrimination requirements, and perform yearly tests to ensure they remain compliant. The IRS mandates contribution limits each year; in 2023 that is $22,500, unless you are 50 or older, in which case you can contribute an additional $7,500 as a catch-up contribution.
Frontenac, MO employers with multiple employees have a few different options in how they set up their 401(k) plan:
- Traditional vs. Roth 401(k) Deferrals — The main difference between traditional and Roth deferrals is the tax benefits. With a traditional deferral, contributions are tax-deferred, meaning the money is deposited before taxes are taken out, lowering an employee's taxable income. When the money is withdrawn it is taxed as ordinary income at the employee's tax rate at the time of withdrawal.
With Roth deferrals, contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning the money grows tax-free and there are no taxes when the money's withdrawn, as long as the plan participant has had the account for five years and is 59-½ years old when the money is taken out. Roth 401(k)s are becoming increasingly popular as they reduce tax liability in retirement.
- Safe Harbor Provision — If you opt for this provision, as an employer you would be obligated to make fully vested contributions to your employees' accounts. There are four ways in which an employer can contribute:
- In a non-elective contribution, an employer must contribute 3% of each eligible employee's compensation to the plan, regardless of whether the employee chooses to themselves.
- With matching contributions, the employer must match 100% of each eligible employee's contributions up to 3% of their compensation, plus an additional 50% match on the next 2% of their compensation.
- Enhanced Safe Harbor plans provide a 100% employer match on up to 4% of an employee's compensation.
- In a Qualified Automatic Contribution Arrangement (QACA), employees are automatically enrolled in the plan and money is taken out of their paycheck unless they decide not to. The default contribution rate starts at 3% and increases by 1% annually until it reaches a maximum of 6%, unless the employee decides on a different contribution rate.
Because you are required to make contributions, your business would not be subject to nondiscrimination testing.
Solo or Individual 401(k) Plan
These are are meant for owner-only businesses, or businesses where the only employees are spouses. Contributions are tax deductible and gains grow tax-deferred until withdrawn. This type of retirement account allows individuals to make contributions both as an employer and as an employee, providing higher contribution limits than many other individual-based retirement plans. Unlike other 401(k) plans, individual 401(k)s do not require annual filings with the IRS unless the account balance exceeds $250,000.
The "best" plan for your will depend on your business and your and your employees' needs. If you're thinking of setting up a 401(k) plan for your small Frontenac, MO business, schedule a meeting with a member of our team today to find out more about the benefits and options available to you.
How a Financial Advisor Can Help Your Frontenac, MO Small Business With Your 401(k) Plans
Given the great things a 401(k) plan can do for a small business, some Frontenac, MO employers might still be uneasy, as managing a 401(k) plan is complex and time-consuming. That’s where a financial advisor can help. Here are some some of the many ways that our advisory firm can assist with your small business’s 401(k) plan:
- Plan design — A handful of quick internet searches can't come close to providing the same level of skill and experience as a licensed advisory firm. Financial advisors can partner with small business owners to create a 401(k) plan that meets the specific needs of their business and employees. They can help choose the right type of plan, set up contribution and matching formulas, and establish eligibility requirements.
- Establishing and managing a plan — There are specific steps you must take when beginning your small business 401(k). You have to:
- Adopt a written plan document
- Arrange a trust fund for plan assets
- Develop a record keeping system
- Provide plan information to participant
A financial advisory firm can do all of that for you, and handle the operation and annual reviews of the plan.
- Marketing your 401(k) plan to those in the job market — The phrase "401(k)" might show up on a job ad in a list of benefits, but many in the job market don't fully understand what a 401(k) entails. We can bridge the words "401(k)" to definite steps to people living the golden years they always wanted.
- Investment selection — Financial advisors who are an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and are well versed in portfolio management will be able to offer investment insight, as well as work within investment concepts such as diversification, risk tolerance, and rebalancing to best position employees' funds for further growth.
- Employee education — Employees need to understand their plan in order to get the greatest reward from it. At Correct Capital, we can speak directly to your small business's employees so feel good about with the status of their retirement savings.
- Compliance — Employers must adhere to certain regulations when offering a 401(k) plan. Not following them can lead to harsh penalties. A financial advisor can help to ensure all of the proper rules are followed.
- Fiduciary duty — As a plan sponsor, small business owners have a fiduciary responsibility to act with diligence, prudence, and care. We are ethically and legally mandated to do what's in your best interest, and in the best interest of your employees and their savings.
A financial advisor offers remarkable value to Frontenac, MO small business owners who want to experience the benefits of a 401(k) plan. By consulting with a financial advisor, small business owners can provide a valuable benefit to their employees while also managing risk and ensuring the plan’s long-term success.
Call Correct Capital to Establish a 401(k) For Your Small Business in Frontenac, MO
If you own a small business in Frontenac, MO, you want to spend your time on what you do best and what you're passionate about – not being distracted by retirement plan responsibilities you may or may not be knowledgeable about. As a Registered Investment Advisor with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, Correct Capital can both help position your and your employees' money for growth while giving you peace of mind that your small business's 401(k) plan is being operated efficiently and correctly. To start setting up a 401(k) for your small Frontenac, MO business today, call Correct Capital at 314-930-401(k) or contact us online.
