401(k) for small business in Oakland, MO. Creating a 401(k) plan for your small business in Oakland, MO provides 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 offering more benefits than competitors, providing a 401(k) plan also affords numerous tax benefits for both employers and employees. But, some business owners might not be confident they want to move forward because of the time involved in establishing and operating a plan, in addition to the complex web of regulations, laws, and investment options available.
At Correct Capital Wealth Management, our Oakland, MO financial planners and retirement consultants help companies of all sizes offer customized and effective 401(k) plans. We do the financial and administrative work for you while you focus on your business. Speak to a Correct Capital team member today at 877-930-4015 or fill out our online form to learn more about creating a 401(k) for your small business in Oakland, MO.
Why You Should Up a 401(k) for Your Small Oakland, MO Business
Setting up and maintaining a 401(k) for a small business in Oakland, MO has numerous benefits, for employers, your employees, and your business's bottom line:
- recruit and keep top talent — Offering a 401(k) plan is an essential asset for recruiting and keeping skilled talent, particularly if many Oakland, MO companies are hiring for the same position. One survey says 401(k) plans are the most important financial benefit to employees, and offering one can help differentiate your business from competitors, especially if they are offered to people beyond management.
- Tax deductions — Both businesses and employees can reduce their tax liability with a 401(k) plan. Matching contributions employers make are tax deductible to the extent that the contributions are not more than the yearly corporate tax deduction limit on employer contributions, which is 25% of covered payroll. There are also several tax credits when companies first establish a 401(k) plan, and if the employer offers automatic enrollment. Employees enjoy tax-deferred contributions and potentially reduce their taxable income.
- 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.
- Reduced liability — Employers assume a fiduciary responsibility to their employees when they offer retirement plans, which involves a wide range of investment savvy and responsibilities. If you partner with an ERISA 3(38) Fiduciary provider to set up and manage your small business's 401(k), most of that fiduciary duty will go to them.
- Simple administration — When you offer your small business 401(k) plan with a 3(16) administrator, they'll take care of the critical tasks of employee education, compliance, and administrative responsibilities on your behalf, so you can benefit from the rewards of offering a plan without much hassle. Additionally, advisors can help with 401(k) payroll integration for further simplicity. If an employee moves to a new job elsewhere, they can effortlessly rollover their 401(k) to an IRA or new 401(k) without much hassle to you.
Types of 401(k) Plans That Can Help Your Small Business in Oakland, MO
Small businesses, depending on what type of company they are, can have anywhere from one to 1,500 employees. 401(k) plans are available to all businesses, regardless of how many employees they have:
401(k) Plans
In any 401(k) plan, employees can contribute through money taken out of their paychecks. Most 401(k)s have a diversity of investment opportunities. Employers can make matching contributions as an additional benefit to employees. Most 401(k) plans must meet stringent nondiscrimination requirements, and perform annual tests to ensure they remain compliant. The IRS sets contribution limits each year; in 2023 the limit is $22,500, unless you turn 50 or older this year, in which case you can contribute an additional $7,500 as a catch-up contribution.
Oakland, MO businesses with multiple employees have a few different options in how they set up their 401(k) plan:
- Traditional vs. Roth 401(k) Deferrals — The key 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, and the employee can then deduct the amount deposited from their taxable income. Taxes are paid when the money is withdrawn.
With Roth deferrals, contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning the money grows tax-free and the savings and any gains can be withdrawn tax-free, 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 allow employees to diversify their tax exposure in retirement.
- Safe Harbor Provision — If you opt for this provision, as a business owner you would be obligated to make contributions that are fully vested when made. 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, whether or not the employee chooses to contribute to the plan.
- 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 choose to opt out or contribute a different amount. The default contribution rate starts at 3% and increases by 1% annually until it reaches a maximum of 6%, unless the employee chooses a different contribution rate.
In exchange for required employer contributions, Safe Harbor plans are not subject to nondiscrimination testing.
Solo or Individual 401(k) Plan
Solo and Individual 401(k) plans 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 allows participants to make higher contributions as they can make contributions both as a worker and an employer. Unlike other 401(k) plans, individual 401(k)s do not require annual filings with the IRS unless the account balance surpasses $250,000.
The "best" plan for your will depend on your business and employees. If you're interested in opening a 401(k) plan for your small Oakland, MO business, schedule a meeting with a member of our advisor team today to get started.
How a Financial Advisor Can Help Small Oakland, MO Businesses With Their 401(k) Plans
Given the great things a 401(k) plan can do for a small business, some Oakland, MO employers might still be cautious, as managing a 401(k) plan is complex and time-consuming. That’s where we come in. Here are some some of the many ways that our advisory firm can help make your life easier in regards to your small business's 401(k) plan:
- Plan design — A handful of quick internet searches are a poor replacement for decades of experience and everyday interaction with retirement plans. Financial advisors can work with small business owners to design a 401(k) plan meant specifically to benefit them. They can help choose the plan that works best for you, set up contribution and matching formulas, and establish eligibility requirements.
- Establishing and managing a plan — There are specific steps you must take when initiating your small business 401(k). You must:
- 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 assist with all of the above requirements, and handle the operation and annual reviews of your 401(k).
- Advertising your 401(k) plan to those in the job market — The term "401(k)" might show up on a job listing as a bullet point, but many in the job market don't know the full benefits a plan provides. We can bridge the phrase "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 market 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 offer both group classes and one-on-one counseling sessions with our small business clients' employees so feel at ease with how their money is being held and invested.
- Compliance — Employers must adhere to certain regulations when offering a 401(k) plan. Not following the rules correctly can lead to stiff 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 in the best interest of their employees. We are ethically and legally bound to do what's in your best interest, and in the best interest of your employees and their retirement accounts.
A financial advisor can provide significant value to Oakland, MO small business owners who are looking to establish a 401(k) plan. By partnering 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 Start a 401(k) For Your Small Business in Oakland, MO
If you own a small business in Oakland, MO, you want to focus on what you do best and what you're passionate about – not being bogged down 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 Oakland, MO business today, call Correct Capital at 877-930-4015 or contact us online.
