Small Business Retirement Plans in Brentwood, MO. Establishing a retirement plan for you and your Brentwood, MO employees offers a variety of benefits, including tax reductions and a great way to attract and retain your highest-performing workers. However, many business owners understandably have questions about small business retirement plans. What type of plan is best for your business? What are the different laws I'll have to follow? What happens when a new plan seems like a better option, or if I'm closing my business? Correct Capital's team of Brentwood, MO financial planners has over 70 years of combined experience helping business owners and their employees get the most out of having a sound retirement plans and understanding the ins-and-outs of their individual plans and benefits. For anything from initial setup and employee education to fine-tuning an existing plan, speak to a financial advisor at Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us online.

What Types of Retirement Plans Are Available to Small Businesses in Brentwood, MO?
The federal government and various financial custodians offer a variety of investment options and accounts for small business owners and their employees in preparation for retirement. These include:
SEP-IRA
This variant of individual retirement account is available to owner-only businesses, freelancers, and businesses with very few employees. It follows the identical rules as a traditional IRA, where the money put into the account grows without taxes. Employers can deduct contributions they make on behalf of their employees. Only employers make contributions, which are modifiable and can vary year-to-year. Additionally, the contributions are tax-deductible.
Benefits of a SEP-IRA
- High Contribution Limits: Employers can contribute up to 25% of each employee’s compensation, with a maximum of $69,000 for 2024.
- Flexibility: {For businesses with changing profits, this plan is perfect as employers are not obligated to contribute each year.}
- Simple Administration: {With this plan, there is minimal paperwork and no requirement for annual filings with the IRS beyond regular tax filings.}
Setting Up a SEP-IRA
- Select a Financial Institution: Choose an institution to hold SEP IRA assets, like a bank, brokerage firm, or credit union. Alternatively, opt for an online financial institution.
- Execute a Written Agreement: Establish a written agreement and communicate with eligible employees of the SEP IRA plan.
- Make Contributions: Contributions can be made by calculating a predetermined percentage of each employee’s compensation. Alternatively, make payments based on a range of percentages determined by business performance.
- Maintain Records: To maintain records, keep detailed records of all contributions made to employee accounts, including dates of contribution and sums. Additionally, ensure records are well-organized and easily accessible for audit purposes.
SIMPLE IRA
"SIMPLE" stands for "Savings Investment Match Plan for Employees," and these IRAs are for businesses with up to 100 employees. Employees can make contributions to their own accounts through payroll deductions, and employers can also contribute. This plan is low-cost as it's mainly funded by employees, and their contributions can be eligible for tax deduction.
Benefits of a SIMPLE IRA
- Ease of Setup and Administration: SIMPLE IRAs are easy to establish and maintain, with no annual filing requirements for employers. This makes them perfect for small businesses with limited administrative resources.
- Employer Contributions: Employers are required to make contributions, either by matching employee contributions up to 3% of their salary or making a non-elective contribution of 2% of each eligible employee’s salary.
- Employee Contributions: Employees can contribute up to $16,000 in 2024, with a supplementary catch-up contribution of $3,500 for those aged 50 and older.
- Immediate Vesting: All contributions to the SIMPLE IRA are instantly 100% vested, meaning employees have full ownership of all funds in their accounts as soon as contributions are made.
Setting Up a SIMPLE IRA
- Select a Financial Institution: Choose a bank, mutual fund, or brokerage firm to hold the SIMPLE IRA assets.
- Execute a Written Agreement: Use IRS Form 5304-SIMPLE or 5305-SIMPLE to create a written agreement outlining the terms of the plan.
- Employee Notification: Notify eligible employees about the plan, including details on how to participate and the benefits provided.
- Employee Enrollment: Assist employees in establishing their accounts and making their contributions.
- Employer Contributions: Decide whether to match up employee contributions or make non-elective contributions, and ensure these are made promptly.
Personal Defined Benefit Plan
This plan is specifically for owner-only businesses, or those with a maximum of 5 employees. With this plan, you target a desired level of retirement income, and contribution limits are adjusted each year based on that, with an annual maximum limit. While this plan is highly customizable and allows for significant contributions, there may be startup costs and yearly charges associated with it.
Benefits of a Personal Defined Benefit Plan
- High Contribution Limits: Allows for significantly higher contributions compared to other retirement plans, potentially reaching $275,000 annually (in 2024) depending on age, income, and the desired retirement benefit.
- Predictable Retirement Benefits: The plan promises a specific benefit at retirement, providing more predictability for retirement planning compared to defined contribution plans like 401k plans.
- Tax Advantages: Contributions are tax-deductible, reducing current taxable income. The investments grow tax-free until distribution.
Setting Up a Personal Defined Benefit Plan
- Consult with a Plan Provider: Work with an investment firm or retirement plan provider that specializes in defined benefit plans to establish the plan.
- Create a Plan Document: Draft a scheme document that details the terms of the plan, including contribution requirements and how benefits are calculated.
- Actuarial Calculations: Have an actuary calculate the necessary contributions to meet the promised benefits, ensuring compliance with IRS requirements.
- Annual Administration: Managing the plan’s investments includes ensuring that required contributions are made annually. Annual actuarial reviews are necessary to adjust for any changes in funding requirements.
- Compliance and Reporting: File IRS Form 5500 annually to report on the plan’s status and compliance.
- Permanence: To ensure compliance, a defined benefit plan must be in place for five years. Plans that are quickly terminated can be red flags and subject to regulatory scrutiny.
401(k) Plans
401(k)s are available to private companies of any size, and are highly flexible. Employees may defer their salary as contributions, and employers can make contributions every year. Most 401(k) plans come with significant tax planning advantages for both businesses and employees. They can include:
- Traditional 401(k)s
- Safe Harbor 401(k)s
- Automatic enrollment 401(k)s
Benefits of a 401(k) Plan
- Tax Advantages: Contributions are made tax-free initially, reducing the employee’s taxable income. Alternatively, contributions can be made post-tax (Roth). Investments grow without immediate tax.
- Employer Matching: Many employers offer matching contributions, which can significantly boost an employee's retirement savings.
- Higher Contribution Limits: For this year, employees can contribute up to $$23k, with an additional $$7.5k catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and older.
- Loan Options: Participants can often take loans against their 401(k) balance, providing flexibility in case of unexpected expenses.
Setting Up a 401(k) Plan
- Choose a Plan Provider: Select a provider that offers various investment opportunities, administrative support, and staff training.
- Create a Plan Document: Detail the terms of the plan, including eligibility, contributions, and vesting schedules.
- Set Up a Trust: Ensure plan assets are held in trust to safeguard them for participants.
- Develop a Recordkeeping System: Ensure detailed records of contributions, earnings, and distributions.
- Distribute Plan Information: Employers sponsoring a 401(k) must distribute plan information and updates in a timely manner.
Individual 401(k)
This plan, also known as a Individual 401(k), is designed to provide the same benefits as a business 401(k), but specifically for individuals who are self-employed, or whose only employee is their spouse. Each year, you can contribute up to the annual 401(k) limit, and the employer may make a nonelective contribution up to one-fourth of compensation or, if self-employed, an amount considering your earned income and deducting half of self-employment tax paid and contributions made by you during the year. Additionally, you have the option to open a Roth 401(k) account, or roll over pre-tax assets.
Setting Up an Individual 401(k)
- Choose a Plan Provider: Choose a financial institution or brokerage that offers Individual 401(k) plans. Search for providers with multiple investment options and lower fees.
- Create a Plan Document: Draft the terms of your plan, including contribution limits, investment options, and loan provisions.
- Open an Account: Open your Individual 401(k) account with the chosen provider. This typically involves submitting an application and providing necessary documentation.
- Make Contributions: Decide on your contribution amounts for the year and make regular contributions. Ensure you stay within the IRS limits for total contributions.
- Compliance and Reporting: If your plan assets exceed $250,000, you must file IRS Form 5500 annually. Develop a meticulous record system of all contributions and transactions.
Profit Sharing Plans
A Profit Sharing Plan is a type of retirement plan where employers can make discretionary contributions to employee retirement accounts, determined by the company's profits. These plans are intended to share the company’s success with its employees and motivate them to boost the company’s profitability.
Benefits of a Profit Sharing Plan
- Flexibility in Contributions: Employers can decide each year how much to contribute based on the company's profitability. This makes it an flexible option for businesses with changing earnings.
- Tax Advantages: Contributions are tax-deductible for the business, reducing taxable income. Additionally, the funds grow without immediate tax, which can benefit employees' long-term savings.
- Employee Motivation and Retention: Linking contributions to company profits can enhance employee morale and loyalty, as employees directly benefit from the company’s success.
- High Contribution Limits: Employers can contribute up to the lesser of one-fourth of an employee’s compensation or $66,000 for 2024, making it a generous option for employee benefits.
Setting Up a Profit Sharing Plan
- Choose a Plan Provider: Choose a financial institution or retirement plan provider to administer the plan.
- Create a Plan Document: Develop a plan document outlining the profit-sharing formula, eligibility requirements, and vesting schedule.
- Communicate with Employees: Inform employees about the plan, how it works, and the benefits they can expect.
- Determine Contributions: Annually decide the amount to contribute based on company profits and the predetermined formula.
- File Necessary Forms: File IRS Form 5500 annually to report the plan’s status and compliance.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOPs)
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a retirement plan that invests primarily in the employer's stock. ESOPs give employees ownership interest in the company, aligning their interests with the business's success, and potentially helping set up the business's next generation of leadership.
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a employee benefit plan that primarily invests in the employer's stock. ESOPs grant employees ownership interest in the company, aligning their interests with the business's success, and potentially helping establish the business's next generation of leadership.
Benefits of an ESOP
- Employee Ownership: ESOPs offer employees with an equity share in the company, which can improve incentive and loyalty.
- Tax Benefits for the Company: Contributions to the ESOP are tax-deductible, and the company can also gain tax benefits related to the sale of stock to the ESOP.
- Retirement Savings for Employees: Employees gain from the growth in the value of the company’s stock, providing potentially significant retirement savings.
- Succession Planning: ESOPs can be an effective method for business succession, enabling owners to sell their shares to high-performing employees, who can slowly take the lead as previous owners transition into retirement.
Setting Up an ESOP
- Feasibility Study: Perform a feasibility study to determine if an ESOP is a viable option for your company.
- Hire ESOP Advisors: Consult financial, legal, and ESOP advisors to facilitate the setup process.
- Create a Plan Document: Draft a plan document that outlines the terms of the ESOP, including how shares will be distributed and vested.
- Establish a Trust: Form an ESOP trust to hold the company stock on behalf of employees.
- Communicate with Employees: Advise employees about the ESOP, how it works, and the advantages they can expect.
- Compliance and Reporting: Submit necessary documents with the IRS and the Department of Labor, including Form 5500, to ensure compliance.
Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs)
A Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) is a type of retirement plan that allows multiple, unrelated employers to take part in a single retirement plan and achieve economies of scale. MEPs are designed to provide small businesses with a cost-effective and administratively efficient way to offer retirement benefits to their employees.
Benefits of an MEP
- Cost Savings: By combining resources with other employers, businesses can cut administrative costs and fees associated with maintaining a retirement plan. This cost-sharing makes MEPs an appealing option for small businesses looking to save on expenses.
- Administrative Efficiency: MEPs ease the management of retirement plans by combining administrative tasks. This includes plan setup, compliance, reporting, and participant communication, which are handled by the MEP sponsor or administrator.
- Improved Access to Benefits: An MEP allows small businesses that might not have the resources to provide a retirement plan on their own can provide competitive retirement benefits, which helps to attract and retain talented employees and create the business access to a competitive advantage they wouldn't be able to have on their own.
- Fiduciary Relief: The MEP sponsor typically assumes most of the fiduciary responsibilities, reducing the liability and administrative burden on individual employers.
Setting Up an MEP
- Join an Existing MEP or Form a New One: Small businesses can either become part of an existing MEP or collaborate with other businesses to form a new one. This step involves selecting a MEP sponsor who will manage the plan.
- Select a Plan Provider: The MEP sponsor will work with a bank or retirement plan provider to administer the plan.
- Adopt the Plan: Each participating employer must formally adopt the MEP by completing an adoption agreement and providing necessary employee information.
- Employee Enrollment: Inform the plan details to employees and facilitate their enrollment in the MEP.
- Ongoing Administration: The MEP sponsor handles the majority of the administrative tasks, including compliance with IRS and Department of Labor requirements, submitting required documents, and managing plan assets.
There are benefits and drawbacks to each plan, and which may be "best" for you will depend on your business and your and your employees' needs. Different plans and accounts have different tax incentives, fees, required minimum distributions, contribution limits, and more. A reputed financial advisor like those at Correct Capital will be able to help you determine which plan works best for you and your team.


Why You Should Set Up a Small Business Retirement Plan in Brentwood, MO
The particular, financial-based benefits for your Brentwood, MO small business retirement plan is dependent upon which plan you choose. However, a small business retirement plan, whichever one you choose, has universal benefits. Over half of workers say that a retirement plan is a "very important" factor in how good they feel at their present employment, while employers reap the benefits both during tax season and in office productivity. Companies and employees will both enjoy:
Employee Benefits
- Improved financial security in retirement
- Tax deductions
- Contributions are simple with payroll deductions
- Contributions and investment gains are not taxed until they take them out
- As interest accrues, small savings grow into significant savings
- Ability to perform a 401(k) rollover if it's beneficial down the road
Business Benefits
- Attract, recruit, and retain talent
- Incentivize based on performance-based employer contributions
- Employer contributions are tax-deductible
- Highly customized plans are available
- Tax credits upon initial set-up
Why Should I Consult With a Financial Advisor in Brentwood, MO to Help With My Small Business Retirement Plan?
Setting up small business retirement plans is complicated. While the federal government does not currently obligate any employer to offer a retirement plan to employees, some states require businesses of a certain size to offer access to a retirement plan. Brentwood, MO retirement consultants that are experienced in helping business owners establish retirement plans are usually needed to not only ensure the plan is right for you, but that you follow frequently chancing tax and business laws.
As your Brentwood, MO retirement plan consultants for your small business, our financial planners will:
- Help you elect which plan works best for you and your employees, and the right custodian to hold plan assets
- Assist you in establishing your plan, including adopting a written plan, establishing a trust for plan assets, helping employees understand how specific of the plan apply to their savings, and developing a record keeping system
- Help you operate your plan by staying compliant with applicable laws, managing the plan's assets, and distributing benefits
- Help educate your employees on your plan, its benefits, and how they can use it as a part of their ongoing financial health
Correct Capital's Brentwood, MO financial planners are fiduciary advisors, meaning we are obligated, by law and by regulatory oversight to do what's best for you and your employees. We work for you, and not our own firm. Schedule a meeting with a member of our advisor team today.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Small Business Retirement Plans
Challenge 1: High Setup and Administrative Costs
Many small businesses hesitate to set up retirement plans due to the assumed high costs.
Solution:
- SIMPLE IRA and SEP IRA: These plans have minimal setup and administrative costs compared to traditional 401(k) plans.
- Tax Credits: The SECURE Act 2.0 offers tax credits for small businesses to offset the costs of setting up retirement plans. Businesses can receive a credit of up to $5,000 annually for three years to cover startup costs, and an additional credit for automatic enrollment plans.
Challenge 2: Administrative Complexity
The complexity of maintaining a retirement plan can be daunting for small business owners.
Solution:
- Outsource Administration: Many plan providers offer administrative services that can handle the majority of the documentation, compliance, and record-keeping tasks. Providers offer comprehensive administrative support, including payroll processing and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs): Participating in an MEP can significantly reduce the administrative burden as the MEP sponsor handles most of the administrative duties, including compliance and reporting.
Challenge 3: Employee Participation and Engagement
Low employee participation can limit the effectiveness of a retirement plan.
Solution:
- Automatic Enrollment: Implementing automatic enrollment can significantly increase participation rates. Employees are automatically enrolled at a default contribution rate but can opt out if they choose. This approach has been shown to increase participation and savings rates.
- Employee Education: Providing regular education and communication about the benefits of the retirement plan can help increase employee engagement. Provide workshops, seminars, and one-on-one meetings to ensure employees understand how the plan works and the importance of saving for retirement. Correct Capital offers employee education, including one-on-one meetings and quarterly webinars, if you choose us as your retirement plan advisors.
Issue 4: Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape can be challenging, especially for business owners who need to keep their attention on their core business.
Solution:
- Professional Guidance: Hiring a financial advisor or consultant who specializes in retirement plans can help ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations. Our team can assist with plan setup, annual filings, and ongoing management.
- Use of Technology: Many retirement plan providers offer online platforms that help manage compliance by automating reporting, tracking contributions, and ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.
Challenge 5: Flexibility and Adaptability
Business owners need plans that can adapt to changing business conditions.
Solution:
- Flexible Plans: Select retirement plans that offer flexibility in contributions. SEP IRAs, for example, allow employers to decide each year how much to contribute based on the company’s profitability, making it a suitable option for businesses with variable income.
- Regular Plan Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your retirement plan to ensure it continues to meet the needs of your business and employees. Modify the plan as necessary to align with changes in your business environment and workforce demographics.
With the assistance of dedicated Brentwood, MO financial advisors and retirement plan specialists, your business can manage these challenges to create a small business retirement plan that works for both you and your employees.
Other services we offer in Brentwood, MO include:

Small Business Retirement Plans in Brentwood, MO | Correct Capital
Owning a small business involves a mountain of daily, monthly, and annual tasks to ensure things run smoothly — navigating the complexities of a small business retirement plan shouldn't be one of them. Correct Capital currently manages over 37 plans for a variety of types of businesses, and represents over $212 million in total plan assets* nationwide. To set up a retirement plan for your small business, or learn what we can do for business owners, speak to a financial advisor at Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us through our website.
*as of March 2024