Small Business Retirement Plans in Buffalo, NY

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Small Business Retirement Plans in Buffalo, NY. Offering a retirement plan to your Buffalo, NY employees offers a variety of benefits, including tax reductions and a great way to attract and retain your highest-performing workers. However, for most business owners, it can be difficult to know where to start. What benefits do different kinds of plans provide? What federal regulations do I have to follow? What do I do when I want to change plans, or if I'm retiring and my business will no longer be running? Correct Capital's team of Buffalo, NY financial planners has over 70 years of combined experience helping business owners and their employees reap the benefits of having a sound retirement plans and understanding the complexity of their individual plans and benefits. For anything from initial setup and employee education to fine-tuning an existing plan, call Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us through our website.



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What Types of Retirement Plans Are Available to Small Businesses in Buffalo, NY?

Various financial custodians provide a variety of savings plans and savings vehicles for small business owners and their employees in anticipation of retirement. The most prevalent ones are:


SEP-IRA

This type of individual retirement account is available to single-owner businesses, freelancers, and businesses with very few employees. It follows the same rules as a traditional IRA, where the money put into the account grows tax-free. Employers can deduct contributions they make on behalf of their employees. Only employers make payments, which are modifiable and can vary from year to year. Additionally, the contributions are eligible for tax deduction.

Benefits of a SEP-IRA

  • High Contribution Limits: For 2024, employers are allowed to contribute up to 25% of each employee’s compensation, with a cap of $69,000.
  • Flexibility: For businesses with changing profits, this plan is suitable as employers are not obligated to contribute every year.
  • Simple Administration: Minimal paperwork and no requirement for annual filings with the IRS except for regular tax filings.

Setting Up a SEP-IRA

  • Select a Financial Institution: Selecting a financial institution involves choosing an institution for instance a bank, brokerage firm, or credit union. You can also opt for a digital financial institution.
  • Execute a Written Agreement: Notify eligible employees by establishing a written agreement for the SEP IRA plan.
  • Make Contributions: To make contributions, calculate a set percentage of each employee’s compensation. Alternatively, contribute based on a percentage range determined by business profits.
  • Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of all contributions made to employee accounts, including time stamps and sums. Additionally, ensure records are 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 a maximum of 100 employees. Employees can fund their own accounts through deductions from their salaries, and employers can also contribute. This plan is low-cost as it's mainly funded by employees, and their contributions can be tax deductible.

Benefits of a SIMPLE IRA

  • Ease of Setup and Administration: SIMPLE IRAs are simple to establish and maintain, with no annual filing requirements for employers. This makes them suitable for small businesses with restricted administrative resources.
  • Employer Contributions: Employers are required to make contributions, by either 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 an extra catch-up contribution of $3,500 for those aged 50 and older.
  • Immediate Vesting: All contributions to the SIMPLE IRA are immediately 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 banking establishment, 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 information 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 employee contributions or make non-elective contributions, and ensure these are made in a timely manner.

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 initial expenses 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 $$275k 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-deferred 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 a financial analyst 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: Ensure compliance by filing IRS Form 5500 annually to report on the plan’s status.
  • Permanence: To ensure compliance, a defined benefit plan must be in place for five years. Plans that are quickly terminated can be signals and subject to regulatory scrutiny.

401(k) Plans

401(k)s are available to private companies of any size, and are highly adaptable. Employees may allocate 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:

Benefits of a 401(k) Plan

  • Tax Advantages: To reduce the employee’s taxable income, contributions are made before taxes. Alternatively, contributions can be made post-tax (Roth). Investments grow tax-deferred.
  • Employer Matching: Many employers offer contribution matching, which can significantly boost an employee's retirement savings.
  • Higher Contribution Limits: For 2024, employees can contribute up to $23,000, with an additional $seven thousand five hundred dollars 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 financial emergencies.

Setting Up a 401(k) Plan

  • Choose a Plan Provider: Choose a provider that offers various investment opportunities, management assistance, and employee learning resources.
  • Create a Plan Document: Detail the terms of the plan, including eligibility, contributions, and how funds are vested.
  • Set Up a Trust: Ensure plan assets are held in trust to preserve them for employees.
  • Develop a Recordkeeping System: Develop a meticulous record system of contributions, earnings, and distributions.
  • Distribute Plan Information: Employers sponsoring a 401(k) must distribute plan information and modifications in a timely manner.

Individual 401(k)

Also known as a Solo 401(k), this plan is designed to offer the same benefits as a business 401(k), but 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 non-elective contribution up to 25% 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. Another advantage of individual 401(k)s is that you can opt to open a Roth 401(k) account, or roll over pre-tax assets.

Setting Up an Individual 401(k)

  • Choose a Plan Provider: Pick a financial institution or brokerage that offers Individual 401(k) plans. Seek out providers with various investment options and reduced fees.
  • Create a Plan Document: Create 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 filling out an application and providing necessary documentation.
  • Make Contributions: Determine 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 $$250k, you must file IRS Form 5500 annually. Keep accurate records of all contributions and transactions.

Profit Sharing Plans

A Profit Sharing Plan is a type of retirement plan where employers can make optional 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 contribute to the company’s profitability.

Benefits of a Profit Sharing Plan

  • Flexibility in Contributions: Employers can choose 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 tax-free until withdrawal, which can benefit employees' long-term savings.
  • Employee Motivation and Retention: Linking contributions to company profits can boost employee morale and loyalty, as employees directly benefit from the company’s success.
  • High Contribution Limits: Employers can contribute up to the lesser of 25% of an employee’s compensation or $sixty-six thousand dollars for the current year, making it a generous option for employee benefits.

Setting Up a Profit Sharing Plan

  • Choose a Plan Provider: Pick a investment firm or retirement plan provider to administer the plan.
  • Create a Plan Document: Write a plan document outlining the profit-sharing formula, eligibility requirements, and vesting schedule.
  • Communicate with Employees: Notify employees about the plan, how it works, and the benefits they can expect.
  • Determine Contributions: Yearly decide the amount to contribute based on company profits and the predetermined formula.
  • File Necessary Forms: File IRS Form 5500 every year 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 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.

Benefits of an ESOP

  • Employee Ownership: ESOPs provide employees with an ownership stake in the company, which can enhance incentive and loyalty.
  • Tax Benefits for the Company: Contributions to the ESOP are tax-deductible, and the company can also obtain tax benefits related to the sale of stock to the ESOP.
  • Retirement Savings for Employees: Employees profit from the growth in the value of the company’s stock, offering potentially substantial retirement savings.
  • Succession Planning: ESOPs can be an effective tool for business succession, allowing owners to sell their shares to their best employees, who can gradually take the lead as previous owners transition into retirement.

Setting Up an ESOP

  • Feasibility Study: Conduct a feasibility study to determine if an ESOP is a suitable option for your company.
  • Hire ESOP Advisors: Bring on board financial, legal, and ESOP advisors to guide the setup process.
  • Create a Plan Document: Write a plan document that details the terms of the ESOP, including how shares will be allocated and vested.
  • Establish a Trust: Create 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 perks they can expect.
  • Compliance and Reporting: File 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 join a single retirement plan and achieve economies of scale. MEPs are designed to provide small businesses with a affordable and administratively efficient way to offer retirement benefits to their employees.

Benefits of an MEP

  • Cost Savings: By pooling resources with other employers, businesses can lower administrative costs and fees associated with maintaining a retirement plan. This cost-sharing makes MEPs an attractive option for small businesses looking to save on expenses.
  • Administrative Efficiency: MEPs facilitate the management of retirement plans by consolidating administrative tasks. This includes plan setup, compliance, reporting, and participant communication, which are handled by the MEP sponsor or administrator.
  • Improved Access to Benefits: Small businesses that might not have the resources to offer a retirement plan on their own can provide competitive retirement benefits through an MEP, which helps to attract and retain talented employees and offer 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, decreasing 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 executing an adoption agreement and providing necessary employee information.
  • Employee Enrollment: Explain 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 advantages, fees, required minimum distributions, contribution limits, and more. A respected 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 Buffalo, NY

The specific, financial-based advantages to your Buffalo, NY small business retirement plan will largely be based on the specific plan you choose. However, a small business retirement plan, whichever one you choose, has universal benefits. Three out of five employees responded to a survey saying it 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. Below are some of the main benefits for both businesses and employees of setting up a small business retirement plan:


Employee Benefits

  • Better financial security in retirement
  • Tax deductions
  • Contributions can be easily made through payroll deductions
  • They do not pay taxes on money they put in or investments gains until they withdraw them
  • As interest accrues, small contributions grow into considerable savings
  • Ability to conduct a 401(k) rollover if it's beneficial down the road

Business Benefits

  • Attract, recruit, and retain high performers
  • Promote great work ethic
  • Deduct your taxable income from your taxable income
  • Flexible plan options to fit your plan to your needs
  • Tax credits upon initial set-up

Do I Need a Financial Advisor in Buffalo, NY to Assist With My Small Business Retirement Plan?

Creating small business retirement plans is complicated. While the federal government does not currently obligate any company to offer retirement savings options to employees, some states require employers with a certain number of employees to offer access to a retirement plan. Buffalo, NY 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 Buffalo, NY retirement plan consultants for your small business, our financial planners will:

  • Help you decide the best plan for you, and the right custodian to hold plan assets
  • Assist you in setting up your plan, including creating a document that complies with IRS code, establishing a trust for plan assets, helping employees understand the plan's terms, and implementing a record keeping system
  • Help you operate your plan by keeping up-to-date with relevant 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 Buffalo, NY financial planners are fiduciary advisors, meaning we are legally and ethically bound to only work in your best interest. As an independent firm, we have the freedom and flexibility to tailor our offerings to best suit the goals of our clients. Request 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 are reluctant to set up retirement plans due to the expected high costs.

Solution:

  • SIMPLE IRA and SEP IRA: These plans have lower 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, with 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 paperwork, compliance, and record-keeping tasks. Providers offer comprehensive administrative support, including integration with payroll and fiduciary management.
  • Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs): Being part of 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: Introducing 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 boost 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

Managing 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. Correct Capital 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 change with changing business conditions.

Solution:

  • Flexible Plans: Choose 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. Update the plan as necessary to align with changes in your business environment and workforce demographics.

With the help of dedicated Buffalo, NY financial advisors and retirement plan specialists, your business can navigate these challenges to create a small business retirement plan that works for both you and your employees.

Other services we offer in Buffalo, NY include:

Small Business Retirement Plans Buffalo, NY | Financial Advisors | Retirement Consultants Near Buffalo

Small Business Retirement Plans in Buffalo, NY | Correct Capital

Operating a small business involves countless 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 in both small and large companies, and represents over $212 million in total plan assets* nationwide. To set up a retirement plan for your small business, or learn what other services we offer to business owners, speak to a financial advisor at Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us online.

*as of March 2024

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