Small Business Retirement Plans in Chattanooga, TN

Small Business Retirement Plans in Chattanooga, TN. Establishing a retirement plan for you and your Chattanooga, TN 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 that apply to different plans? What do I do when a new plan seems like a better option, or if I'm retiring and my business will no longer be running? Correct Capital's team of Chattanooga, TN financial planners is dedicated to helping business owners and their employees reap the benefits of their retirement plans and navigate the complexity of their individual plans and benefits. For anything from initial setup and employee education to making annual adjustments, call Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us through our website.

What Types of Retirement Plans Are Available to Small Businesses in Chattanooga, TN?

Various financial custodians provide numerous investment options and retirement accounts for small business owners and their employees in preparation for retirement. The most prevalent ones are:

SEP-IRA

This kind 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 without taxes. Employers can deduct contributions they make on behalf of their employees. Only employers make deposits, 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: Employers have the ability to contribute up to 25% of each employee’s compensation, with the maximum set at $69,000 for 2024.
• Flexibility: Employers are not required to contribute annually, making it ideal for businesses with variable profits.
• Simple Administration: 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 a provider to hold SEP IRA assets, such as a bank, brokerage firm, or credit union. Alternatively, opt for a digital financial institution.
• Execute a Written Agreement: Inform eligible employees by establishing a contractual arrangement for the SEP IRA plan.
• Make Contributions: To make contributions, calculate a set percentage of each employee’s compensation. Alternatively, deposit funds based on a percentage range determined by business performance.
• Maintain Records: Maintaining records involves keeping thorough records of all contributions made to employee accounts, including time stamps and figures. Additionally, ensure records are well-organized and easily accessible for inspection 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 salary deferrals, and employers can also contribute. This plan is affordable 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 easy to establish and maintain, with no annual filing requirements for employers. This makes them suitable for small businesses with limited 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 additional 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 financial institution, 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 setting up their accounts and making their contributions.
• Employer Contributions: Decide whether to match up to employee contributions or make non-elective contributions, and ensure these are made in a timely manner.

Personal Defined Benefit Plan

This plan is exclusively for single-owner 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 a yearly cap. While this plan is highly customizable and allows for significant contributions, there may be beginning expenditures and recurring costs 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 the current year) 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 accounts.
• 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 plan document that details the terms of the plan, including benefit formulas and contribution requirements.
• Actuarial Calculations: Have a financial analyst calculate the necessary contributions to meet the promised benefits, per IRS requirements.
• Annual Administration: Manage the plan’s investments and ensure 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: A defined benefit plan should be maintained for a minimum of five years. Quickly terminated plans often serve as indicators and may attract regulatory scrutiny.

401(k) Plans

401(k)s are available to companies of any size, and are highly adaptable. Employees may postpone their salary as contributions, and employers can make annual contributions. 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 pre-tax, reducing the employee’s taxable income. Alternatively, contributions can be made post-tax (Roth). Investments grow tax-free until withdrawn.
• Employer Matching: Many employers offer contribution matching, which can significantly boost an employee's retirement savings.
• Higher Contribution Limits: For the current year, employees can contribute up to $twenty-three thousand dollars, 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 urgent financial needs.

Setting Up a 401(k) Plan

• Choose a Plan Provider: Select a provider that offers a range of investment opportunities, administrative support, and employee learning resources.
• Create a Plan Document: Outline 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 employees.
• 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)

Designed to offer the same benefits as a traditional 401(k), this plan is also known as a Individual 401(k). It is ideal for individuals who are independent contractors, 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 benefit of individual 401(k)s is the ability 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 a range of investment options and reduced fees.
• Create a Plan Document: Prepare the terms of your plan, including contribution limits, investment options, and loan provisions.
• Open an Account: Establish your Individual 401(k) account with the chosen provider. This typically involves filling out 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 $two hundred fifty thousand dollars, 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 voluntary 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 adaptable option for businesses with fluctuating 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 a quarter of an employee’s compensation or $66,000 for 2024, making it a advantageous option for employee benefits.

Setting Up a Profit Sharing Plan

• Choose a Plan Provider: Select 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: Advise 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 each 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 grant employees with an ownership stake in the company, which can heighten motivation and loyalty.
• Tax Benefits for the Company: Contributions to the ESOP are deductible from taxes, and the company can also gain 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, providing potentially considerable retirement savings.
• Succession Planning: ESOPs can be an effective strategy for business succession, allowing owners to sell their shares to their best employees, who can steadily take the lead as previous owners move into retirement.

Setting Up an ESOP

• Feasibility Study: Perform 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 facilitate the setup process.
• Create a Plan Document: Prepare a plan document that details the terms of the ESOP, including how shares will be assigned and vested.
• Establish a Trust: Initiate an ESOP trust to hold the company stock on behalf of employees.
• Communicate with Employees: Inform employees about the ESOP, how it works, and the advantages they can expect.
• Compliance and Reporting: Send in necessary documents with the IRS and the Department of Labor, including Form 5500, to keep your plan compliant.

Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs)

A Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) is a type of retirement plan that allows multiple, unrelated employers to participate in 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 combining resources with other employers, businesses can lower administrative costs and fees associated with maintaining a retirement plan. This cost-sharing makes MEPs an favorable option for small businesses looking to save on expenses.
• Administrative Efficiency: MEPs simplify 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: Through an MEP, small businesses that might not have the resources to provide a retirement plan on their own can provide competitive retirement benefits, helping to attract and retain talented employees and provide a competitive advantage in hiring they otherwise may not have had.
• 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 an investment firm or retirement plan provider to administer the plan.
• Adopt the Plan: Each participating employer must formally adopt the MEP by signing 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, filing necessary forms, 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 benefits, 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.

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Benefits of Setting Up a Small Business Retirement Plan in Chattanooga, TN

The specific, financial-based advantages to your Chattanooga, TN small business retirement plan is dependent upon which plan you set up. However, a small business retirement plan, whichever one you choose, has universal benefits. Over half of employees say that a retirement plan is a "very important" factor in how good they feel at their present employment, while employers also get tax breaks and can better attract and motivate employees. Companies and employees will both enjoy:

Do I Need a Financial Advisor in Chattanooga, TN to Help With My Small Business Retirement Plan?

Setting up small business retirement plans is far different from setting up a personal savings plan at your local Chattanooga, TN bank. While the federal government does not currently obligate any company to offer retirement savings options to employees, certain states require businesses of a certain size to offer access to a retirement plan. Chattanooga, TN retirement consultants that are experienced in helping business owners set up retirement plans are usually needed to not only ensure you get the benefits you're looking for, but that you follow frequently chancing tax and business laws.

As your Chattanooga, TN 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 setting up your plan, including creating a document that complies with IRS code, arranging a trust for plan assets, helping employees understand how specific of the plan apply to their retirement, and implementing a record keeping system
• Help you operate your plan by adapting as we need to to 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 continued financial health

Correct Capital's Chattanooga, TN financial planners are fiduciary advisors, meaning we are obligated, by law and by ethics to do what's best for you and your employees. The only product we offer is trust. Schedule a meeting with a member of our advisor team today.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Small Business Retirement Plans

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Challenge 1: High Setup and Administrative Costs

Many small businesses are reluctant to set up retirement plans due to the assumed 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 administrative tasks, compliance, and record-keeping tasks. Providers offer comprehensive administrative support, including integration with payroll and fiduciary services.
• 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: 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 boost participation and savings rates.
• Employee Education: Providing regular education and communication about the benefits of the retirement plan can help increase employee engagement. Offer 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.

Problem 4: Adhering to Regulations

Handling 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 adjust to 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. Adjust the plan as necessary to align with changes in your business environment and workforce demographics.

With the support of dedicated Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga, TN include:

• 401(k) Audit
• High-Net-Worth Wealth Management
• Retirement Planner
• Financial Planning
• Retirement Plan Consultants
• Fiduciary Financial Advisor

Small Business Retirement Plans in Chattanooga, TN | 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 doesn't have to 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* throughout the country. 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 online.

*as of March 2024