Small Business Retirement Plans in Ladue, MO

Small Business Retirement Plans in Ladue, MO. Starting up a retirement plan for you and your Ladue, MO employees is a great way to retain talent, incentivize higher performance, and get those much-needed tax reductions. However, for most business owners, it can be hard to know how to proceed once they decide to establish one. 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 retiring and my business will no longer be running? Correct Capital's team of Ladue, MO financial planners has over 70 years of combined experience helping business owners and their employees reap the benefits of their retirement plans and understanding the ins-and-outs of federal regulations. For anything from initial setup and employee education to making annual adjustments, speak to a financial advisor at 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 Ladue, MO?

The federal government and various financial custodians offer numerous investment options and savings vehicles for small business owners and their employees in anticipation of retirement. Among the most common are:

SEP-IRA

This form of individual retirement account is available to owner-only businesses, freelancers, and businesses with very few employees. It follows the similar rules as a traditional IRA, where the money put into the account grows tax-deferred. Employers can deduct contributions they make on behalf of their employees. Only employers make payments, which are modifiable and can vary annually. Additionally, the contributions are tax-deductible.

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: Employers are not required to contribute each year, making it suitable for businesses with changing profits.}
• Simple Administration: {With this plan, there is minimal paperwork and no need for yearly filings with the IRS beyond regular tax filings.}

Setting Up a SEP-IRA

• Select a Financial Institution: digital 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 an established percentage of each employee’s compensation. Alternatively, make payments based on a range of percentages determined by business profits.
• Maintain Records: Keep thorough records of all contributions made to employee accounts, including dates and figures. Additionally, ensure records are 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 payroll deductions, and employers can also make contributions. This plan is inexpensive as it's mainly funded by employees, and their contributions can be deductible from taxes.

Benefits of a SIMPLE IRA

• Ease of Setup and Administration: SIMPLE IRAs are easy to establish and maintain, with no need for yearly filings for employers. This makes them suitable for small businesses with restricted 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 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 bank, investment 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 timely.

Personal Defined Benefit Plan

This plan is solely 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 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 $two hundred seventy-five thousand dollars 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 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 a bank or retirement plan provider that has experience with 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: To manage the plan’s investments, ensure that required contributions are made annually and conduct annual actuarial reviews 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 at least five years. Plans that are quickly terminated can be signals and subject to 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 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 can be made tax-free initially, which reduces the employee’s taxable income. Alternatively, post-tax (Roth) contributions can be made. Investments grow tax-free until withdrawn.
• Employer Matching: Many employers offer match programs, which can significantly boost an employee's retirement savings.
• Higher Contribution Limits: For this year, employees can contribute up to $twenty-three thousand dollars, with an additional $7,500 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 various investment choices, management assistance, and staff training.
• Create a Plan Document: Draft 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 secure them for employees.
• Develop a Recordkeeping System: Maintain precise 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 Solo 401(k). It is ideal for individuals who are sole proprietors, 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 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. Look for providers with various investment options and lower 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 completing 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 $$250k, you must file IRS Form 5500 annually. Ensure detailed records 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 enhance the company’s profitability.

Benefits of a Profit Sharing Plan

• Flexibility in Contributions: Employers can determine each year how much to contribute based on the company's profitability. This makes it an adaptable 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 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 $66,000 for this year, making it a generous option for employee benefits.

Setting Up a Profit Sharing Plan

• Choose a Plan Provider: Select a investment firm 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: Educate 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 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 primarily invests in the employer's stock. ESOPs offer employees equity 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 dedication.
• Tax Benefits for the Company: Contributions to the ESOP are eligible for tax deduction, and the company can also gain tax benefits related to the sale of stock to the ESOP.
• Retirement Savings for Employees: Employees benefit from the growth in the value of the company’s stock, providing potentially significant retirement savings.
• Succession Planning: ESOPs can be an effective strategy for business succession, permitting owners to sell their shares to high-performing employees, who can steadily take the lead as previous owners move into retirement.

Setting Up an ESOP

• Feasibility Study: Carry out a feasibility study to determine if an ESOP is a feasible option for your company.
• Hire ESOP Advisors: Engage 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 distributed and vested.
• Establish a Trust: Form an ESOP trust to hold the company stock on behalf of employees.
• Communicate with Employees: Update employees about the ESOP, how it works, and the perks 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 take part in a single retirement plan and achieve economies of scale. MEPs are designed to provide small businesses with a economical 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 reduce 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 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 set up a retirement plan on their own can deliver competitive retirement benefits, which can help 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, lessening 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 participate in 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 financial institution 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: 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, filing necessary forms, and managing plan assets.

There are advantages and disadvantages 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 renowned 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 Ladue, MO

The particular, financial-based advantages to your Ladue, MO small business retirement plan is dependent upon which plan you choose. That said, there are many general benefits of setting up a small business retirement plan for both businesses and workers. Three out of five employees responded to a survey saying it is a "very important" factor in job satisfaction, 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 having a small business retirement plan:

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

Creating small business retirement plans is far different from setting up a personal account at your local Ladue, MO bank. While the federal government does not currently obligate any employer to offer a retirement plan to employees, certain states require employers of a certain size to have a retirement plan. Ladue, MO retirement consultants that have spent years helping business owners open 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 Ladue, MO retirement plan consultants for your small business, our financial planners will:

• Help you choose 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 adopting a written plan, 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 component to their continued financial success

Correct Capital's Ladue, MO advisors hold ourselves to the fiduciary standard, meaning we are obligated, by law and by ethics to do what's best for you and your employees. As an independent firm, we have the freedom and flexibility to tailor our offerings to best suit the goals of our clients. Schedule a consultation 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 unwilling 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, plus 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 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

Limited employee involvement 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 raise participation and savings rates.
• Employee Education: Providing regular education and communication about the benefits of the retirement plan can help increase employee engagement. Host 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.

Challenge 4: Compliance with Regulations

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. We 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: 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. Update the plan as necessary to align with changes in your business environment and workforce demographics.

With the assistance of dedicated Ladue, MO financial advisors and retirement plan specialists, your business can overcome these challenges to create a small business retirement plan that works for both you and your employees.

Other services we offer in Ladue, MO include:

• Succession Planning
• Fiduciary Financial Advisor
• Company 401(k) Plans

Small Business Retirement Plans in Ladue, MO | Correct Capital

Owning a small business comes with countless moving parts and tasks to ensure things run smoothly — setting up and maintaining 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* throughout the country. To set up a retirement plan for your small business, or learn what we can do for business owners, call Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us through our website.

*as of March 2024