Small Business Retirement Plans in New York City, NY. Offering a retirement plan to your New York City, 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 how to proceed once they decide to establish one. What benefits do different kinds of plans provide? What are the different laws that apply to different plans? 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 New York City, NY financial planners is dedicated to helping business owners and their employees get the most out of having a sound retirement plans and understanding the complexity 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 online.
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What Types of Retirement Plans Are Available to Small Businesses in New York City, NY?
The federal government and various financial custodians offer numerous plans and savings vehicles for small business owners and their employees to better prepare for retirement. Among the most common are:
SEP-IRA
This form 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 payments, which are modifiable and can vary year-to-year. Additionally, the contributions are deductible from taxes.
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: For businesses with changing profits, this plan is ideal as employers are not obligated to contribute every year.
- Simple Administration: This plan requires minimal paperwork and does not require 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 virtual financial institution.
- Execute a Written Agreement: Notify eligible employees by establishing a plan document for the SEP IRA plan.
- Make Contributions: Based on business performance, contributions can be made by an established percentage of each employee’s compensation or make payments based on a variable percentage.
- Maintain Records: Keep complete records of all contributions made to employee accounts, including time stamps and amounts. Additionally, ensure records are organized and easily accessible for review purposes.
SIMPLE IRA
"SIMPLE" stands for "Savings Investment Match Plan for Employees," and these IRAs are for businesses with as many as 100 employees. Employees can fund their own accounts through salary deferrals, and employers can also contribute. This plan is inexpensive 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 need for yearly filings for employers. This makes them perfect for small businesses with constrained 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 extra 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, 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 up 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 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 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 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 401(k)s.
- 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 a financial institution 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 contribution requirements and how benefits are calculated.
- 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: To report on the plan’s status and compliance, file IRS Form 5500 annually.
- Permanence: To ensure compliance, a defined benefit plan must be in place for a minimum of 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 tailorable. Employees may allocate 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 tax-free initially, 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 matching contributions, which can significantly boost an employee's retirement savings.
- Higher Contribution Limits: For the current year, 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 unexpected expenses.
Setting Up a 401(k) Plan
- Choose a Plan Provider: Choose a provider that offers various investment opportunities, administrative support, and employee education.
- Create a Plan Document: Draft 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: 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)
This plan, also known as a i401(k), is designed to provide the same benefits as a traditional 401(k), but specifically 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 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: Pick a financial institution or brokerage that offers Individual 401(k) plans. Search for 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: 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 $250,000, 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 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 incentivize them to enhance 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 versatile option for businesses with variable earnings.
- Tax Advantages: Contributions are tax-deductible for the business, reducing taxable income. Additionally, the funds grow tax-deferred, 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 a quarter of an employee’s compensation or $sixty-six thousand dollars for this year, making it a beneficial 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: Draft 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: Each year 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 provide employees a stake in the company, matching their interests with the business's success, and potentially helping set up the business's future generation of leadership.
Benefits of an ESOP
- Employee Ownership: ESOPs provide employees with an partial ownership in the company, which can improve drive and commitment.
- Tax Benefits for the Company: Contributions to the ESOP are tax-deductible, and the company can also obtain tax benefits associated with 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 tool 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: Carry out a feasibility study to determine if an ESOP is a appropriate option for your company.
- Hire ESOP Advisors: Engage financial, legal, and ESOP advisors to facilitate the setup process.
- Create a Plan Document: Write a plan document that defines the terms of the ESOP, including how shares will be apportioned and vested.
- Establish a Trust: Establish 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 benefits 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 take part 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 pooling resources with other employers, businesses can lower 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 streamline the management of retirement plans by centralizing administrative tasks. This includes plan setup, compliance, reporting, and participant communication, which are handled by the MEP sponsor or administrator.
- Improved Access to Benefits: Businesses with limited resources to offer a retirement plan on their own can deliver competitive retirement benefits through an MEP., helping to attract and retain talented employees and offer a competitive advantage in hiring they otherwise may not have had.
- Fiduciary Relief: The MEP sponsor typically assumes most of the fiduciary responsibilities, diminishing 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 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, filing necessary forms, and managing plan assets.
There are pros and cons 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 trusted 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 New York City, NY
The specific, financial-based advantages to your New York City, NY small business retirement plan is dependent upon which plan you set up. That said, there are many general benefits of setting up a small business retirement plan for both businesses and workers. 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 also get tax breaks and can better attract and motivate employees. Companies and employees will both enjoy:
Employee Benefits
- More confidence in their retirement planning
- Tax deductions
- Contributions are simple with salary deferral
- They do not pay taxes on money they put in or investments gains until they withdraw them
- As interest accrues, small savings grow into significant sums of money
- Ability to perform a 401(k) rollover if they change employers
Business Benefits
- Attract, recruit, and retain talent
- Promote great work ethic
- Deduct your taxable income from your taxable profits
- Flexible plan options to fit your plan to your needs
- Tax credits upon initial set-up
Do I Need a Financial Advisor in New York City, NY to Help With My Small Business Retirement Plan?
Opening small business retirement plans is far different from setting up a personal account at your local New York City, NY bank. While the federal government does not currently require any business to offer retirement savings options to employees, some states require employers with a minimum number of employees to have a retirement plan. New York City, NY retirement consultants that are experienced in helping business owners establish retirement plans are usually needed to not only ensure you and your employees get the most out of your plan, but that you abide by ever-changing tax and business laws.
As your New York City, NY retirement plan consultants for your small business, our financial planners will:
- Help you choose which plan works best for you and your employees, and which financial institution should hold the assets
- Assist you in establishing your plan, including adopting a written plan, establishing a trust for plan assets, helping employees understand the plan's terms, and creating 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 important aspect of their ongoing financial success
Correct Capital's New York City, NY advisors hold ourselves to the fiduciary standard, meaning we are obligated, by law and by regulatory oversight to do what's best for you and your employees. The only thing we sell is trust. 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 are unwilling to set up retirement plans due to the expected high costs.
Solution:
- SIMPLE IRA and SEP IRA: These plans have decreased 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 administrative burden 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 payroll processing and fiduciary services.
- Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs): Enrolling 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
Minimal employee engagement 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 raise 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.
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. 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 adjust to changing business conditions.
Solution:
- Flexible Plans: Opt for 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 help of dedicated New York City, 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 New York City, NY include:
- 401(k) Audit
- High-Net-Worth Wealth Management
- Retirement Planner
- Financial Planning
- Retirement Plan Consultants
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
Small Business Retirement Plans in New York City, NY | Correct Capital
Owning a small business involves 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, speak to a financial advisor at Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us through our website.
*as of March 2024