Small Business Retirement Plans in Tacoma, WA

Small Business Retirement Plans in Tacoma, WA. Offering a retirement plan to your Tacoma, WA 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 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 Tacoma, WA financial planners is dedicated to helping business owners and their employees reap the benefits of their retirement plans and navigate the ins-and-outs of federal regulations. For anything from initial setup and employee education to fine-tuning an existing plan, speak to a financial advisor at Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us online.

What Types of Retirement Plans Are Available to Small Businesses in Tacoma, WA?

The federal government and various financial custodians offer a variety of savings plans and savings vehicles for small business owners and their employees in anticipation of retirement. These include:

SEP-IRA

This variant of individual retirement account is available to self-employed 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-deferred. Employers can deduct contributions they make on behalf of their employees. Only employers make payments, which are flexible and can vary from 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: This plan does not require employers to contribute every year, which is perfect for businesses with fluctuating profits.
• Simple Administration: With this plan, there is minimal paperwork and no need for yearly filings with the IRS except for regular tax filings.

Setting Up a SEP-IRA

• Select a Financial Institution: Choose a company to hold SEP IRA assets, like a bank, brokerage firm, or credit union. Alternatively, opt for an online financial institution.
• Execute a Written Agreement: Communicate with eligible employees by establishing a contractual arrangement for the SEP IRA plan.
• Make Contributions: Calculate and make contributions based on a fixed percentage of each employee’s compensation. Alternatively, contribute based on a variable percentage determined by business performance.
• Maintain Records: To maintain records, keep thorough records of all contributions made to employee accounts, including dates and figures. Additionally, ensure records are neatly arranged 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 make contributions. This plan is low-cost as it's mainly funded by employees, and their contributions can be eligible for tax deduction.

Benefits of a SIMPLE IRA

• Ease of Setup and Administration: SIMPLE IRAs are straightforward to establish and maintain, with no annual filing requirements for employers. This makes them perfect for small businesses with limited administrative resources.
• Employer Contributions: Employers are required to make contributions, either by matching employee contributions up to 3% of their salary or making a non-elective contribution of 2% of each eligible employee’s salary.
• Employee Contributions: Employees can contribute up to $16,000 in 2024, with a supplementary catch-up contribution of $3,500 for those aged 50 and older.
• Immediate Vesting: All contributions to the SIMPLE IRA are 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 financial institution, investment fund, or investment brokerage 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 employee contributions or make non-elective contributions, and ensure these are made in a timely manner.

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 an annual maximum limit. While this plan is highly customizable and allows for significant contributions, there may be initial expenses and annual fees 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 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 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 benefit formulas and contribution requirements.
• Actuarial Calculations: Have an actuary calculate the necessary contributions to meet the promised benefits, ensuring compliance with 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: File IRS Form 5500 annually to report on the plan’s status and compliance.
• Permanence: A defined benefit plan needs to be in place for a minimum of five years. Plans established that are quickly terminated are often red flags and open to regulatory scrutiny.

401(k) Plans

401(k)s are available to businesses of any size, and are highly tailorable. Employees may defer 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 before taxes, reducing the employee’s taxable income. 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 the current year, employees can contribute up to $twenty-three thousand dollars, 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 urgent financial needs.

Setting Up a 401(k) Plan

• Choose a Plan Provider: Choose a provider that offers various investment options, administrative services, and employee learning resources.
• Create a Plan Document: Prepare 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)

Designed to offer the same benefits as a company 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. Seek out providers with a range of investment options and lower fees.
• Create a Plan Document: Establish 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 completing 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 $two hundred fifty thousand dollars, 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 boost the company’s profitability.

Benefits of a Profit Sharing Plan

• Flexibility in Contributions: Employers can decide each year how much to contribute based on the company's profitability. This makes it an flexible option for businesses with fluctuating 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 increase employee morale and loyalty, as employees directly benefit from the company’s success.
• High Contribution Limits: Employers can contribute up to the lesser of one-fourth of an employee’s compensation or $sixty-six thousand dollars for 2024, making it a generous option for employee benefits.

Setting Up a Profit Sharing Plan

• Choose a Plan Provider: Pick a financial institution 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: Educate 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 annually to report the plan’s status and compliance.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOPs)

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a retirement plan that invests primarily in the employer's stock. ESOPs give employees ownership interest in the company, aligning their interests with the business's success, and potentially helping set up the business's next generation of leadership.

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a retirement plan that invests mainly in the employer's stock. ESOPs provide employees with an ownership stake in the company, aligning their interests with the business's success, and potentially aiding in establishing the business's future leadership.

Benefits of an ESOP

• Employee Ownership: ESOPs offer employees with an partial ownership in the company, which can improve motivation and loyalty.
• Tax Benefits for the Company: Contributions to the ESOP are eligible for tax deduction, and the company can also gain 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, offering potentially substantial retirement savings.
• Succession Planning: ESOPs can be an effective tool for business succession, permitting owners to sell their shares to their best employees, who can gradually take the lead as previous owners ease 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 aid in the setup process.
• Create a Plan Document: Draft a plan document that defines the terms of the ESOP, including how shares will be distributed and vested.
• Establish a Trust: Set up 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 benefits they can expect.
• Compliance and Reporting: Submit necessary documents with the IRS and the Department of Labor, including Form 5500, to ensure compliance.

Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs)

A Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) is a type of retirement plan that allows multiple, unrelated employers to take part in a single retirement plan and achieve economies of scale. MEPs are designed to provide small businesses with a 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 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 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: 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 create the business access to a competitive advantage they wouldn't be able to have on their own.
• Fiduciary Relief: The MEP sponsor typically assumes most of the fiduciary responsibilities, reducing the liability and administrative burden on individual employers.

Setting Up an MEP

• Join an Existing MEP or Form a New One: Small businesses can either join 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, submitting required documents, 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 incentives, fees, required minimum distributions, contribution limits, and more. A reputed financial advisor like those at Correct Capital will be able to help you determine which plan works best for you and your team.

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Benefits of Setting Up a Small Business Retirement Plan in Tacoma, WA

The particular, financial-based benefits for your Tacoma, WA small business retirement plan is dependent upon which plan you choose. However, there are many general benefits of setting up a small business retirement plan for both businesses and workers. 60% of employees responded to a survey stating it is a "very important" factor in job satisfaction, while employers also get tax breaks and can better attract and motivate employees. Below are some of the main benefits for both businesses and employees of setting up a small business retirement plan:

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

Creating small business retirement plans is complicated. While the federal government does not currently obligate any business to offer retirement savings options to workers, certain states require employers with a minimum number of employees to have a retirement plan. Tacoma, WA retirement consultants that have spent years 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 ever-changing tax and business laws.

As your Tacoma, WA 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 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 developing 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 important aspect of their ongoing financial success

Correct Capital's Tacoma, WA financial planners are fiduciary advisors, meaning we are legally and ethically bound to do what's best for you and your employees. The only thing we sell is trust. Request 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 expected 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, with an additional credit for automatic enrollment plans.

Challenge 2: Administrative Complexity

The challenges 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

Limited employee involvement 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. 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.

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

With the help of dedicated Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, WA include:

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

Small Business Retirement Plans in Tacoma, WA | Correct Capital

Operating 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, call Correct Capital today at 314-930-401K or contact us through our website.

*as of March 2024