Reduce work + boost savings with Safe Harbor

Open a new Safe Harbor 401(k) plan today and start saving this year.

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Our most popular type of 401(k) for a reason

73% of our 401(k) customers chose to open a Safe Harbor plan in 2023.1 These popular plans require an employer contribution like a 401(k) match, but in exchange, they satisfy most IRS nondiscrimination tests.

  • Compliance protections
  • Less admin time2
  • Maximized savings
Portrait of Jeri Alcock from Rose City Philanthropy

Jeri Alcock

Rose City Philanthropy

”With our Guideline Safe Harbor 401(k), we don’t have to worry about compliance. And we’re able to offer a match with quick enrollment.”

Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.

A powerful benefit for you and your team

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    Less admin work

    Administrative work on a Guideline Safe Harbor 401(k) takes less than 30 minutes a month for most plan sponsors.2
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    Maximized savings

    Everyone can get a savings boost with an employer contribution. And highly compensated employees can max out their deferrals.
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    High participation rate

    Stronger benefits can help attract and retain talent — Guideline Safe Harbor plans have an 85% participation rate.3

Priced to help you save

Our all-in-one 401(k) plans4 come with low monthly costs and no transaction fees — and include the key features you need at no additional cost.2
See all pricing plans
  • Recordkeeping
  • Government filing
  • Payroll integrations
  • Investment 3(38) fiduciary
  • Plan admin 3(16) fiduciary with eligible payroll providers
  • Employee onboarding + education

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Estimate your plan costs

If you’re starting a new 401(k), your small business may be eligible to receive up to $16,500 in tax credits over the plan’s first three years to help offset initial plan costs.5

Frequently asked questions

How is a Safe Harbor 401(k) different from a traditional 401(k)?

Unlike traditional 401(k) plans, Safe Harbor 401(k) plans get certain “safe harbor” protections and automatically satisfy most IRS nondiscrimination tests. In exchange, companies must contribute to their employees’ 401(k). Compare 401(k) plans.

Is my business a good fit for a Safe Harbor 401(k)?

Safe Harbor plans offer simplified administration compared to traditional 401(k) plans. That means less time and effort spent on plan management. If you’re already considering offering an employer match, a Safe Harbor plan could be a good option that can maximize savings and help with employee retention and recruitment.

Why is nondiscrimination testing important?

Nondiscrimination testing is required by the IRS to help ensure that 401(k) plans benefit both owners and employees. But even the most well-intentioned business owner can run into trouble when sponsoring a 401(k) plan. An owner contributing too much or employees contributing too little can result in a failed test and expensive corrections.6

When is the deadline to add a Safe Harbor provision to an existing 401(k)?

The last day to add Safe Harbor matching provisions to your 401(k) with Guideline is Nov. 20, 2024.

What are key dates for Safe Harbor nonelective contributions?

The deadline to add an at least 3% Safe Harbor nonelective provision to your 401(k) plan is Dec. 1, 2024. In order to adopt this provision, you’ll need to request an amendment by Nov. 5, 2024. If you want to add this provision to your plan after the Dec. 1 deadline but before the end of the following year, the employer contribution must be at least 4%.
  • 1
    Based on internal Guideline research as of December 2023
  • 2
    Research insights based on data collected in May 2023, from a survey conducted by Guideline that consisted of 73 current customers (34 of whom had a Safe Harbor 401k plan) Though the survey is broad in scope, the experiences of the respondents in this survey may not be representative of all companies.
  • 3
    Based on internal Guideline research as of July 2024
  • 4

    Investment advisory services for Guideline’s 401(k) product (when 3(38) fiduciary services are appointed) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Recordkeeping services are offered by Guideline RK, LLC. 3(16) plan administration services are also offered by Guideline RK, LLC and only made available to clients who utilize an eligible payroll provider. Guideline uses a third-party to provide custodial services. Custodial fees are paid by Guideline.

  • 5, †
    This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as tax advice. Please consult a tax professional to determine what types of tax credits or deductions your company is eligible to claim.
  • 6
    In general, Safe Harbor 401(k) plans automatically satisfy Top Heavy requirements. One exception is for plan years in which the employer makes discretionary contributions (such as profit sharing contributions) in addition to Safe Harbor contributions. Removing Safe Harbor contributions mid-year will also require plans be subject to all compliance testing. All plans of related entities must be administered by Guideline in order to provide compliance testing.

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Guideline, Inc. is a technology company that provides an integrated platform to companies who seek to work with 1) Guideline RK, LLC ("Guideline") and/or 2) Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"), both of which are wholly owned by Guideline Holdings, LLC. Guideline Holdings, LLC is wholly owned by Guideline, Inc. Neither Guideline, Inc. nor Guideline Holdings, LLC or Guideline RK, LLC is involved in securities activities and is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. Neither Guideline, Inc., nor any of its affiliates, is a bank.

Investment advisory services for Guideline’s 401(k) (when 3(38) fiduciary services are selected) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. For more information regarding fees and services, see Guideline Investments, LLC’s ADV 2A Brochure and Form CRS. References throughout this website to investment advisory services including but not limited to: investments offered, portfolios, managed portfolios, investment philosophy, assets under management (AUM), annual account fees expressed as a percentage of AUM, suitability questionnaire, 3(38) investment advisory management fiduciary services, robo-advisory services, and investment advice, unless otherwise specifically stated, are services provided by Guideline Investments, LLC. Investing involves risk and may lose money, including loss of principal. Investing is not guaranteed and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. The investment options offered by Guideline Investments, LLC are not FDIC insured.

Recordkeeping services for Guideline’s 401(k) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline RK, LLC. 3(16) plan administration services are also offered by Guideline RK, LLC and only made available to clients who utilize an eligible payroll provider. For more information on Guideline’s pricing, see here. Guideline uses a third-party to provide custodial services. Custodial fees are paid by Guideline.

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