Reduce work + boost savings with Safe Harbor
Set up a seamless Safe Harbor 401(k) with no base fees for 3 months.1
Our most popular type of 401(k) for a reason
73% of our 401(k) customers chose to open a Safe Harbor plan in 2023.2 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 time3
- Maximized savings
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
Less admin work
Administrative work on a Guideline Safe Harbor 401(k) takes less than 30 minutes a month for most plan sponsors.3
Maximized savings
Everyone can get a savings boost with an employer contribution. And highly compensated employees can max out their deferrals.
High participation rate
Stronger benefits can help attract and retain talent — Guideline Safe Harbor plans have an 85% participation rate.4
Key dates + deadlines
Add Safe Harbor matching provisions to your existing 401(k) for next year by November 22. Once added, we’ll send 30-day notices to employees before the provisions take effect for 2025.
- Last day to sign up
Nov. 22, 2024
- Notices sent
Dec. 1, 2024
- Provision is live
Jan. 2025
Open a new Safe Harbor 401(k) plan today and start saving this year.
Priced to help you save
Our all-in-one 401(k) plans5 come with low monthly costs and no transaction fees — and include the key features you need at no additional cost.3
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
Calculator
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.6
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.7
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%.