This site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice.
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ACTIVE ENFORCEMENT — 17+ STATES
Your State is Mandating Retirement Plans. Don't Settle for Theirs.
17+ states are now fining businesses up to $500 per employee for non-compliance.
A private qualified plan may generally exempt your business — with far greater benefits for you as the owner.
*Tax credit eligibility varies. Consult a qualified tax advisor.
INSTANT ESTIMATE
Calculate Your Penalty Risk
No signup required. See your estimated annual fine exposure in seconds.
Penalty Risk Calculator
Estimated Annual Fine Exposure
This estimate is illustrative only and based on publicly available penalty information. Actual fines depend on your state's specific rules, business size, and compliance history. This is not legal advice.
Penalty Amount Pending
This state's mandate is in development. Enforcement details not yet finalized.
This estimate is illustrative only and based on publicly available penalty information. Actual fines depend on your state's specific rules, business size, and compliance history. This is not legal advice.
A qualified retirement plan — including a 401(k), pension, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP-IRA — may generally exempt your business. Specific rules vary by state. This estimate is illustrative only.
*Eligibility varies. Consult a qualified tax advisor.
THE PROCESS
Three Steps to Compliance
01
Check Your State
See if you are in one of the 17+ active mandate zones. Use the penalty calculator above for an instant snapshot of your potential fine exposure.
02
Design Your Plan
We help you understand your options for a qualified retirement plan — 401(k), pension, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP-IRA — that generally triggers the state safe harbor. Specific rules vary by state.
03
Understand Your Credits
We walk you through the SECURE 2.0 federal tax credits your business may be eligible for. A qualified tax advisor can confirm your specific eligibility and amounts.
SECURE 2.0 legislation provides federal tax credits for qualifying small businesses that establish
a new qualified retirement plan — including a 401(k), pension, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP-IRA.
These are tax credits, not just deductions — they directly reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar.
$0Min. Employer Contributionrequired to offer the plan
Consult a qualified tax advisor or attorney before making any decisions.
Credit eligibility and amounts vary based on business size, employee count, and plan type.
It depends on your state, your employee count, and whether you already offer a qualifying retirement plan. Requirements vary significantly by state. Use the penalty calculator above for a quick snapshot, or book a free 15-minute audit — we'll walk through your specific situation at no cost.
Most state mandates exempt employers who already sponsor a qualifying plan. Plan types that typically qualify include a 401(k), pension, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP-IRA. Specific exemption criteria vary by state — what qualifies in California may differ from Virginia. We help you understand the options available in your specific state.
The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 created federal tax credits for small businesses establishing a new qualified retirement plan. Eligible businesses may receive a credit of up to $5,000 per year for 3 years for startup costs, plus an additional $500 per year for auto-enrollment. Tax credits reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar — not just as deductions. Eligibility and amounts depend on your business size, employee count, and plan type. Consult a qualified tax advisor or attorney to confirm your specific eligibility.
Plan setup costs vary by plan type, provider, and participant count. We provide educational guidance on available options. For qualifying businesses, SECURE 2.0 tax credits may offset a significant portion of eligible startup costs. A qualified tax advisor can review your specific situation and confirm applicable credits.
A 401(k) is one qualifying option but not the only one. Depending on your business structure, employee count, and goals, a pension, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP-IRA may also be appropriate. Each plan type has different contribution limits, administrative requirements, and eligibility rules. We help you understand all available options — your tax advisor or attorney can advise on the right fit.
State programs like CalSavers, MERIT, or IL Secure Choice can satisfy the mandate requirement. However, state IRA programs are generally capped at $7,000 per year per participant, provide no federal tax credits to the employer, and offer the business owner no personal tax-deferral benefit beyond that same cap. A private qualified plan may offer significantly more flexibility and financial benefit for the business owner. This is an educational comparison — consult a qualified advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
The free audit is a 15-minute educational conversation. We cover your state's mandate status, your employee count, your estimated fine exposure, and the general plan options available to you — at no cost and no obligation. This is an educational session only, not financial or legal advice.