Popular retirement saving plan under the Defined Contribution Plan category. They offer employees and employers flexibility in contributions, investment choices, and tax advantages.
Employees can contribute a portion of their salary to a 401(k) plan, subject to annual contribution limits set by the IRS.
For 2024, the contribution limit is $23,000.
For individuals under 50, with a combined employee-employer contribution limit of $69,000. There is also a catch-up contribution of an additional $7,500 to the total contribution for those 50 and older.
Employer Match
Unlock Additional Savings
Many employers offer a matching contribution to employees’ 401(k) accounts, often up to a certain percentage of the employee’s contributions. This matching contribution is an added incentive for employees to save for retirement.
For Employers
Strengthen Your Workforce
Attract and retain top talent : By offering a competitive retirement savings plan
Potential tax advantages including deductible contributions and tax credits for specific plans.
Seamless Transitions: Easily Remove Employees When They Leave by rolling over the 401 (k) account balance into a new employer’s plan / individual retirement account (IRA).
For Employees
Empower Your Employees
Retirement Journey
Pre-Tax Contributions: Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing the employee’s taxable income in the current year.
Tax-Deferred Growth: Investment earnings within the 401(k) plan grow tax-deferred until withdrawal during retirement, Leading to compounding growth over time.
Investment Options:
Versatile options including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and target-date funds.
Frequently asked questions about 401 (k)
Early Withdrawal Penalties
Withdrawals from a 401(k) before age 59½ may incur early withdrawal penalties and income taxes on the withdrawn amount.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Participants must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their 401(k) accounts beginning at age 72 (or age 70½ for those who turned 70½ before January 1, 2020), subject to IRS rules.
Investment Risk
Participants bear the investment risk in a 401(k) plan, as account growth depends on the performance of the chosen investments within the plan.
Requirement: Employers with 5+ employees paid at least $5,000/year.
Requirement: Employers with 5+ employees in business for 2+ years.
Penalties: $100 per eligible employee per year, up to $5000
Requirement: Employers with 5+ employees; deadlines for 1-4 employees by Dec. 31, 2025.
Penalties: $250 per eligible employee after 90 days, $500 after 180 days