Part 1: Understanding of State-Required 401(k) Plans-What you need to know
As a business owner, providing a retirement plan for your employees is no longer just a trend—it’s becoming a necessity. In response to the growing retirement savings gap, several states have introduced mandatory retirement plans that require businesses of a certain size to offer employees a way to save for their future. While these state-required alternatives can feel like a quick fix, they often leave both employers and employees wanting more.
In this three-part series, we’ll explore the basics of state-required plans, their limitations, and why choosing a private 401(k) through Maxus Plan Solutions might be the better option for your business and workforce.
What Are State-Required Retirement Plans?
State-required retirement plans are state-mandated programs aimed at addressing the increasing number of workers without access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. States like California, Oregon, Illinois, Colorado, Maine, and others have created initiatives that require businesses to either enroll employees in a state-run retirement plan or offer their own, such as a 401(k).
Most state-required plans use automatic enrollment into an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). While this helps some workers start saving, there are significant differences between these state-run plans and traditional 401(k)s.
Key Features of State-Mandated Retirement Plans
- Auto-Enrollment IRAs
Employees are automatically enrolled with the option to opt out. Contributions are made via payroll deductions, making it easy to start saving without actively signing up. - Low Administrative Responsibility for Employers
Employers facilitate payroll deductions and communicate with the state. Typically, employers are not required to contribute to the plan, making it less expensive but also less attractive to employees. - Limited Contribution Amounts
State-run IRAs have lower annual contribution limits ($6,500 in 2023, or $7,500 for those aged 50+), which restricts employees’ ability to save compared to 401(k) plans, where the limit is $22,500 (plus an additional $7,500 for those 50+). - Fewer Investment Choices
Employees in state plans typically have fewer investment options, limiting the diversification and growth potential compared to private 401(k)s.
Why State-Run Plans May Not Be Enough
While state-mandated plans address a real problem, they have limitations that could prevent your employees from maximizing their retirement savings. As a business owner, you may find that state-run plans provide only a minimal solution, lacking the flexibility, engagement, and financial benefits that a comprehensive 401(k) can offer.
If you want to offer competitive benefits, a 401(k) plan is often the better choice—and this is where Maxus Plan Solutions can help.
Maxus Plan Solutions: A Better Alternative to State-Required Plans
At Maxus Plan Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses like yours design and manage customized 401(k) plans that go beyond the limitations of state-mandated programs. Here’s what we offer:
- Flexible Plan Design: We provide fully customizable 401(k) plans tailored to your business and employees’ specific needs.
- Higher Contribution Limits: Let your employees save more for their future with higher contribution limits than state-run IRAs.
- Employer Matching: Attract and retain top talent by offering employer-matching contributions, a benefit that state plans don’t provide.
- Better Investment Options: Your employees will have access to a wider range of investment choices, helping them build a more diversified and powerful retirement portfolio.
By choosing Maxus Plan Solutions, you’re not just meeting compliance requirements — you’re offering your employees a retirement plan that shows you’re committed to their future.
Coming Up Next: How to Transition from State-Mandated Plans to a 401(k)
In the next part of this series, we’ll explore how you can transition from a state-required retirement plan to a private 401(k) plan and why it can be a game-changer for both your business and your employees.
Stay tuned for more insights! If you’re ready to offer your employees a better retirement plan now, contact Maxus Plan Solutions today for a consultation!