subject: How To Choose a 401k Plan [print this page] How To Choose a 401k Plan How To Choose a 401k Plan
A small business 401k plan can allow businesses with fewer than 100 employees to offer their staff a retirement plan that will provide security for the future. 401k plans for small businesses can help companies that employ fewer than 100 people to help their employees to prepare for retirement. It is even possible to set up a 401k if you are a sole proprietor with no other employees.
The participant contributes a certain amount of their salary directly into their 401k plan, before tax is deducted. Pre tax contributions are taken from the participant and may be matched by contributions from their employer. These contributions are invested and grow over time to ensure that the participant is provided for during retirement. The money may be invested in a number of different ways. Various different investment options are available.
The participant benefits from reduced taxes because the money that goes into their 401k is taken before tax is deducted from their earnings. Their employer will also benefit because tax credits are available for businesses that decide to start a 401k retirement plan for their employees.
Businesses running traditional 401k retirement plans often have to take on large amounts of administrative work. Businesses running 401k plans are also required to undergo discrimination testing to check that the contributions made by their higher earning employees are not too much larger than those made by employees with lower salaries. If the balance between these two groups is not right, then the business will have to pay a penalty fee.
Small businesses may be better served by a SIMPLE 401k. The employer is required to make matched contributions for all employees who are eligible for the plan.
A special 401k retirement plan is available for sole business owners. A solo 401k plan offers high contribution limits, simple administration and the opportunity for sole proprietors to benefit from the security of a 401k when they retire. Solo 401k plans are the easiest to administer.
