SIMPLE 401(k): How it works, who qualifies, contribution limits 

Is a SIMPLE 401(k) the right retirement account for your business and employees? As a small business owner, choosing the right retirement plan is crucial, and a SIMPLE 401(k) is one option to consider. 

This guide cuts through the confusion to provide clear insights on eligibility, contributions, and tax advantages of SIMPLE 401(k)s, equipping you with knowledge to make an informed decision.

What is a SIMPLE 401(k)

A SIMPLE 401(k) is a retirement savings account that combines the features of a regular 401(k) with the transparency of a SIMPLE IRA. It is designed specifically for small businesses, an often underserved market segment.

How it works

Employees contribute pre-tax dollars directly from their paychecks to their SIMPLE 401(k) accounts. The money grows tax-deferred until withdrawals begin during retirement. 

Employers can choose between two matching options: elective or non-elective. These matching contributions help employees boost their retirement savings.

Key benefits

• Easy to set up and administer
• Lower administrative costs compared to other retirement plans
• Allows for higher contribution limits than traditional IRAs
• Employer contributions are tax-deductible
• Employees can contribute through salary deferrals
• Offers a variety of investment options

One significant advantage is that employers receive a tax deduction for their contributions. This means that whether you set it up as a SIMPLE IRA or a SIMPLE 401(k) plan, the money you contribute is considered an expense and may reduce your taxable income.

Employer contributions

While SIMPLE 401(k) plans offer a streamlined retirement savings option for small businesses, they require a firm commitment from the employer.

Employer contributions are mandatory, ensuring that every eligible employee benefits from either a matching or a non-elective contribution. Employers can choose to either provide a matching contribution of up to 3% of each employee’s pay or a non-elective contribution of 2% of each eligible employee’s pay. 

Contributions are limited by an annual employee compensation cap of $345,000 in 2024. This highlights a key distinction between a SIMPLE 401(k) and a SIMPLE IRA.

Comparing retirement plans: SIMPLE 401(k), Traditional 401(k), and SIMPLE IRA

Given the variety of retirement plans available, understanding the differences between SIMPLE 401(k)s, traditional 401(k)s, and SIMPLE IRAs is essential. Each plan has its unique features and requirements, with different benefits depending on your company’s size and the specific needs of your employees.

The traditional 401(k) is a popular retirement savings option for mid-to-large companies. They allow eligible employees to contribute money on a pre-tax or Roth basis. 

SIMPLE 401(k) and SIMPLE IRA plans also allow pre-tax contributions but are tailored for businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

Traditional 401(k) plans offer higher contribution limits and more flexibility than SIMPLE 401(k) and SIMPLE IRA plans. Employers must make mandatory contributions to SIMPLE 401(k) plans, and they also have lower contribution limits and a less flexible plan design compared to traditional 401(k) plans.

Perhaps most important is the fact that companies offering a SIMPLE 401(k) plan can’t offer any other retirement plans to their participating employees. This restriction could affect employees’ overall retirement strategy.

Contribution limits and catch-up contributions

One of the key differences between these plans lies in their contribution limits. In 2024, employees can contribute a maximum of $23,000 to their traditional 401(k) plans. When you include employer matches, the defined contribution limit for traditional 401(k)s is $69,000 in 2024 or $76,500 for catch-up contributions.

In comparison, SIMPLE 401(k) plans have the following limits for 2024, including employer contribution limits:

• Annual contribution limit: $16,000
• Total contributions subject to the Section 415 limit: the lesser of $69,000 or 100% of the employee’s compensation
• Additional catch-up contributions allowed: $7,500

SIMPLE IRAs also cap annual elective deferrals at $16,000 for 2024, serving as an alternative for smaller businesses or self-employed individuals.

Vesting schedules and loans

Another differentiating factor is the availability of loans and vesting schedules. 

Loans

• An employer can include loans as a feature in a SIMPLE 401(k) plan, allowing employees to take loans against their SIMPLE 401(k) balances or make hardship withdrawals in certain situations.
• Traditional 401(k) plans may also allow employees to take loans and in-service distributions. 
• SIMPLE IRAs do not allow loans.

Vesting schedules

Traditional 401(k) plans can implement a variety of vesting schedules for employer contributions, ranging from immediate to up to six years. 

SIMPLE 401(k)s and IRAs do not have vesting schedules. Employee contributions are immediately 100% vested from day one, meaning they have full access to their personal and employer contributions and any investment earnings.

Setting up a SIMPLE 401(k) for your small business

The first step is to ensure your business qualifies. You must have 100 or fewer employees and not simultaneously offer any other retirement plans.

Before setting up a SIMPLE 401(k), consulting with 401(k) plan providers and tax professionals is recommended. This step will ensure that a SIMPLE 401(k) is the most suitable option for your company’s specific needs.

Eligible employees and criteria

If your business has 100 or fewer employees earning more than $5,000 per year, you can offer a SIMPLE 401(k) plan. The eligibility criteria for offering a SIMPLE 401(k) includes:

• The number of employees
• Their annual earnings
• Employees must be at least 21 years old
• Employees must have completed at least one year of service

You can also specify additional eligibility criteria in the SIMPLE 401(k) plan document, such as compensation thresholds beyond the $5,000 minimum. It’s also important to provide annual notifications to each eligible employee, informing them of their right to make salary deferral contributions and the option to terminate their plan participation.

Tax benefits and deductions

Here are some key tax advantages of SIMPLE 401(k) plans:

• Eligible employers may receive significant tax credits when initiating a SIMPLE 401(k) plan, potentially up to $16,500 over three years.
• Employer contributions to a SIMPLE 401(k), whether matches or profit-sharing, are tax-deductible for the business.
• Certain plan expenses are also tax-deductible.

Employees making salary deferrals into a SIMPLE 401(k) can reduce their annual taxable income, leading to tax-advantaged retirement savings. Moreover, under the SECURE Act 2.0, small businesses with 50 or fewer employees can benefit from credits for employer contributions to a SIMPLE 401(k), capped at $1,000 per employee.

Advantages and disadvantages of choosing a SIMPLE 401(k)

Like every retirement plan, a SIMPLE 401(k) has advantages and disadvantages. Evaluating these pros and cons is vital to making a well-informed decision that aligns with your business and employees’ needs.

Advantages

• All contributions are immediately 100% vested. This means employees have full ownership of their contributions right from the start. 
• Exempt from the complex tests required for traditional 401(k) plans. This exemption makes them less burdensome for employers to administer. 
• Employees can make hardship withdrawals from their SIMPLE 401(k) accounts, providing financial flexibility in case of emergency needs.

Disadvantages

• Lower contribution limits compared to other employer-sponsored retirement plans. This limitation can affect the potential growth of employees’ retirement savings.
• Employers must make contributions each year. This requirement reduces flexibility compared to traditional 401(k) plans and may burden some businesses financially.
• Employers are prevented by the ‘exclusive plan rule’ from providing other qualified retirement plans to their employees.

Alternatives to SIMPLE 401(k) plans

While SIMPLE 401(k) plans offer many benefits, they may not be the best fit for every business. If you’re exploring alternatives, profit-sharing plans and simplified employee pension (SEP) IRAs are worth considering. These alternatives offer different contribution limits, flexibility, and administrative requirements that may better suit your business needs.

Profit-sharing plans

Profit-sharing plans allow employers to share a percentage of company profits with employees as part of their compensation. The same employer contribution limits for these plans can be up to $69,000 or 100% of an eligible employee’s pay, whichever is less, in 2024.

SEP IRAs

SEP IRAs are designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners seeking a basic retirement savings option with minimal administrative requirements. They offer flexible contributions, up to 25% of an employee’s income.

Final word

With its unique features tailored for small businesses, the SIMPLE 401(k) offers a streamlined approach to retirement savings. However, it’s crucial to consider the plan’s limitations, including lower contribution limits and mandatory employer contributions. By weighing the pros and cons and consulting with financial professionals, you can choose the best retirement plan that fits your business needs and helps secure your employees’ financial futures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SIMPLE 401(k)?

A SIMPLE 401(k) is designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. It has lower contribution limits than a traditional 401(k). Employees are fully vested from day one.

What are the disadvantages of a SIMPLE 401(k)?

The main disadvantage of a SIMPLE 401(k) plan is that it requires employers to make mandatory contributions every year, unlike traditional 401(k) plans. This lack of flexibility can be a drawback for some businesses.

What is the difference between a SIMPLE 401(k) and a solo 401(k)?

A solo 401(k) is designed for a sole proprietor and, at most, a spouse, while a SIMPLE 401(k) allows employer contributions to a max of 100 employees.

How do employer contributions work in a SIMPLE 401(k)?

Employers in a SIMPLE 401(k) have two options: match contributions up to 3% of each employee’s pay or make non-elective contributions of 2% of each eligible employee’s pay.