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Learn more about our <a href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fees and services</a>.

A seamless <span data-tip="Safe Harbor 401(k) plans require companies to contribute to their employees’ 401(k) accounts. But in exchange, these plans get certain “safe harbor” protections and automatically satisfy most IRS nondiscrimination tests. <a href='https://www.guideline.com/blog/safe-harbor-401k-plan/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferref'>Learn more</a>">Safe Harbor 401(k)</span> plan for small businesses that want to make an employer contribution.

A 401(k) for businesses that want the flexibility to pick and choose features to meet their goals.

Our most customizable 401(k) for business owners who want to maximize savings and receive dedicated support.

401k plans for small businesses, and all businesses

This customer satisfaction score represents Guideline's average CSAT score from feedback submitted between January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022.

Guideline’s managed portfolios have blended expense ratios ranging from 0.064% to 0.07% of assets under management. Expense ratios for custom portfolios will vary. These expense ratios are subject to change by and paid to the fund(s). View full fund lineup <a href="https://www.guideline.com/funds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

managed portfolios

 See Guideline's <a href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">services and fee disclosure</a>. Refer to Guideline’s <a href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/adv#item-5-fees-and-compensation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ADV</a> for additional information regarding Guideline’s fees.




fees

The annual account fee of 0.08% applied to assets under management is calculated and deducted on a monthly basis at 1/12 of the annual stated rate (0.08%) based on the account balance on the last day of each month.

annual account

This information is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual costs you may incur as a Guideline client. Information shown here assumes a static balance of $10,000 per month, an annual account fee of 0.08% on assets under management (calculated and deducted on a monthly basis at 1/12 of the annual stated rate (0.08%)) based on the month-end account balance, and does not account for common factors that affect the value of your account balance over time such as gains, losses, distributions, additional contributions, etc., and is not intended to constitute investment advice nor an assurance or guarantee of future performance. The fee presented does not include other fees that a 401(k) participant may incur, including from mutual fund expense ratios and a monthly maintenance fee to participants who end employment.

0.08%

Source: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/fintech/2021/#66b5604731a6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Forbes’ Most Innovative Fintech Companies of 2021</a>.

forbes

Plan fees include the monthly base fee and the $8 monthly participant fee after the new plan begins. This offer is not redeemable for cash and cannot be combined with other offers.

benefits

Information on this year’s Technology Pioneers can be found <a href="https://widgets.weforum.org/techpioneers-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

TechPioneer

The contributions you make to each employee’s SEP-IRA each year cannot exceed the lesser of: (1) 25% of compensation, or $58,000 for 2021 ($61,000 for 2022). If you are self employed, contributions are generally limited to 20% of your net income. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/sep-contribution-limits-including-grandfathered-sarseps" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Learn more</a>.

contributions

While there are no DOL reporting requirements for SEP IRAs, employer contributions are reported to the IRS on the employer’s tax return. <a  href="https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-seps#reporting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Learn more</a>. 

The industry average expense ratio for comparable target-date funds is 0.60%. Vanguard Target Date Funds have average annual fees of 0.10% as of December 31, 2019. Source: Vanguard.com.

target date fund

This information is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as investment or tax advice. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax and financial advisor to determine the appropriate investment strategy for you.

investment growth

The average investment expense of plan assets for 401(k) plans with 25 participants and $250,000 in assets is 1.68% of assets, according to the 20th Edition of the 401k Averages Book, with data updated through September 30, 2019, and is inclusive of investment management fees, fund expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, sub-transfer agent fees, contract charges, wrap and advisor fees or any other asset based charges.

average investment

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Gusto. Gusto is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

gusto

See Guideline's <a href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">services and fee disclosure</a>. 

services and fee

See our <a  href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/adv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ADV</a> to learn more about fees.

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Brex. Brex is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

brex

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Expensify. Expensify is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

expensify

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Bennie. Bennie is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

bennie

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by OnPay. OnPay is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

onpay

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Rippling. Rippling is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

rippling

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Square. Square is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

square

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Stripe Atlas. Stripe Atlas is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

stripe-atlas

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Stripe. Stripe is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

stripe

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by SVB. SVB is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by QuickBooks. QuickBooks is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

quickbooks

 These credits may be claimed by eligible employers. Consult a tax professional to determine your eligibility.

tax-credit-message 

Our 3(16) fiduciary services are only available to clients who utilize an <a href="https://www.guideline.com/integrations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">integrated payroll provider.</a>

3(16) plan

Customers who sign up for a 401(k) by December 31st, 2021 pay no monthly base fee and no $8 monthly participant fee for 1 month after the new plan begins. This offer cannot be combined with other offers.

seamless 401(k)

Based on industry average bundled investment, recordkeeping and trustee fees of 1.85% for plans with 10 participants and $500,000 in assets. Source: 401(k) Averages Book, 17th Edition.

industry average

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Zenefits. Zenefits is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider.

zenefits

Employer fees include the monthly base and the $8 participant fee after the new plan begins. Other participant-paid fees will apply. See <a href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guideline's fee and services disclosure</a>. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. Guideline reserves the right to modify or discontinue this promotion at any time without prior notice.

3 months free

Customers who set up a Guideline 401(k) by November 19, 2021, will get a January 1, 2022, start date. Additionally, they’ll pay no monthly base fee and no 8$ monthly participant fee for 3 months after the new plan begins. This 3-month offer ends December 31, 2021, and cannot be combined with other offers.

3 months promo

Employer fees include the monthly base fee and the $8 monthly participant fee after the new plan begins. This offer is not redeemable for cash and cannot be combined with other offers.

benefits - Accountants

Customers who sign up for a 401(k) by December 31st, 2021 pay no monthly base fee and no $8 monthly participant fee for 3 months after the new plan begins. This offer cannot be combined with other offers.

EOY 3 months free

Visit the <a href="https://www.calsavers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CalSavers’ site</a> to learn more.

CalSavers

401(k) offerings are provided and administered by Guideline, an independent third party and not provided by Intuit. Intuit is not a 401(k) plan administrator, fiduciary or other provider. Requires acceptance of Guideline’s Agreements and Privacy Policy. Additional fees will apply; learn more about Guideline’s fees <a href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. Employees may manage their contributions directly with Guideline. Admin and payroll access required to set up 401(k) payroll integration with Guideline.

quickbooks-desktop-page

See Guideline's [services and fee disclosure](https://my.guideline.com/agreements/fees). Guideline does not charge additional fees to close the plan, but the plan sponsor shall continue to be responsible for paying the monthly fees until the plan has been terminated in accordance with applicable law, or until the plan has been transferred in full to another service provider. 

termination fee

This information is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual costs you may incur as a Guideline client. Information shown here assumes a static balance of $10,000 per month, an annual account fee of 0.08% on assets under management (calculated and deducted on a monthly basis at 1/12 of the annual stated rate (0.08%)) based on the month-end account balance, and does not account for common factors that affect the value of your account balance over time such as gains, losses, distributions, additional contributions, etc., and is not intended to constitute investment advice nor an assurance or guarantee of future performance. The fee presented does not include other fees that a 401(k) participant may incur, including, but not limited to, from mutual fund expense ratios and a monthly maintenance fee to participants who end employment.


calsavers account fee

As <a href="https://saver.calsavers.com/home/savers/program-details.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">calculated by CalSavers</a>. The fee presented does not include other fees that an employee may incur, including, but not limited to, underlying fund fees. Fees are subject to change by the state without notice and should be checked prior to making any decision.

calsavers calculation

CalSavers requests that employers that offer qualified retirement plans report their exemption.

calsavers exemption

See Guideline's <a href="https://my.guideline.com/agreements/fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">services and fee disclosure</a>. Refer to Guideline's ADV for additional information regarding Guideline's fees.

service fees adv

The estimated total AUM fee of 0.15% combines the average fund fees for Guideline’s managed portfolios (0.07%) with Guideline’s account fee (0.08%). This information is provided for illustrative purposes only and the actual total AUM fees will vary based on the portfolio and/or funds selected. Guideline’s managed portfolios have blended expense ratios ranging from 0.064% to 0.07% of assets under management. Expense ratios for custom portfolios will vary. These expense ratios are subject to change by and paid to the fund(s). View full fund lineup <a href="https://www.guideline.com/funds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.  The annual account fee of 0.08% applied to assets under management is calculated and deducted on a monthly basis at 1/12 of the annual stated rate (0.08%) based on the account balance on the last day of each month.




aum fee 0.15

This information is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as investment or tax advice. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax and financial advisor to determine the appropriate investment strategy for you. The average investment expense of plan assets for 401(k) plans with 25 participants and $250,000 in assets is 1.68% of assets, according to the 20th Edition of the 401k Averages Book, with data updated through September 30, 2019, and is inclusive of investment management fees, fund expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, sub-transfer agent fees, contract charges, wrap and advisor fees or any other asset based charges.


investment growth 2

Prior to reaching retirement age, withdrawals of contributions are tax and penalty free, but early withdrawal of earnings are subject to penalties.

retirement age

The retirement gap of 41 million US workers is an approximation calculated from 32% of 127 million full time private workers who lack access to retirement benefits through their employer (based on data points sourced from the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2021/68-percent-of-private-industry-workers-had-access-to-retirement-plans-in-2021.htm" target= "_blank">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> and <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/192356/number-of-full-time-employees-in-the-usa-since-1990/" target="_blank">Statisa.com</a> in March 2022).

retirement age gap

CalSavers requests that employers that offer qualified retirement plans report their exemption on their <a href="https://employer.calsavers.com/californiaertpl/enroll/createEmp/viewCollectEmpPreRegDetails.cs?" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">employer portal</a>.

calsavers deadline

Requirements to report your exemption may apply. State program details are subject to change by the state without notice and should be checked prior to making any decisions.

State programs are subject to change

The Calsavers mandated registration deadline for newly eligible employers is December 31, 2022. Learn more <a href="https://employer.calsavers.com/home/employers.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a> You should consult a qualified financial adviser or tax professional to verify that you are meeting the applicable state program requirements. Requirements to <a href="https://employer.calsavers.com/californiaertpl/enroll/createEmp/viewCollectEmpPreRegDetails.cs?" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">report</a> your exemption apply. State program details are subject to change by the state without notice and should be checked prior to making any decisions.



CalSavers post deadline

Guideline low-cost 401(k) plans for small businesses

Let’s get started

<h1>The easy, <br>
affordable<br>
retirement platform<br>
for small business</h1>


We’ve made it our mission to help everyone arrive at a safe, secure retirement, whether you’re a small business owner, an employee, or self-employed. Our platform takes complexity and doubt out of retirement planning and replaces it with knowledge and clarity—so you can invest in your financial future with [confidence](https://www.guideline.com/funds).

Creating a roadmap\
to retirement


We handle plan administration, employee onboarding, government filings, and more. So you can offer a work benefit without all the added paperwork.

Simple plan management

With API payroll integration, we can securely sync employee data, track 401(k) eligibility, and process deductions—saving you time and hassle each pay run.



Seamless payroll integration

Our investment portfolios rebalance automatically to help you stay on track for retirement.



Smart investing

The new rules of retirement savings:\
Simple. Seamless. Smart.

We offer 40+ index funds from Vanguard and other low-cost providers. Our managed portfolios have blended average fund fees under 0.07%<sup data-disclosure-title="managed portfolios"></sup>.

Investment management

We perform nondiscrimination testing to help identify potential issues and manage required corrections. We also offer Safe Harbor plans that automatically satisfy most IRS nondiscrimination tests. [Learn More](https://www.guideline.com/blog/safe-harbor-401k-plan)



Compliance testing

We partner with Benefit Trust Company to provide custodial services. This includes processing transactions, executing trades and safeguarding plan assets.

Custodial services

We serve as your recordkeeper to track your 401(k) plan’s balances, transactions, and deferrals.



Recordkeeping

We serve as your ERISA 3(16) and 3(38) plan fiduciary for eligible plans, which means we are legally (and morally) obligated to work in a participant’s best interest. [Learn More](https://www.guideline.com/blog/erisa-fiduciary-duties-401-k-plan-sponsor)



Fiduciary services

We prepare annual reports for no extra fee, including Form 5500 and 1099-R.

Government filing

We handle the nitty gritty.\
You just get a great plan.

If you’re starting a new 401(k), your small business may be eligible to receive up to [$16,500 in tax credits](https://www.guideline.com/pricing) over the plan’s first three years to help offset initial plan costs.

The easy,
affordable
retirement platform
for small business

Let’s get started

Simple plan management

Seamless payroll integration

Smart investing

401k plans for small businesses, and all businesses

$49/month

$79/month

$129/month

Save even more with tax credits

Investment management

Compliance testing

Custodial services

Recordkeeping

Fiduciary services

Government filing

Featured In

We’re here to help

The easy, affordable retirement platform for small business

Let’s get started

Simple plan management

Seamless payroll integration

Smart investing

401k plans for small businesses, and all businesses

$49/month

$79/month

$129/month

Save even more with tax credits

Investment management

Compliance testing

Custodial services

Recordkeeping

Fiduciary services

Government filing

Featured In

We’re here to help

The easy,
affordable
retirement platform
for small business