Small business 401(k). Big impact.

Running a small business can feel like a lot. Our tools, and support can make offering a retirement benefit a lot easier.

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A retirement plan for any sized business

401(k) plans are employer-sponsored retirement plans that can benefit everyone: employees, employers, and the business itself.
  • Contribute up to $23,500

    Both employees and employers can participate in a 401(k) and can generally contribute up to $23,500 in 2025 ($31,000 if 50+).1
  • Help lower your tax liability

    Employer contributions are tax-deductible so you can reduce your tax liability. You may also be able to deduct plan administration expenses.2
  • Retain and recruit talent

    A retirement plan is a popular workplace benefit. They can reduce turnover, increase engagement and show your commitment to everyone’s financial wellness.

Why Guideline

Save time while helping employees save

  • Easy setup and management

    You can set up a Guideline 401(k) in 20 minutes. From there, it’s pretty hands off. We’ll take care of recordkeeping, investments, government filings, and more.
  • payroll integration

    Seamless payroll integration

    Clients using select payroll providers can get a largely automated 401(k). We can securely sync employee data, track 401(k) eligibility, and process deductions. Learn more
  • Up to 6x less in fees

    Lower fees for employees

    Our professionally managed investment portfolios are diversified with low-cost funds. Their estimated total cost can be under 0.22%.5

Pricing

Get an impactful benefit at an affordable price

Our 401(k) plans include the features and services needed to offer a great benefit right out of the box.

Starter pricing

$39

/ month

+

$4

/ month per active participant

Starter plans must be connected with an eligible payroll provider10

What’s included

  • Government filing
    We prepare standard annual reports for no extra fee, including Form 55006 and 1099-R.
  • Investment management
    We manage the investment portfolio, select and monitor funds, and rebalance portfolios automatically. Learn more
  • Payroll integration
    We integrate with popular payroll providers so businesses can connect their plan and simplify plan administration. Learn more
  • Custodial services
    Through our third party custodian, we’ll process transactions, execute trades, safeguard plan assets and more.
  • Recordkeeping
    We serve as the recordkeeper to track your 401(k) plan’s balances, transactions, and deferrals. We’ll provide and maintain required plan documents, summary plan descriptions and most regulatory notices.
  • Compliance testing7
    We perform nondiscrimination testing and manage required corrections as well as provide projected testing results throughout the year to help identify potential issues.
  • Safe Harbor plan design
    Safe Harbor 401(k) plans automatically satisfy most IRS nondiscrimination testing when certain requirements are met.8They require an employer contribution that immediately vests. Learn more
  • Fiduciary responsibilities
    For eligible plans, we serve as the ERISA 3(16)9 and 3(38) plan fiduciaries—which cover plan administration and investment management. This means we are legally (and morally) obligated to work in participants’ best interest.

Want more guidance?

  • 401(k) employer checklist

    401(k) provider checklist

  • 401(k) glossary

    401(k) tax credits

  • Building a benefits package

    Pricing plan comparison

Estimate your 401(k) plan costs with our calculator

Your company could be eligible to receive up to $16,500 in tax credits over the plan’s first three years to help offset initial plan costs.2

Invest in your team

With an intuitive dashboard and an award-winning mobile app11, it’s easy for your team to set up their account, track their progress and access resources— anytime, anywhere.
  • Easy account setup, via web or mobile app
  • Recommended investment portfolio
  • Retirement education and live support
Guideline mobile app portfolio screen.
Guideline mobile app portfolio screen.

Get set up in 20 minutes

We can walk you through the next steps.

Get started
  • 1

    Select a plan type

    The first decision is whether you want a Starter, Traditional, or Safe Harbor 401(k).

  • 2

    Add plan features

    Customize your plan with features like employer matching, eligibility requirements, and more.

  • 3

    Set a start date

    You can get a plan up and running in about 40 days.

Frequently asked questions