The California way to 401(k)
Meet the state retirement mandate with an affordable, powerful retirement plan.
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Get a small business 401(k) that gives you more
Customize your plan
With a Guideline 401(k), you have more options. Employer matching, profit sharing, vesting schedules, eligibility requirements—you can add these features to fit your business and create a stronger retirement benefit.
Help employees save 3x more
With a 401(k), your employees can contribute more than they could with an IRA. With a Guideline account, they’ll get access to low-cost investments and zero transaction fees.
Simplify your day-to-day
We can connect with top payroll providers to automate plan administration and employee onboarding—so you can add a popular work benefit without all the added paperwork. We also take care of investments, government filings, and more.
Give your employees confidence
We provide 40+ investment options and professionally managed portfolios. We also provide educational webinars, portfolio recommendations, and live support—so your employees can start saving with confidence.
CalSavers, explained
The CalSavers Retirement Savings Program was created to encourage more people to save for retirement. It requires employers with 5 or more California-based employees to provide access to a retirement plan.
As an employer, you can choose the type of plan you’d like to offer: the state-sponsored plan or a qualified CalSavers alternative, like a Guideline 401(k).
Now is the time to start a retirement plan, meet the mandate and avoid potential penalties.
Deadline
June 30, 2022
Enforcement actions are pendingBusinesses impacted
5+ employees
The deadline for newly eligible businesses is Dec. 31, 2023.
Compare a Guideline 401(k) Core or Enterprise plan with CalSavers
Retirement plan type
Roth & Pre-tax 401(k)
Roth IRA
Maximum employee contributions for 2024
$23,000
$7,000
Employee asset-based fee dependent of plan tier
0.15%-0.35%
($15 to $35 for every $10,000)
0.30%
($30 for every $10,000)
Additional active employee fees
None
$18/year account fee
(charged quarterly at $4.50 each quarter)
Monthly employer fee
$89 - $149 + Up to $8 per participant
None
Investment options
40
17
Professionally managed portfolios
6
0
Employer match
Optional
No
Profit sharing
Yes
No
Calculator
See how much your employees can save
Calculator
Estimate your plan costs
If you’re starting a new 401(k), your small business may be eligible to receive up to $16,500 in tax credits over the plan’s first three years to help offset initial plan costs.
Invest in your business and your people.
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California retirement mandate FAQs
What is the mandate?
Employers are required to offer a retirement savings plan if they have 5 or more California-based employees, and if at least one of those employees is 18 or older. The plan can either be a private plan like a 401(k) or the state administered plan, CalSavers.
When does the mandate take effect?
The final deadline for most businesses was June 30, 2022. (Businesses that become newly eligible for CalSavers in 2022 have a Dec. 31, 2022 deadline.) Employers with 5 or more California-based employees are required to provide access to a retirement plan. If you missed the deadline, go to the CalSavers site for more information.
Which employers are impacted by the retirement mandate?
Employers with 5 or more California-based employees, with at least one of whom is age 18.
Does Guideline satisfy the retirement mandate?
Yes. Guideline's 401(k) plans are designed and priced with small businesses in mind. Starting a Guideline 401(k) satisfies the California retirement mandate.
I just started my business in 2022. Do I need to comply?
Yes you do. But as a newly eligible business, you have until December 31, 2023, to sign up for CalSavers or offer a qualified retirement plan.