Help meet your state retirement mandate with a simple, powerful Guideline 401(k), and get 12 months with a $0 base fee.
Gusto is not a client of Guideline. Guideline pays a fee for each 401(k) and SEP IRA client referred by Gusto as outlined in our written arrangement with Gusto. We'll provide additional disclosures prior to opening an account with Guideline. See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use and protect your information.
25K+
Gusto customers trust us
93%
customer satisfaction score
Fintech 50
The Illinois Secure Choice program was established in 2018. It requires Illinois employers with 5+ employees that have been in business for 2+ years to offer the state-sponsored plan or a qualified alternative like a Guideline 401(k). Compare your options
Initial deadlines have passed, sign up immediately to avoid penalties
Meet the mandate and more with a Guideline 401(k)
Get started in 20 minutes. We’ll help you choose a plan that meets the mandate and your business’s goals.
Our custom built integration with Gusto means no need to maintain deductions or manually re-enter payroll data.
You and your team get access to live support, guided employee onboarding, a mobile app, and more.
Retirement plan type
Starter 401(k)
Roth IRA
Maximum employee contributions for 2024
$6,000
$7,000
Employee asset-based fee
0.15%
($15 for every $10,000)
0.30%
($30 for every $10,000)
Additional active employee fees
None
$16/year account fee
(charged quarterly at $4 each quarter)
Monthly employer fee
$39 / month + $4 per participant
(get $0 base fees for 12 months)
None
Investment options
40
15
(Including Indexed Funds)
Employer match
No
No
Professionally managed portfolios
6
0
Profit sharing
No
No
Stay compliant. Set up a Guideline 401(k) in just 20 minutes.
Our experience with Guideline has been exceptional. Proactive communications, easy-to-use interface, and support that’s both fast and detailed.Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.
Get a retirement plan you and your team will love
The Illinois Secure Choice Program was created to encourage more people to save for retirement. It requires Illinois employers with 5 or more employees to provide access to a retirement plan. The plan can either be a private plan like a 401(k) or the state-sponsored plan.
For companies with 5 or more employees, the program is fully active.
You are eligible to participate in the Illinois Secure Choice Program if:
Yes. Employers will be subject to a penalty equal to:
Yes. All of Guideline's 401(k) plans are designed to satisfy state program requirements and are priced to be affordable for businesses of all sizes.
While it is possible for a plan to convert from a Starter 401(k) to a standard 401(k) plan at Guideline, the transition cannot take place until the beginning of the next calendar year. Learn more here.