How many employees do you need to set up a 401(k)?

There is no minimum number of employees required when setting up a 401(k) with Guideline. You can set up a 401(k) with just an owner or for a single employee.

Can I set up a 401(k) for my LLC?

Yes, Guideline works with many different types of businesses and entity structures such as LLCs.

What are the benefits of a 401(k) plan compared to other retirement options?

401(k) plans are popular because they offer a lot of flexibility in plan design options, integrate with payroll systems, and work as a great hiring tool.

When can my plan start?

While setting up a Guideline 401(k) only takes about 20 minutes, it generally takes about 40 days until first contributions are made. This is due to the automatic enrollment feature on all Guideline 401(k) plans. Generally, eligible employees cannot be automatically enrolled in your plan until 30 days after they receive notice of the auto-enroll feature. This gives them sufficient time to opt-out before the plan begins.

What is auto enrollment?

Auto enrollment is a required feature for all Guideline 401(k) plans. Auto enrollment can help improve IRS nondiscrimination testing results, increase employees’ retirement readiness, and much more.

What fees are employers charged?

Employers will be charged $39, $89, or $149/month depending on their pricing plan and $4-$8/month for each active participant in the plan. We don’t charge transaction fees—this includes no plan termination fees⁹ or Form 5500 prep fees. See our pricing

No employer fee for 3 months¹

Affordable 401(k) plans for your firm

With Guideline, you get the tools and tech needed to offer an affordable, automated 401(k).

Get started

60K+

businesses²

1M+

savers³

93%

customer satisfaction score⁴

Innovation by Design Award 2024⁵

Your firm, your team, our tech

Our platform can help make retirement planning and plan admin easier, faster and more secure.

Payroll integration
We connect with popular payroll providers to create a largely automated 401(k). We can securely sync employee data, track eligibility, and process deductions so you don’t have to. Learn more
401(k) dashboards
Our dashboards give you and your employees a holistic view of your 401(k). You can monitor activity, track eligibility and stay on top of deadlines. Your employees can make updates and access resources at any time.
Automated investing
We offer professionally managed investment portfolios, make portfolio recommendations, and rebalance them automatically to make retirement investing simple. See how it works

Plans that fit your firm, budget, and goals

Our 401(k) plans come with low monthly costs and no transaction fees. So you won’t have to pay extra for plan setup, plan transfers, or 5500 prep.⁶

Starter
$39
/ month
+ $4/month per active participant
A simplified 401(k) with limited features and easy administration.
Get started
- $6,000 employee contribution limit
- No employer contributions
- Must be a new 401(k) plan
- Must connect with an eligible payroll provider⁸
Core
Most popular
$89
/ month
+ $8/mo per active participant fee
A foundational 401(k) with robust features and more plan design options.
Get started
- $23,500 employee contribution limit⁹
- Safe Harbor or Traditional 401(k)
- Features like employer contributions and profit sharing
- Can connect with any payroll provider
Enterprise
$149
/ month
+ active participant fee
Our most custom 401(k) with premium support and flexible pricing that grows with you.
Contact sales
- $23,500 employee contribution limit⁹
- Flexible pricing options
- Premium support for plan admin and employees
- Support for plan transfers

Get back up to $16,500 in tax credits⁷— see if you're eligible.

Foundational services & features on every plan

Automated plan admin
We handle recordkeeping, custodial services¹¹, compliance testing¹², and guided employee onboarding.
3(38) and 3(16) fiduciary services
We can help file IRS and DOL reports and sign your 5500. Guideline's 3(16) fiduciary services¹³ are only available to clients who utilize an eligible payroll provider.
Mobile app
Your team can set up and manage their 401(k) account on their phone.

$0 rollover fee
$0 loan fee
$0 distribution fee

Help employees save more

Active employees are charged an annual account fee starting at 0.15%¹⁴ (0.0125%/month) with no transaction fees.

Calculator

Estimate your plan costs with our calculator

If you’re starting a new 401(k), your firm 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.¹⁵

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.

Affordable 401(k) plans for your firm

Your firm, your team, our tech

Payroll integration

401(k) dashboards

Automated investing

Foundational services & features on every plan

Automated plan admin

3(38) and 3(16) fiduciary services

Mobile app

Help employees save more

Calculator

Estimate your plan costs with our calculator

Select a plan type

Add plan features

Set a start date

Products

Resources

Company