Safe Harbor: The ultimate plug-and-play 401(k)
70% of Guideline plans are Safe Harbor1, helping minimize compliance risk and maximize savings.
Nikki K.Cobra Systems
With Guideline, I never wonder if I missed a form, deadline, or made a mistake. They handle the majority of compliance responsibility—and that takes the heat off of me.Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.
What is a Safe Harbor 401(k) plan?
A Safe Harbor plan automatically satisfies most IRS compliance testing by requiring companies to contribute to their employees’ 401(k) accounts.
Safe Harbor plans deliver a strong benefit for savers, let high earners max out deferrals, and satisfy all state retirement mandates.
Learn more
Experience the Guideline way to 401(k)
Full-service
All-in-one 401(k) that’s actually affordable, starting at just $89/month.2Modern design
Intuitive product with trusted integrations, custom-built to deliver reliable results.Award-winning support
Live English or Spanish support from our customer service specialists, via email or phone.3
"Guideline removes the bulk of 401(k) responsibility, while still making it easy for me to double check their work and ask questions."
Connie B., Rader Mgmt Corp. DBA Dunkin'
5 locations
Franchise
Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.
Key dates + deadlines
Add Safe Harbor matching provisions to your existing 401(k) for next year by November 22. Once added, we’ll send 30-day notices to employees before the provisions take effect for 2025.
- Last day to sign up
Nov. 22, 2024
- Notices sent
Dec. 1, 2024
- Provision is live
Jan. 2025
Honest, flat-fee pricing
Unlike other providers, we handle compliance, recordkeeping, investments, required IRS filings, and more—all at no extra cost. Because meeting IRS requirements shouldn’t cost your company more.
Explore plans
- Recordkeeping
- Government filing
- Payroll integrations
- Investment 3(38) fiduciary
- Plan admin 3(16) fiduciary with eligible payroll providers
- Employee onboarding + education
Modern 401(k) that’s refreshingly easy to use
Deliver an elevated benefit designed to take work off the entire team’s plate with self-serve onboarding, balance checks, and portfolio adjustments—all from Guideline’s award-winning mobile app.4
"Employees can check the mobile app to see their investment performance in real-time, make changes without waiting on me, call Guideline’s support team directly—it’s a hit."
Brandy L., Cashiers Valley Pharmacy
10+ employees
Healthcare
Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.
Integrations you can rely on
Our custom-built payroll integrations sync your team’s 401(k) contribution, deduction, and eligibility updates every 24 hours—so payroll stays accurate automatically. No manual entries or difficult third parties required.
- ...and more
- ...and more
Live support
Quality support that cares—and picks up quickly
Time spent on hold is costly. Guideline answers calls in 41 seconds or less5 and delivers thoughtful answers too, earning a 93% customer satisfaction rating.6 Check out Guideline support stats
First time looking for a 401(k)?
Find out which plan fits your needs.7
Frequently asked questions
Unlike traditional 401(k) plans, Safe Harbor 401(k) plans get certain “safe harbor” protections and automatically satisfy most IRS nondiscrimination tests. In exchange, companies must contribute to their employees’ 401(k). Compare 401(k) plans.
Safe Harbor plans offer simplified administration compared to traditional 401(k) plans. That means less time and effort spent on plan management. If you’re already considering offering an employer match, a Safe Harbor plan could be a good option that can maximize savings and help with employee retention and recruitment.
Nondiscrimination testing is required by the IRS to help ensure that 401(k) plans benefit both owners and employees. But even the most well-intentioned business owner can run into trouble when sponsoring a 401(k) plan. An owner contributing too much or employees contributing too little can result in a failed test and expensive corrections.8
The last day to add Safe Harbor matching provisions to your 401(k) with Guideline is Nov. 20, 2025.
The deadline to add an at least 3% Safe Harbor nonelective provision to your 401(k) plan is Dec. 1, 2025. To allow adequate time for amending plan documents and providing required notices to participants (at least 30 days prior to the new year), please start the process before November 1. If you want to add this provision to your plan after the Dec. 1 deadline but before the end of the following year, the employer contribution must be at least 4%.