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)

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    Full-service

    All-in-one 401(k) that’s actually affordable, starting at just $89/month.2
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    Modern design

    Intuitive product with trusted integrations, custom-built to deliver reliable results.
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    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."

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Connie B., Rader Mgmt Corp. DBA Dunkin'
5 locations
Franchise
Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.

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.
  • Recordkeeping
  • Government filing
  • Payroll integrations
  • Investment 3(38) fiduciary
  • Plan admin 3(16) fiduciary with eligible payroll providers
  • Employee onboarding + education
Guideline mobile app, rated 4.8 stars out of 5 on the Apple App Store

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

Get the app

"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."

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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.

Find your provider

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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

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Frequently asked questions