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The small business way to 401(k)

With a Guideline 401(k), you can provide an easy, affordable and impactful retirement plan.

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See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use and protect your information.

State retirement programs in a nutshell

Many states are rolling out retirement savings programs to help more people save for retirement.

While each state program is different, most currently give employers the option to choose between the state-sponsored plan or a private plan, like a Guideline 401(k).
USA map with states filled in different colors based Active, Pending, and Unavailable state mandated for retirement accounts.

Find your state1

Why Guideline

Get a 401(k) that checks all the boxes
  • A visual representation of Guideline 401(k) dashboard for employee onboarding and payroll management.

    Save time each pay run

    We securely sync with your TriNet HR Plus payroll.
  • An image of a puzzle representing the flexibility and customization options available with Guideline 401(k) plans.

    Optimize your plan

    Create a stronger benefit with features like employer matching, profit sharing, and vesting schedules.
  • An image showing the low-cost investment options and zero transaction fees available with Guideline 401(k) plans.

    Help them save up to 3x more

    With a 401(k), your employees can contribute more than they could with an IRA—up to 3x more2.
  • An infographic showing the different investment options available through Guideline 401(k) plans.

    Invest with confidence

    We provide professionally managed investment portfolios, educational webinars and live support.

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.3

Everyone has a future.

Now everyone can invest in one.

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See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use and protect your information.
  • 1
    The information provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for specific tax, legal and/or financial advice Guideline has prepared this summary from third-party sources as of December 2024. This information is considered to be reliable at the time of writing, may not necessarily be all-inclusive, is not guaranteed as to accuracy and is subject to change at any time without notice. You are advised to consult a qualified financial adviser or tax professional before relying on the information provided. Deadlines, fees, and other program details are subject to change by the state without notice and should be checked prior to making any decisions. If you already offer a qualified employer-sponsored plan, exemptions may be required. Please consult with your state's specific exemption information for more details.
  • 2
    Subject to IRS cost-of-living adjustments. In 2025, individuals can contribute up to $23,500 between their Roth and Pre-tax 401(k) account. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 ($31,000 in total). Individuals can contribute up to $7,000 between their traditional and Roth IRA accounts. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 ($8,000 in total).
  • 3
    This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as tax advice. Please consult a tax professional to determine what types of tax credits or deductions your company is eligible to claim.

Guideline.com is owned and operated by Guideline, Inc. This website contains content from Guideline, Inc. and its affiliates, each a separate entity with different regulatory marketing requirements and standards. References to "our" or "we" on this website refer solely to Guideline RK, LLC unless otherwise specifically stated.

The information in this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, recommendation, investment advice, legal or tax advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. By using this website, you agree to Guideline, Inc.’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use. Neither Guideline, Inc. nor its subsidiaries, are responsible for information provided by third parties. Information included herein from third parties is believed to be reliable however Guideline, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of that information.

Guideline, Inc. is a technology company that provides an integrated platform to companies who seek to work with 1) Guideline RK, LLC ("Guideline") and/or 2) Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"), both of which are wholly owned by Guideline Holdings, LLC. Guideline Holdings, LLC is wholly owned by Guideline, Inc. Neither Guideline, Inc. nor Guideline Holdings, LLC or Guideline RK, LLC is involved in securities activities and is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. Neither Guideline, Inc., nor any of its affiliates, is a bank.

Investment advisory services for Guideline’s 401(k) (when 3(38) fiduciary services are selected) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. For more information regarding fees and services, see Guideline Investments, LLC’s ADV 2A Brochure and Form CRS. References throughout this website to investment advisory services including but not limited to: investments offered, portfolios, managed portfolios, investment philosophy, assets under management (AUM), annual account fees expressed as a percentage of AUM, suitability questionnaire, 3(38) investment advisory management fiduciary services, robo-advisory services, and investment advice, unless otherwise specifically stated, are services provided by Guideline Investments, LLC. Investing involves risk and may lose money, including loss of principal. Investing is not guaranteed and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. The investment options offered by Guideline Investments, LLC are not FDIC insured.

Recordkeeping services for Guideline’s 401(k) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline RK, LLC. 3(16) plan administration services are also offered by Guideline RK, LLC and only made available to clients who utilize an eligible payroll provider. For more information on Guideline’s pricing, see here. Guideline uses a third-party to provide custodial services. Custodial fees are paid by Guideline.

Any graphs, charts, and other visual aids (collectively referred to as "image(s)") are provided for information purposes only. None of these images can of themselves be used to make investment decisions. No representation is made that these will assist any person in making investment decisions and no image can capture all factors and variables required in making such decisions.

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