Retirement Plans for Small Businesses

Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans May Help Owners and Employees Save More

With standard 401(k) plans, the amount that a company’s owners or highly compensated employees can contribute is often restricted by how much other employees contribute to the plan, making such plans a less effective savings vehicle for many small businesses. However, with the more flexible safe harbor option, owners may be able to make larger contributions for themselves (as employee and employer) in exchange for making tax-deductible contributions or “matches” for employees.

In addition, the annual IRS non-dis-crimination testing that normally applies to standard 401(k) plans is eliminated from safe harbor plans, which typically makes them easier and less expensive for small businesses to maintain.

To help shelter more of your income from taxes, and possibly help your employees do the same, compare the benefits and limitations of safe harbor 401(k) plans to other retirement plans to determine which one could best meet your company’s needs.

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald.

Registered Representatives of, and securities, advisory services and certain insurance products through INVEST Financial Corporation (INVEST), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment advisor and affiliated insurance agencies. INVEST is not affiliated with Livingston Financial Group. Livingston is a division of Livingston Financial Group and is not a broker dealer.

This website may contain concepts that have legal, accounting and tax implications. It is not intended to provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. You may wish to consult an attorney, tax advisor, or accountant regarding your specific situation. No representations are made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein or any information contained in any link provided herein.

Important Consumer Information:
This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation or offering of any security and;
1. Representatives of a broker-dealer ("BD") or investment advisor ("IA") may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the BD or IA they represent (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, the state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from the state's licensure requirements.
2. Representatives of a BD or IA are deemed to conduct business in a state to the extent that they provide individualized responses to investor inquiries that involve (a) effecting, or attempting to effect, transactions in securities; or (b) rendering personalized investment advice for compensation.