Unlocking Tax Benefits: Why Small Businesses should Consider a 401(k) Plan
Small business owners make numerous decisions daily, ranging from strategic priorities to smaller matters like choosing snacks for the breakroom. Among these decisions, one significant choice is offering employee benefits, such as a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
Most business owners are aware of three key benefits of providing a 401(k) plan for their employees:
Employee Recruitment and Retention: A 401(k) plan can attract and retain top talent, making your business more competitive in the job market.
Employee Financial Health: It supports the financial well-being of your employees by helping them save for retirement.
Owner's Retirement Savings: Small business owners can also benefit by saving for their own retirement through a 401(k).
However, concerns about the budget often deter small business owners from implementing a 401(k) plan. The fear of increasing expenses can be a major obstacle, amongst finding time to prioritize putting a plan in place.
Recent legislation known as THE SECURE Act 2.0 of 2022 introduces a compelling fourth reason for small businesses to consider a 401(k): tax credits. These tax incentives are remarkable and can significantly offset if not eliminate the start-up costs for most companies with fewer than 100 employees.
Tax Credits vs. Tax Deductions: It's important to understand the difference between tax credits and tax deductions. A deduction reduces your taxable income, while a tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax you owe or increases your tax refund. Tax credits, particularly when substantial, can have a significant impact on your financial bottom line.
The SECURE Act 2.0 offers four distinct tax credits for small businesses:
Startup Costs Tax Credit: This credit can provide a maximum of $250 per qualifying employee or up to $5,000 per year for three years.
Employer Contributions Cost Credit: Businesses can receive up to $1,000 per employee earning less than $100,000 annually, with a five-year phaseout.
Automatic Enrollment Credit: Small businesses can get up to $500 per year for three years when they implement automatic enrollment in their 401(k) plans.
Military Spouse Credit: This credit can be up to $500 for each participating military spouse.
Let's take a closer look at how these tax credits can impact a hypothetical company, "Company ABC." Here are some demographics about Company ABC:
They have 10 eligible employees.
Two employees earn more than $100,000.
The average employee compensation is $50,000.
The company contributes an average of $1,000 to each participating employee's 401(k) account.
Here are their hypothetical start-up costs and how the tax credits could offset the costs:
In the first year, Company ABC could potentially benefit from $12,670 in tax credits, reducing their net cost to just $1,500, including employer contributions.
Conclusion: There are compelling reasons for small businesses to consider implementing a 401(k) plan this year, including attracting talent, supporting employee financial health, saving for the owner's retirement, and, notably, taking advantage of these new tax credits. However, keep in mind that individual tax situations may vary, so it's crucial to consult with your accountant to determine the specific tax credit opportunities for your company.
Disclaimers: These tax credits are based on fees paid by the employer, not the plan. Each company's tax situation is unique; consult your accountant for personalized advice regarding tax credit opportunities.