2014 Retirement Plan Year End Deadlines

This post is for you if you are the owner of a business,  self-employed, or a decision maker on your company's retirement plan. Now that summer is behind us (according to the work/school calendar), end of the year deadlines are fast approaching. 

DEADLINES

October 1 

-This is the deadline to establish a new  Safe Harbor 401k plan for 2014. The plan must be in effect for 3 months in the first plan year. 

-If you currently have a SIMPLE IRA and want to start a 401k , you must give your employees notice of 60 days(see below). Therefore, you need to handle operational items prior to November 1.

November 1

-If you have SIMPLE IRA plan and you are ending this to start a 401k plan in 2015, you must notify your employees at least 60 days in advance of change.

December 1

-If you already have a 401k plan but want to add a Safe Harbor provision to the plan, proper notices must be delivered to plan participants at least 30 days prior to change

BENEFITS OF STARTING A 401K

-If you are starting a retirement plan for the first time, you may be eligible for a $500 tax credit (available for the first 3 plan years to cover administrative fees)

- 401k plans offer a number of design options to maximize the deferrals for business owners, key employees, or anyone else in the company. 

-In 2014 a participant can put away up to $52,000/year into the plan (plus $5,500 in "catch-up" contributions for those over age 50)