What is the auto-enrollment tax credit?
- $500 per year, for a maximum of $1,500 over 3 years
- This auto-enrollment tax credit is in addition to any startup plan tax credits, as well as any available deductions for employer contributions
- The employer does not need to have to expenses associated with adding the auto-enrollment feature to claim the tax credit.
- These tax benefits add up quickly to make 401(k) plans extremely affordable for small employers.
What are the requirements to receive this credit?
- Adopt a new eligible automatic contribution arrangement (“EACA”) or add one to an existing retirement plan.
- Have no more than 100 employees who received at least $5,000 in the preceding.
- Claim the tax credit only for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019.
What are the requirements to have an EACA?
- Unless an employee affirmatively makes a different election, the employee must be defaulted to contribute a uniform percentage of compensation to the 401(k) plan.
- The employer must provide an EACA notice.
- Generally, an EACA can only be added mid-year for new entrants.
- The terms of the EACA must be described in the plan document.
Does a QACA qualify for the tax credit?
- Yes. A qualified automatic contribution arrangement (‘QACA’) is a special type of EACA with specified employer contributions and other requirements. Please note that a QACA cannot be added mid-year.
In addition to the tax credit what are the benefits of having an EACA?
- Studies have shown that employees have higher average contribution rates in 401(k) plans that include auto-enrollment as compared to plans that do not.
- EACAs may permit employees who realize they do not want to contribute withdraw their contributions for up to ninety days after being auto-enrolled.
- EACAs get an extension of time to complete IRS-required nondiscrimination tests and make corrective distributions (if necessary).
Does a QACA qualify for the tax credit?
Yes! This tax credit is not just for new plans.
