A seamless 401(k) for California businesses
Help your team save more and meet California's retirement plan mandate with a Guideline 401(k).
Leave your email or give us a call to get started (888) 228-3491
See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use and protect your information.
The mandate in a nutshell
California employers must offer a retirement plan. The final deadline for most businesses was June 30, 2022. Those that are newly eligible this year or have 1-4 employees have deadlines coming up.
- 5+ employees
December 31, 2023
- 1-4 employees
December 31, 2025
Get a 401(k) that checks all the boxes
Save time each pay run
We securely sync with top payroll providers like Gusto and Quickbooks.
Help them save 3x more
With a 401(k), your employees can contribute more than they could with an IRA—up to 3x more.
Optimize your plan
Create a stronger benefit with features like employer matching, profit sharing, and vesting schedules.
Invest with confidence
We provide professionally managed investment portfolios, educational webinars and live support.
Keep your business in compliance. Set up a Guideline 401(k) in just 20 minutes.
Compare a Guideline 401(k) Core or Enterprise plan with CalSavers
Retirement plan type
Roth & Pre-tax 401(k)
Roth IRA
Maximum employee contributions for 2024
$23,000
$7,000
Employee asset-based fee
0.15%-0.35%
($15 to $35 for every $10,000)
0.30%
($30 for every $10,000)
Additional active employee fees
None
$18/year account fee
(charged quarterly at $4.50 each quarter)
Monthly employer fee
$89-$149 + Up to $8 per participant
None
Investment options
40
17
Professionally managed portfolios
6
0
Employer match
Optional
No
Profit Sharing
Yes
No
Calculator
See how much your employees can save
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.
Everyone has a future.
Now everyone can invest in one.
CalSavers FAQs
What is the mandate?
The CalSavers Program was created to encourage more people to save for retirement. It requires California employers with 5 or more employees to provide access to a retirement plan. The plan can either be a private plan like a 401(k) or the state-sponsored plan.
When does the mandate take effect?
For companies with 5+ employees, the deadline is December 31, 2023.
For companies with 1-4 employees, the deadline is December 31, 2025.
Which employers are impacted by the retirement mandate?
You are eligible to participate in the CalSavers Program if:
- Your business is registered to conduct business in the state of California
- You have at least five California based employees
- Your employees must be 18 years old to enroll in CalSavers
- You don’t currently offer a qualified retirement savings program to your employees
Does Guideline satisfy the retirement mandate?
Yes. Guideline's 401(k) plans are designed and priced with small businesses in mind. Starting a Guideline 401(k) satisfies the California retirement mandate.