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.

*An Index is a portfolio of specific securities. The performance of which is often used as a benchmark in judging the relative performance of certain asset classes. Indexes are unmanaged portfolios and investors cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Investors should be aware of additional risks associated with international investing such as increased volatility, currency fluctuations and differences in auditing and financial standards.

Investors need to be aware that no investment plan/asset allocation can eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary; therefore, the information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

Robert S. Keidan is a Registered Representative of and offers securities products & services through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker-dealer. In this regard, this communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, VA, WA, and WV. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Robert S. Keidan is also separately registered as an investment advisor representative under Keidan Financial Consultants, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor. As such, advisory services are strictly intended for individuals residing in the states where we have notice filed: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IN, LA, MI, NC, SC, VA, WA, and WV.

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