Safe harbor 401(k) plans are the most popular type of 401(k) used by small businesses today. Safe harbor 401(k) plans are a great benefit for all employees: by providing a certain contribution to all eligible staff, business owners, and other highly-paid employees, safe harbor 401k plans allow employees to fully save up to IRS limits ($57,000 for 2020, or $63,500 if over age 50).
Employers have seen and continue to see changes in their current business environment. As they explore options to reduce costs, some may find themselves needing to reduce the employer contributions into their retirement plans. A popular 401(k) design option is the safe harbor 401(k) which requires either a non-elective employer contribution or an employer match.
Corrective distributions are a headache for plan sponsors and employees alike. Essentially, these refunds mean that your plan has failed testing, and tax deferred money that key employees set aside for retirement has to be returned to them. This is an issue for both you and your employees, in this article we are going to discuss what to do if you fail 401(k) testing and options
