Contribute beyond a 401(k)
Explore how adding a Cash Balance plan could increase retirement contributions and potential business deductions.
SAFE HARBOR 401(k) + CASH BALANCE
Build beyond
your 401(k).
See if the combo fits your business
Answer a few questions to start your review. We’ll discuss your business, retirement goals and timing before a detailed actuarial design.
Personalized Plan Questionnaire
STEP 1 OF 3 · TEAM
- Team
- Age & profit
- Delivery
Who works in your business?
Your contribution range and deadlines are confirmed during the detailed review.
For high-income business owners and partners: pair a Safe Harbor 401(k) with a Cash Balance plan to pursue larger retirement contributions and tax deductions.
Already have a 401(k)? For calendar-year plans, some Safe Harbor options have a December 1 date. Confirm which dates apply to your plan.
Larger tax deductions
A combined plan may let you contribute—and deduct—more than a 401(k) alone.
How much you can contribute depends on your age, pay, existing benefits and employee details. An actuary calculates the range; your tax advisor reviews the deduction.
Designed for owners and partners with strong, consistent profits who want to build retirement wealth and can fund ongoing contributions for themselves and eligible employees.
A plan should fit your business.
Owner goals Employee costs Ongoing funding
Turn business success into retirement wealth.
Include employee costs
Compare potential owner contributions with required employee benefits and plan costs.
Actuarial design. CPA input.
Review plan design, tax treatment and funding with your CPA, advisor and actuary.
Two plans. One retirement strategy.
01 / THE FOUNDATION
401(k) + profit sharing
Employees can defer pay into a 401(k); the business may add matching or profit-sharing contributions. Safe Harbor is one plan-design option.
02 / BUILD ON IT
Cash Balance pension
A Cash Balance plan can add substantial retirement contribution capacity. An actuary calculates funding using your age, pay, plan history and employee details.
One review compares owner goals • employee costs • ongoing funding • plan rules
Deadlines depend on your plan and business.
New plans, existing 401(k)s and owner-only businesses may follow different rules. Your provider can confirm which dates apply.
01
Starting a new plan
Starting a new plan? Adoption and notice dates depend on the plan and business. Ask your provider which deadlines apply.
02
Already have a 401(k)?
Your existing 401(k) may still have Safe Harbor options. We’ll review the plan’s current design, required employer contributions and applicable dates.
03
Adding Cash Balance
A Cash Balance pension has separate adoption and funding deadlines. Ask the actuary and tax advisor to confirm dates and required funding.
Each plan still has its own rules, including required testing and notices.
See If a 401(k) + Cash Balance Combo Fits Your Business
What happens after you request a review
1 —
Share your starting point
Answer a few questions about your business and income.
2 —
Review your tax strategy
Discuss potential contributions and deductions alongside employee costs and ongoing funding, with your CPA or advisor.
3 —
Get a tailored design
If the approach fits, an actuary uses your plan documents and employee details to calculate contributions and develop the design.
Have a complex ownership or confidential situation? Request a private conversation.
FAQ
Questions about Safe Harbor and cash balance plans
Can a cash balance plan work alongside my existing 401(k)?
It may. A cash balance plan is a defined benefit pension that can be designed alongside a 401(k). Your current plan terms, owner compensation, employee census, and funding goals help determine whether a combined design fits.
Which Safe Harbor dates apply to my business?
Timing depends on whether you are starting a new plan or changing an existing one, your plan year, employee group, and design. Matching and nonelective designs can have different notice and amendment rules. Confirm the applicable dates with your plan provider before acting.
What costs should I consider?
A combined plan may involve employer contributions for eligible employees, administration fees, and ongoing pension funding. The amount depends on the plan documents, workforce, compensation, and actuarial design. Review the full cost before committing.
Will this review give me a contribution quote?
The questionnaire gathers initial context for a plan review. A contribution range or actuarial design requires additional compensation, plan, and employee information. Your tax advisor should review the tax treatment for your circumstances.
General information about how these plans work, not tax advice. Illustrations are hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future results. Your own contribution depends on your age, income, and plan design, and should be confirmed by an actuary. Please consult an independent tax or financial advisor.