For business owners

Retirement plans built around the owner.

Plan design, investment management and employee education for 401(k), SIMPLE IRA and SEP IRA plans, managed by a CFA® charterholder.

Most California employers now need a plan, or CalSavers.

As of January 1, 2026, most California employers with at least one eligible W-2 employee (other than owners) must either offer a qualified retirement plan or register with the state's CalSavers program. Government, religious and tribal employers are exempt. Businesses that ignore the notice can face per-employee penalties.

Already have a qualified plan? You are exempt; if CalSavers sends a notice, certify your exemption on the CalSavers employer portal.
CalSavers meets the rule, but it uses employee-funded Roth IRAs by default, subject to Roth income limits, and employers cannot contribute.
A 401(k), SIMPLE IRA or SEP IRA can do far more for the owner and the team, and may qualify for federal startup tax credits under SECURE 2.0.

SIMPLE IRA vs. SEP IRA vs. 401(k)

CalSavers compared with an employer retirement plan
2026	CalSavers	Your own 401(k)
Employee savings limit	$7,500	$24,500 + catch-up
Age 50+ / 60–63 total	$8,600	$32,500 / $35,750
Employer match or profit sharing	Not allowed	Yes, you design it
Federal startup tax credits	No	May qualify

What could a plan look like in dollars?

One hypothetical example: a six-person dental practice adopts a SIMPLE IRA.

The owner earns $180,000; five employees each earn $50,000 and contribute enough to receive the full 3% match.

The owner puts $23,500 toward retirement, the team receives $7,500 in matching dollars, and potential federal credits can offset a large share of first-year cost.

Once the plan is running, the same CFA® charterholder manages the owner's personal portfolio, so business and household decisions are made with one view of the whole balance sheet.

Review my business

Owner salary deferral (2026 limit, 25 or fewer employees)$18,100

Practice match for owner (3%)$5,400

Practice match for 5 employees$7,500

Illustrative first-year plan cost$1,250

Gross business cost (matches + plan, before tax deductions; includes the owner’s own $5,400 match)$14,150

Potential first-year federal credits−$6,250

Estimated cost after credits$7,900

Hypothetical 2026 illustration only — not a quote, projection, or tax recommendation. The potential $6,250 assumes a $1,250 startup-cost credit plus a $1,000 employer-contribution credit for each of five eligible employees, and that the employer, plan, employees and costs qualify under current federal rules. Credits are not guaranteed and cannot also be deducted. Confirm eligibility with a qualified tax adviser.

Guides for owners

Free resource

The Small Business Retirement Plan Checklist

Every decision, setup step and annual review a California owner should know — on one printable page. Enter your email and we'll open it for you right away.

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