As certified public accountants, you are indispensable guides for your business clients, helping them navigate complex regulations and optimize their financial strategies. With 2026 fast approaching, understanding critical retirement plan deadlines – particularly around safe harbor 401(k) and Colorado's state mandate – is essential to ensure compliance and maximize benefits.

Let's break down what your clients need to know.

The Strategic Advantage of 401(k) Safe Harbor: Don't Miss the October Deadline!

For many small and medium-sized businesses, a 401(k) plan is a cornerstone of employee benefits, offering significant tax advantages for both employers and employees. However, traditional 401(k)s often come with annual non-discrimination testing (like ADP/ACP and top-heavy tests), which can be burdensome and, if failed, lead to corrective actions.

This is where safe harbor 401(k)s offer a strategic advantage. By meeting specific employer contribution requirements, businesses can usually avoid key annual compliance tests. This can save time, lessen administrative burdens, and give plan sponsors greater certainty.

Critical Deadline for 2026 safe harbor: For existing 401(k) plans looking to add safe harbor provisions for the 2026 plan year, the general deadline to establish or amend the plan is October 1, 2025. New plans intending to operate as a safe harbor from day one for the 2026 plan year also typically need to be established by this date, with employee notices distributed by then. Missing this deadline could mean waiting another year to implement these valuable provisions.

Colorado SecureSavings: Ensuring Your Clients are Compliant

Beyond federal regulations, Colorado businesses have a state-specific requirement to consider: the Colorado SecureSavings program. This mandate requires eligible Colorado employers (those with five or more employees that have been in business for at least two years) to either:

1. Offer their employees a qualified retirement plan (like a 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA).
2. Or, register with the state-sponsored Colorado SecureSavings program.

The program aims to address the retirement savings gap for employees who don't have access to a workplace plan. As CPAs, it's vital to guide your clients on their specific compliance deadlines and help them choose the option that best suits their business and employees. Offering a robust 401(k) through a private provider often presents more flexibility and benefits than the state program.

Simplifying Retirement Plans with Modern Solutions

The good news is that managing these complexities doesn't have to be overwhelming for your clients or for you as their advisor. Modern 401(k) technology providers are transforming how businesses offer and manage retirement plans.

• Automation: Streamlining enrollment, contributions, and recordkeeping.
• Payroll Integration: Seamlessly connecting with 500+ payroll providers¹ to reduce manual effort and compliance risk.
• Compliance Support: Automating many compliance functions and assisting with key filings, including those for safe harbor.
• Affordability: Making comprehensive 401(k)s accessible to businesses of all sizes,.

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Next Steps for Your Practice:

Understanding and communicating these deadlines and options can significantly strengthen your role as a trusted advisor.

Human Interest is a COCPA preferred Partner. You can find more information about them here and also in the COCPA Member Savings Program. Partnering with Human Interest equips your clients with a powerful tool that not only meets compliance obligations but also helps them attract and retain talent while maximizing their tax advantages.

¹ Refer to humaninterest.com/payrolls for a list of integrated payroll providers.

This content has been prepared for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal, or individualized investment advice. Neither Human Interest Inc. nor Human Interest Advisors LLC provides tax or legal advice. Consult an appropriate professional regarding your situation. The views expressed are subject to change. In the event third-party data and/or statistics are used, they have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.