A powerful federal incentive helps small businesses offset the cost of launching a 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA. Download the guide to see if you qualify, how much you can claim, and how to file.

Download the Startup Tax Credit Guide

If you’ve put off offering a retirement plan because of cost or complexity, this guide shows how the IRS startup credit can cover 50–100% of eligible setup costs—up to $5,000 per year for three years, plus an extra $500/year if you add automatic enrollment. 

• How the Small Employer Pension Plan Startup Credit (IRC §45E) works 
• Who’s eligible (≤100 employees, at least one non-highly compensated employee (NHCE), and no similar plan in the last 3 years) 
• Credit calculation basics and common scenarios 
• A step‑by‑step startup checklist (choose plan type, pick a provider/TPA, set contributions, notify employees) 
• Real example: how a 12‑employee firm can claim $10,500 in total credits over three years 
• How and where to claim the credit (IRS Form 8881)
  

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Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.