Custom Matching Formulas
Flexible Design
Match at whatever rate works for your business — dollar for dollar, 50 cents on the dollar, tiered, or discretionary. Traditional plans don't lock you into a Safe Harbor formula.
Traditional 401(k) Plans with Flexible Design and Independent Administration
Maximum design flexibility for businesses that want to customize contributions, eligibility, and vesting. We handle the testing so you don't have to worry about it.
Request a Plan ReviewMaximum Flexibility, Expert Testing
Why Traditional 401(k)?
A traditional 401(k) gives you the widest range of design options — custom matching formulas, variable profit-sharing, and flexible eligibility and vesting schedules. The trade-off is annual nondiscrimination testing, and that's where having an experienced, independent TPA makes all the difference.
Variable Profit-Sharing
Discretionary
Contribute in good years, scale back in lean years. Profit-sharing in a traditional plan is fully discretionary — including New Comparability designs that weight contributions toward owners.
Custom Vesting Schedules
Retention Tool
Graded or cliff vesting up to 6 years for employer contributions. This keeps key employees invested in staying, and forfeitures can reduce your future costs.
Eligibility Controls
Your Criteria
Set minimum age, service requirements, entry dates, and excluded employee classes. A traditional plan lets you fine-tune exactly who participates and when.
Full-Service Administration
What's Included
Annual Nondiscrimination Testing
ADP/ACP + More
ADP/ACP, top-heavy, 410(b) coverage, 401(a)(4) nondiscrimination, and 415 limit testing. We run them all, flag problems early, and recommend corrections before deadlines hit.
Form 5500 & Government Filings
On Time, Every Time
We prepare the complete Form 5500 package, coordinate with your auditor if required, and file on time. No extensions unless you want one.
Plan Document Management
Always Current
Required amendments, discretionary amendments, and restatements — we keep your document current with IRS guidance and your evolving business needs.
Contribution Processing & Participant Support
Day-to-Day
We process contributions, loans, distributions, and hardship requests, and answer participant questions directly so they never land on your desk.
When Testing Gets Complicated, Experience Matters
Nondiscrimination testing is the reason most small businesses switch to Safe Harbor — but it doesn't have to be a problem if your TPA knows what they're doing. We run projections early in the year, flag potential failures before year-end, and recommend mid-year corrections when possible. If a correction is needed, we handle the mechanics. The difference between a good TPA and a mediocre one shows up most clearly at testing time.
FAQ
Common Questions
What happens if our plan fails ADP/ACP testing?
If a plan fails ADP/ACP testing, corrections are required — typically refunding excess contributions to highly compensated employees or making a QNEC (qualified non-elective contribution) to bring the plan into compliance. We identify potential failures early and recommend proactive corrections to minimize disruption.
Can we convert from a Traditional to a Safe Harbor plan?
Yes, but the conversion generally must be done before the plan year begins. We review your testing history and cost projections during your annual strategic review to determine whether Safe Harbor would save you money or simplify compliance.
How is your fee different from other TPAs?
We bill employers a flat fee based on service tier and participant count — not plan assets. No per-transaction charges. You know exactly what you pay, every month.
Do you work with our existing recordkeeper?
Yes. We are a pure TPA and work with any recordkeeper platform. Voya Financial, Empower, Fidelity, John Hancock, Principal, American Funds, and more — we work with all of them and have no preferential arrangements.
Want to know if your current plan design is costing you? Book a free Plan Design Review.
45 Minutes
No Obligation
Written Analysis
Request a Plan Review