As a plan sponsor, it’s your responsibility to ensure employee elective deferrals and loan repayments are deposited into your retirement plan as soon as possible after each payroll. It might seem like a small detail, but late deposits can lead to compliance issues, IRS penalties, and unhappy employees. When must elective deferrals & loan payments be deposited? The Department of Labor (DOL) requires that these amounts be deposited as soon as administratively feasible following payday — and no later than the 15th business day of the following month. But here’s the catch: that 15-day window is not a safe harbor. In most cases, timely deposit means within a few business days — often within 1-3 days — depending on your company’s payroll practices. For small employers (under 100 participants), the DOL offers a safe harbor: if deferrals are deposited within 7 business days, they’re considered timely. For larger employers, there’s no such grace period. Why is this important? Late deposits are treated as prohibited transactions and could result in: · Excise taxes to the IRS (paid with Form 5330) · Corrective filings with the DOL · Required lost earnings reimbursements And don’t forget — the DOL audits this closely. Late or inconsistent deposits can raise red flags.  Tips to stay compliant: · Establish a consistent deposit schedule – Tie deposits to your payroll cycle and stick to it. · Automate where possible – Use payroll providers that offer direct integration with your plan’s recordkeeper. · Document everything – Keep a record of when deferrals are withheld and when they’re deposited. · Train your payroll team – Make sure they understand the importance of timing and the consequences of delays. Need help reviewing your deposit process? Contact us today — we’re here to support you.

What is a “QSLP,” and should you implement this new provision in your Plan? 

Under the SECURE Act rules, 401(k) plans are now required to cover Long-Term Part-Time Employees.

Employee Elective Deferral Contributions Employees under the age of 50 who participate in 401(k) or 403(b) plans will be able to contribute up to $23,500 during 2025, which is an increase from the 2024 maximum of $23,000. The limit on catch-up contributions for people over 50 years old will remain at $7,500 for 2025; however plans implementing the new “super catch-up” rule will allow people between the ages of 60 – 63 to make additional catch-up contributions up to a maximum of $11,250. That means workers who are 50 or older can contribute up to $31,000 from their salary during the 2025 plan year (except for workers utilizing the super catch-up rule who can contribute up to $34,750.) For more on the super catch-up provision, please click here . DC Plan Annual Additions Limit The limitations for DC plans include both employee and employer contributions (safe harbor, match, profit sharing, etc.) The limit on contribution totals is $70,000 per participant for the 2025 plan year, which is an increase from the 2024 limit of $69,000. So, that’s a maximum of: o $77,500 including catch-up contributions for those over 50 years old o $81,250 including super catch-up contributions for those in the 60 – 63 age range Compensation Employee compensation limit for calculating contributions will rise from $345,000 to $350,000 and the HCE’s (Highly Compensated Employees) threshold for nondiscrimination testing will increase from $155,00 to $160,000. As a reminder, employers should convey these changes to their employees to encourage participation in the plan. It is also important to make sure your payroll system is up to date with the new 2025 employee contribution limits prior to the start of the year. To understand how these changes may affect your plan contact your pension consultant . To see the full chart of the 2025 Plan Limits, click here .

Understanding the new IRS catch-up limit increase.

BCG ahead of the curve on new IRS policy.

Understanding new IRS withdrawal rules.

In 2023, employees will be able to contribute up to $22,500 a year, up from $20,500 to 401(k), 403(b) and other tax-advantaged employer savings plans. The limit on catch-up contributions for people 50 or older also rose to $7500 from $6500. That means a worker over 50 years old can contribute a maximum of $30,000 next year. The total contribution limit, which includes employer contributions, increased from $61,000 to $66,000. So, for those over 50 years old who take advantage of the catch-up contribution, that’s a maximum total of $73,500. Employee compensation limit for calculating contributions will rise from $305,000 to $330,000 and the HCE’s (Highly Compensated Employees) threshold for nondiscrimination testing will increase from $135,00 to $150,000. We have not seen these large increases in decades, we can thank inflation for that! Employers should convey these changes to their employees to encourage increased participation. To understand how these changes may affect your plan contact your pension consultant here . To see the full chart of the 2023 Plan Limits, click here .

The SECURE ACT and "lifetime income illustrations"