401(k) Plans
A 401(k) is a feature of a qualified profit-sharing plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their wages to individual accounts.
- Elective salary deferrals are excluded from the employee’s taxable income (except for designated Roth deferrals).
- Employers can contribute to employees’ accounts.
- Distributions, including earnings, are includible in taxable income at retirement (except for qualified distributions of designated Roth accounts).
See the 401(k) Resource Guide for details on 401(k) plans.
Choose a 401(k) Plan
- Choosing a 401(k) plan
- Overview of types of 401(k) plans
- One-participant 401(k) plans
Establish a 401(k) Plan
- Steps to establishing a 401(k) plan
- How to include automatic contribution increases in a plan
- Sample automatic enrollment plan language
- How to establish designated Roth accounts in a 401(k) plan
Participate in a 401(k) Plan
- 401(k) topics for participants
- General guidance on participating in your employer’s plan
Operate and Maintain a 401(k) Plan
- Operating a 401(k) plan
- Reducing or suspending safe harbor nonelective contributions in cases of substantial business hardship
- Internal Control Tool for 401(k) Plans
Correct a 401(k) Plan
- 401(k) Checklist
Helps you keep your 401(k) plan in compliance with important tax rules.
- 401(k) Fix-It Guide
Tips on how to find, fix and avoid common errors in 401(k) plans.
Terminate a 401(k) Plan
- Terminating a 401(k) plan
Additional Resources for 401(k) Plans
Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 05-Mar-2013
