401(k) deadlines for employers and employees | Human Interest
401(k) deadlines for employers and employees
Key Takeaways
This article lists out 401(k) deadlines for both employers and employees.
We’ll also include action items and links where you can find more information.
Human Interest can help your plan meet these deadlines so you stay in compliance.
Whether you’re an employer or an employee, we believe that setting up a 401(k) plan is a great way to prepare for retirement and can also be a source of tax advantages.
- For employers: To maximize the benefits of your 401(k) program, you must remember deadlines for key events — including those that affect plan administration and compliance — and for launching a safe harbor 401(k) plan.
- For employees: You’ll want to track contribution deadlines and tax filings and when to expect communications from your employer (and/or plan sponsor) regarding your 401(k).
401(k) deadlines for employers
The following deadlines affect plan years ending 12/31.
January
- January 1: Start of safe harbor 401(k) match
- January 15: Prior year census data
- January 31: Issue Form 1099-R
February
March
- March 15: Corrective distributions
- March 15: Tax filing day for S corps, LLCs taxed as partnerships
- March 31: File Form 1099-R electronically
April
- April 1: Initial RMDs
- April 15: 402(g) refunds
- April 15: Tax day for C Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, LLCs Taxed as Corporations and Single-Member LLCs
May
June
July
August
September
- September 1: Safe harbor notices for startup plans
- September 15: Extended contribution deadline for S Corps and LLCs taxed as partnerships
- September 30: Distribute Summary Annual Report (SAR) to plan participants
October
- October 1: Review RMDs
- October 1: Launch a startup safe harbor 401(k) plan
- October 15: Extended Form 5500, Form 8955-SSA; tax deadlines for C corporations, sole proprietorships, LLCs taxed as corporations and single-member LLCs
November
- Early November: Plan ahead for required December 1 notices
- November 15: Deadline for Q3 participant statements
December
- December 1: Issue safe harbor plan notices for the following year
- December 15: Distribute Summary Annual Report (Extended)
- December 31: Important 401(k) must-do items before year-end
401(k) deadlines for employees
January
February
April
- April 1: Your first RMD
- April 15: File federal taxes; deadline for refund of 402(g) excess deferrals
May
August
November
December