CalSavers deadline fast approaching: Answers to 6 frequently asked questions your California small business should know

Many California small businesses would like to offer retirement options to their employees—to help attract a talented workforce and boost employee morale—but can’t afford the overhead and administrative costs. The state now requires that all businesses with five or more employees facilitate employee participation in CalSavers if they don’t already have a retirement plan in place. Businesses are being phased into the program over time based on their number of employees.

Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about CalSavers, including key deadlines and how this program may benefit your small business.

1. What is CalSavers?

CalSavers is a state-run workplace retirement savings program that enables small businesses and employees to make an automatic payroll contribution into a personal IRA retirement account overseen by the CalSavers Retirement Savings Investment Board. The program is designed to be self-sustaining, so there will be no taxpayer funding and no employer or state liability for the program.

2. How will CalSavers impact my business?

CalSavers provides a way for small business owners to offer a retirement program for their employees, without incurring the associated burdens of employer-sponsored retirement programs. Employers must use their existing payroll system to send employees’ contributions to the fund each month.

3. What are the requirements for small businesses to participate in CalSavers?

Businesses with 100 or more employees are now required to provide a qualified retirement option, or enable their employees to make an automatic contribution from their paycheck into their CalSavers account.The administrative requirements for employers are minimal, and employees can choose whether they want to participate or opt-out of the program.

Employers with 1-4 employees are able to register for Calsavers starting January 1, 2023. These employers and employers with fewer than five employees will have until December 31, 2025, to register. For more information on how to apply, watch this short instructional video.

4. What businesses qualify for the program?

The program does not apply to businesses that already offer a qualified retirement plan for their employees.

However, small business owners with fewer than five employees and employees without a retirement option at work must enroll in CalSavers. Once enrolled, they can link their bank to their CalSavers account in order to make and manage deposits into the program.

5. What is the deadline to apply for CalSavers?

Employers with fewer than five employees are required to register by December 31, 2025. Eligible employers with more than 100 employees who have not yet registered should do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties, and can register at any point in time. 

6. What is CalSavers' new employer incentive program?

CalSavers' new employer incentive program aims to encourage early adoption of the program by awarding 2,000 current CalSavers participants with $500. To qualify, register early, add employees and process at least one contribution by the end of the drawing period. Employers must maintain compliance throughout the campaign. The first drawing period closes at the end of July, and the second at the end of November 2025. 1,000 employers will be selected in each drawing for a total of $1 million in prizes.

6. How can I enroll my small business in CalSavers?

To enroll your small business in CalSavers call (855) 650-6916 or visit CalSavers.com. If you have additional questions about the CalSavers Program, please contact Bianca Blomquist, California Director: [email protected].