About this Event
New York State Secure Choice Retirement Plan Mandates: Employer Obligations and Options
February 25, 2026
9 am - 11 am (Event begins at 9:30 am)
Location: Crandall Library (251 Glen St, Glens Falls, NY 12801)
As of 2026, New York State has launched the Secure Choice Savings Program, a mandatory retirement savings initiative affecting many private-sector employers. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the program’s requirements, compliance deadlines, and practical guidance on how employers can meet these new obligations or consider alternative qualified retirement plans (such as IRS-approved 401(k) or 403(b) plans).
Overview:
Under the Secure Choice mandate, private-sector employers with 10 or more employees, who have been in business for at least two years and do not currently offer a qualified retirement plan, must take action in 2026. Eligible employers are now required to register for and facilitate the Secure Choice Savings Program or certify an exemption if a qualified retirement plan is already in place.Key Program Requirements and Employer
Obligations:
- Employer Eligibility: Employers with 10+ employees and in business at least two years that do not offer a qualified retirement plan (including 401(k), 403(b), SEP, SIMPLE IRA, or similar) must participate in Secure Choice unless they certify an exemption.
- Registration Deadlines (2026):
- 30+ employees: Register by March 18, 2026
- 15–29 employees: Register by May 15, 2026
- 10–14 employees: Register by July 15, 2026
- Automatic Enrollment: Participating employers will automatically enroll eligible employees into the program with a default contribution rate of 3% of gross wages, deducted via payroll; employees may opt out or choose a different contribution rate.
- Roth IRA Structure: Employee contributions fund individual Roth IRA accounts, offering portability and flexibility; employers are not permitted to contribute or match, and have no fiduciary responsibilities for investment decisions.
- Exemptions: Employers that already sponsor a qualified retirement plan can certify their exemption using their EIN and state-provided access code.
What Employers Need to Do:
- Register through the New York Secure Choice portal once notified by the state.
- Upload employee information and work with payroll to facilitate automatic deductions.
- Track and remit contributions to the program on behalf of employees.
Why This Matters:
This session will help you understand not only the current legal requirements, but also your options for offering aqualified retirement plan that may better meet your organizational goals (such as a 401(k) or
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, Glens Falls, United States
USD 0.00
