Article Submitted by TNJ Retirement Partners LLC
A New Era of Possibility
Timing matters in business, and when it comes to your company’s retirement plan, there’s no better moment than now to take action. With expanded tax breaks, changing regulations, and a competitive landscape for attracting and retaining top talent, the final months of 2025 present an unmatched opportunity to either start a retirement plan or optimize your existing one. Business owners, CPAs, and financial advisors alike can benefit from acting early to unlock greater flexibility and potential savings. Think of this as your retirement plan’s “check engine” light blinking. It’s a reminder to look “under the hood” while you’ve got the time to ensure everything is running smoothly and nothing stalls your progress.
More Changes Are on the Horizon
The SECURE 2.0 Act is rolling out significant updates throughout 2025 and 2026, offering both new opportunities and added complexity:
- Mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for high earners begin in 2026.
- Paper statement requirements are coming back for defined contribution plans.
- Automatic enrollment is required for new 401(k) and 403(b) plans now being established.
- Mandatory plan amendments must be completed by December 31, 2026.
That means that now is your chance to get ahead instead of scrambling to meet deadlines. By updating or starting your plan now, you retain control over everything from plan design to costs and compliance, skipping the last-minute stress.
Generous Tax Credits for New Plans
SECURE 2.0 has increased the tax credits for launching a retirement plan:
- Up to 100% of startup costs (capped at $5,000/year for three years) for employers with 100 or fewer employees.
- Up to five years of extra credits for employer contributions.
- An additional $500 per year for adding automatic enrollment.
While these credits aren’t going away overnight, they’re specifically for new plans and only available in the first years after setup. The sooner you act, the greater your potential benefits.
Discover Hidden Value Through Plan Reviews
If your business already offers a retirement plan, a thorough review can uncover valuable opportunities to enhance efficiency and outcomes:
- Spot outdated provisions and underutilized features.
- Benchmark provider fees and service quality.
- Explore alternative plan types to maximize owner savings.
- Add new options like Roth matching or student loan matching.
A plan review isn’t just about meeting compliance requirements. It’s a strategic checkup that strengthens both your business and your benefits package.
Collaboration Drives Better Results
This is the ideal time for CPAs, advisors, and TPAs to team up. By coordinating tax strategy, plan design, and compliance, you can turn upcoming regulatory changes into a strategic advantage. CPAs can help clients optimize cash flow and deductions, advisors can deepen relationships by providing proactive guidance, and business owners gain peace of mind knowing their plan is ready for the present as well as the future.
Early Action Is Smart Action
Procrastinating could mean reacting to regulations instead of proactively leveraging them. That can lead to higher costs, tighter timelines, and fewer options. Reviewing or launching a plan now allows time for thoughtful design, clear communication, and strategic alignment with the long-term goals of your business and your employees.
The Bottom Line
Retirement plans are more than compliance checkboxes. They’re powerful tools for tax planning, recruitment, and long-term stability. If you don’t already offer a plan, now’s the time to seize valuable tax credits and enjoy greater design flexibility. If you do offer a plan, a strategic review will make sure it is ready for both the new laws and future growth.
At TNJ Retirement Partners, we help businesses, CPAs, and advisors transform retirement plans from old jalopies into performance vehicles, ensuring your plan is built for compliance, efficiency, and lasting success. Don’t wait for 2026 to rethink your approach. Start the conversation now, while you still have control over timing, design, and tax benefits.
Don’t wait for the “Check 401(k)” light to come on. Schedule your plan review today — your future self (and your accountant) will thank you.