State-mandated retirement plan laws are expanding rapidly. Find out exactly what your state requires, what the fines are for non-compliance — and how Chris can help you compare your payroll and retirement plan options.
Answer 4 questions. We'll check your exact state law, show your penalty exposure, flag your growth triggers, and give you a state-specific compliance guide.
State mandates · Employee thresholds · Penalty calculator · Growth triggers · Compliance steps
13 states have active mandates. Employers without a qualified plan — like a 401(k) — must enroll in the state's auto-IRA program or face escalating fines. Chris can help you review the requirement and decide whether to work with your provider or one of Auris’s partners.
Use the calculator above for your specific situation. State laws update frequently — Chris can help review these requirements during a payroll and retirement plan fit check.
Managing a state retirement mandate is hard enough. Auris publicly positions 401(k) under Benefits: Auris can work with your 401(k) provider, automate deductions, and streamline reporting. Chris can help compare your current payroll and 401(k) setup, coordinate with your existing provider, or introduce an Auris partner when that is a better fit.
Many small businesses are juggling payroll, state mandate notices, and 401(k) administration across separate systems. Chris can help you decide whether to keep your provider, improve the workflow, or use an Auris partner.
SECURE 2.0 tax credits may offset startup costs for eligible employers, while state non-compliance penalties can become expensive. Chris can help you frame the numbers before you choose a path.
10-employee business in a mandate state
Same 10-employee business, example private plan scenario
Both options satisfy state mandates. But they're not equal. Most growing businesses choose a private 401(k) — here's exactly why.
| Feature | Private 401(k) | State Auto-IRA Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 contribution limit | $24,500 employee deferral ($32,500 age 50+ if catch-up is allowed) | Lower IRA contribution limit; verify current IRS limit |
| Employer matching | Yes — you choose the formula | Not permitted in state programs |
| SECURE 2.0 tax credits | Up to $5,000/yr × 3 years = $15,000 | No startup tax credits |
| Investment options | Wide range — index funds, target-date, ETFs | Limited state-selected funds only |
| Roth IRA income limits | No income limits — any earner can participate | High earners may be excluded |
| Satisfies state mandate | Yes — qualifies as exemption in all states | Yes — it is the state plan |
| Safe harbor option | Yes — eliminates nondiscrimination testing risk | Not available |
| Loan provisions | Employees can borrow against their account | IRA loans not permitted |
| Payroll/provider coordination | Auris works with your 401(k) provider to automate deductions and streamline reporting | Often a separate state workflow to manage |
A private 401(k) can often be coordinated with payroll more cleanly than a separate state auto-IRA workflow. Auris’s public 401(k) positioning is to work with your 401(k) provider, automate deductions, and streamline reporting. Chris can work with your current provider or introduce an Auris partner, then help you compare the options for your exact situation.
Chris reviews your state requirements, current 401(k) or retirement provider, possible SECURE 2.0 credit questions, and whether it makes sense to keep your provider or use one of Auris’s partners.