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June 9, 2025
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Colorado SecureSavings: A Compliance Guide for Business Owners
Colorado SecureSavings is the state’s mandatory retirement program aimed at helping more workers save for retirement. But as an employer, how can you determine if your business is required to participate, what the enrollment process involves, and what steps to take if you already offer a retirement plan like a 401(k)?
In this guide, we’ll explain when the program began, how employers can register, and how to apply for an exemption if you already provide a qualified plan.
Colorado SecureSavings is a state-facilitated Roth IRA program that requires eligible employers to provide employees access to retirement savings. The law establishing the program was signed in July 2020, and a pilot launched in October 2022.
Let’s dive into key requirements and deadlines.
All Colorado employers that have:
Been in business for two or more years, and
Have five or more employees
…must offer a retirement savings plan – either a private option like a 401(k) or the Colorado SecureSavings program.
March 15, 2023 – Employers with 50+ employees
May 15, 2023 – Employers with 15–49 employees
June 30, 2023 – Employers with 5–14 employees
If you already offer a plan, you’re likely eligible for an exemption.
Employers already offering a qualified retirement plan must certify their exemption online. The state will require:
Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The type of retirement plan offered
An access code (received by email or mail)
Need help? Contact:
📞 844-692-1073
Qualified plans include:
401(a) and 401(k)
SEP plans (408(k))
SIMPLE IRAs (408(p))
403(a) and 403(b)
457(b) governmental plans
Employers participating in Colorado SecureSavings must facilitate Roth IRA contributions via payroll deductions.
To participate, employees must:
Be 18 or older
Have earned taxable wages from a Colorado employer for at least 180 days
Key features:
Accounts are portable (follow the employee between jobs)
Automatic enrollment, with an option to opt out
Default savings rate: 5%, with 1% annual auto-escalation (up to 8%)
Employees can adjust contribution rates anytime
Contribution Limits (2025):
$7,000/year
$8,000/year for employees 50+ who earned at least $6,500
More details available from the IRS.
Failure to comply or certify an exemption may result in penalties of $100 per eligible employee, per year, up to $5,000 annually.
Whether you choose the Colorado SecureSavings plan or a private solution like the ones offered through Beyond, giving employees access to retirement savings helps build financial security and makes your business more attractive to top talent.
If you’re not sure where to start, Beyond can help you evaluate your options, streamline your payroll deductions, and ensure you’re compliant with state mandates.
