Do You Want the Carrot — or the Stick?
Most business owners don’t realize they’ve already been forced to choose. Either way they have to make a choice.
Why Business Owners Get Blindsided
- Retirement plans are no longer optional in many states
- Most owners don’t know if their current setup qualifies
- State-sponsored plans check a box — but leave money on the table
- Doing nothing is now the most expensive option
The Stick: What Happens If You Ignore This
State Mandates
- Automatic enrollment requirements
- Escalating penalties
- No customization
Talent Risk
- Employees expect benefits
- Competitors will offer better plans
- Retention quietly erodes
Loss of Control
- State plans aren’t built for owners
- No tax strategy
- No flexibility
The Carrot: How Smart Owners Turn This Into an Advantage
- SECURE Act 2.0 tax credits (startup + contributions)
- Employer contributions with no current tax liability
- QBI income control through plan design
- Owner-weighted outcomes (legally)
"This isn’t a retirement decision. It’s a tax decision."