CalSavers Retirement Savings Program: What Small Businesses Need to Know

The CalSavers Retirement Savings Program is a new portable workplace retirement savings program for private sector workers whose employers do not have a retirement savings program. CalSavers is run by the state and funded by modest employee contributions, so it involves minimal requirements for employers. You can learn more by watching this introduction video, or read on for an overview of what small businesses need to know about the program. By December 31, 2025, employers with 1 or more employees will be required to provide a qualified retirement option, or enable their employees to make an automatic contribution from their paycheck into their CalSavers account.

What is CalSavers?

  • CalSavers is a workplace retirement savings program being implemented by the state that enables small businesses and employees to make an automatic payroll contribution into a personal IRA retirement account overseen by the CalSavers Retirement Savings Investment Board.
  • The program is designed to be self-sustaining, so there will be no taxpayer funding and no employer or state liability for the program.

How will CalSavers impact employers?

  • Employers will not contribute to funds, manage funds or have any responsibility for financial advice. Employers must use their existing payroll system to send employees’ contributions to the fund each month.
  • Small business owners support the CalSavers Program. Small Business Majority’s scientific opinion polling found two-thirds of small business owners in California support a state retirement savings program that would help small businesses and their employees save for the future.
  • Many small businesses would like to offer retirement options to their employees—to help attract a talented workforce and boost employee morale—but can’t afford the overhead and administrative costs. CalSavers provides a way for small business employees to participate in a retirement program without incurring the associated burdens of employer-sponsored retirement programs.
  • Nearly 80% of those who work for small businesses do not have access to a retirement savings option at work; meanwhile, the small business market is not being adequately served by the financial services industry. CalSavers helps serve an under-resourced population that wants to save for retirement.

What are the requirements for small businesses?

The biggest businesses are being phased into the program first. When the program is fully operational, employers of five or more employees will be required to provide a qualified retirement option, or enable their employees to make an automatic contribution from their paycheck into their CalSavers account.

  • Businesses with 100 or more employees are now required to provide a qualified retirement option, or enable their employees to make an automatic contribution from their paycheck into their CalSavers account
  • The administrative requirements for employers will be minimal, and employees will choose whether they want to participate or opt-out of the program.
  • Employers with five or more employees will need to submit their application to CalSavers or offer a qualifying retirement option by June 30, 2022. 
  • For more information on how to apply, watch this short instructional video.

What businesses qualify for the program?

  • The program does not apply to businesses that meet at least one of the following criteria:
    • Have fewer than five employees.
    • Already offer a qualified retirement plan.
  • Small businesses owners with fewer than five employees and employees without a retirement option at work may choose to enroll in CalSavers. Once enrolled, they can link their bank to their CalSavers account in order to make and manage deposits into the program.

Where can I find more information and enroll?

  • To enroll your small business in CalSavers call (855) 650-6916 or visit CalSavers.com
    • Items you need to get started:
      • Contact Name, Email Address & Phone Number for the person at your company who will be administering the program
      • Payroll Provider or Software (if applicable) 
      • Physical Address (and mailing address if applicable)
      • Number of Employees
      • Federal Tax ID Number
      • California Payroll Tax Number
      • Legal Business Name (and DBA if applicable)
  • If you have questions about the CalSavers Program, please contact one of the following members of our team:
States: