You already know that a self-directed 401(k) plan is an ideal fit for an individual who wants control of their retirement account and are self-employed with no common law employees. But, does the plan make sense for a multi-participant plan (e.g., small business plan) who MAY have employees?
Yes!
Most any plan can be self-directed and, if an individual 401(k) plan can be self-directed, it would only make sense that any 401(k) plan can be self-directed. However, while both the individual and small business 401(k) plans are 401(k) plans in the eyes of the IRS and DOL, there are different reporting requirements for plan assets with the small business plan and non-discrimination testing must be executed on the plan each year. Further, the small business plan (even if you only have one full-time employee other than yourself as the business owner) must file an annual IRS Form 5500 each year for the plan. As a business owner, you want to establish a plan to benefit yourself to the largest extent possible, and introduce a plan that will help solidify employee recruitment and retention.
As the owner of your small business, you want a plan that can provide the maximum benefits to you. With most 401(k) plans, the structure provides maximum benefits for the business owner while at the same time not discriminating against your employees. The same is true with self-direction. As the business owner, you can elect to self-direct your retirement assets and provide yourself with the options of investing into non-traditional and alternative assets. As a result, in most cases employees/participants elect not to participate in such offerings, but they must be provided every opportunity to participate.
With the assistance of FSD and its extremely qualified team of professionals, a small business owner can have a small business 401(k) plan established and utilize FSD services to establish, administer and account for the plan and its assets. This would include plan design, plan establishment, plan implementation, plan accounting and plan reporting. The business owner will know that the plan is being correctly administered and accounted for, and the small business owner will have the freedom and flexibility to self-direct their investments.