Plan Inputs
Example Data Table
| Employee | Compensation | Deferral % | Age | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee A | $65,000.00 | 6% | 32 | Basic Match |
| Employee B | $85,000.00 | 10% | 52 | Enhanced Match |
| Employee C | $120,000.00 | 4% | 61 | Nonelective |
| Employee D | $55,000.00 | 7% | 40 | Qaca Match |
Formula Used
Eligible compensation = lesser of actual compensation and plan compensation limit.
Desired employee deferral = eligible compensation × employee deferral percentage.
Allowed employee deferral = lesser of desired deferral, eligible compensation, and annual elective limit plus catch-up limit.
Basic safe harbor match = 100% of first 3% deferred + 50% of next 2% deferred.
Enhanced safe harbor match = 100% of first 4% deferred.
Nonelective safe harbor = 3% of eligible compensation, even if the employee contributes nothing.
QACA safe harbor match = 100% of first 1% deferred + 50% of next 5% deferred.
Total annual additions = employee deferral + safe harbor employer contribution + other employer contributions.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the employee's annual compensation and chosen deferral percentage.
- Select the safe harbor formula that matches the plan design.
- Enter age so the calculator can apply the correct catch-up limit.
- Review or edit annual limits for the plan year being modeled.
- Add any other employer funding already expected for the employee.
- Press the calculate button to show results above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save a result summary.
- Compare different designs by changing the formula and recalculating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates employee salary deferrals, safe harbor employer contributions, catch-up eligibility, total annual additions, and remaining room under the annual additions cap.
2. Does it handle age-based catch-up contributions?
Yes. It applies the standard catch-up amount for age 50 and older, and the higher SECURE 2.0 catch-up amount for ages 60 through 63 when entered.
3. What safe harbor formulas are included?
The calculator includes the common basic match, a simple enhanced match, a 3% nonelective design, and a QACA matching formula for comparison.
4. Why is compensation capped?
Qualified plans apply annual compensation limits when calculating contributions. The tool uses the lower of actual pay and the compensation cap you enter.
5. Does this calculator confirm legal compliance?
No. It is a planning tool. Plan documents, payroll timing, vesting rules, and legal notices should still be reviewed by your benefits advisor or administrator.
6. What are other employer contributions?
They are extra employer amounts outside the safe harbor formula, such as profit sharing or discretionary contributions, added to the annual additions total.
7. Can I use different yearly limits?
Yes. Every limit field is editable, so you can model prior years, future assumptions, or customized plan testing scenarios without changing code.
8. What do the CSV and PDF buttons export?
They export the visible results summary after calculation, making it easier to share employee examples, compare options, or store planning snapshots.