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UPDATED FOR 2026 · 17 STATES · STATUTE-VERIFIED

Retirement mandates for seasonal businesses, handled.

Headcount that swings by season is the #1 threshold trap. We tell you exactly when you're in scope — and automate the rest.

Check your exposure Book a free 15-min audit

Verified to state statutes 17 states covered No obligation

Owner of a seasonal waterfront shop opening up on a bright summer morning

Compliant & covered17 states · 2026

Example exposure · VA · 21 staff

$4,200/yr≈ $0*

Do nothing → penalty · your plan → covered*

// why seasonal businesses get caught out

Where the mandate bites businesses like yours.

The #1 threshold trap

Headcount that swings by season is the single most common way businesses stumble into the mandate.

Rehires complicate eligibility

Returning staff and rehires complicate eligibility tracking — prior enrollment status follows them.

In scope part of the year

You may be in scope only part of the year. We tell you exactly when — measured your state's way.

Enrollment on autopilot

We automate enrollment and notices so the busy season doesn't blow through the deadline.

// 60-second check

What does your state actually require?

Pick your state and headcount for your real exposure — data verified against each state's own statute.

Your state

Number of employees

Informational only — not legal or tax advice.

Annual exposure · Virginia

$4,200

RetirePath Virginia · applies at 5+ employees

Get your full breakdown + a private-plan savings estimate:

// state plan vs your own

You can comply two ways. Only one builds anything.

The state auto-IRA

Compliance, nothing else

No employer match allowed
Low Roth-IRA contribution limits
One-size-fits-all investments
No tax credits for your business

RECOMMENDED

Your own 401(k)

Compliant — and working for you

Match if and when you want
Far higher contribution limits
SECURE 2.0 credits offset setup
A real recruiting & retention perk

// the part nobody tells you

Federal credits can cover most of your startup cost.

Under SECURE 2.0, small employers starting a plan can claim credits toward setup and contributions. The amount depends on your size and phases out over the first years — we model your real number, not a headline.

See what you'd qualify for

$5,000/yr

Startup credit toward administration costs, up to three years.

$1,000/emp

Toward employer contributions for smaller employers, phasing down as you grow.

$0down

Most eligible businesses can start for little to nothing in year one.

// seasonal businesses faq

Asked by owners like you.

Our staff goes from 6 to 40 every summer. Are we covered?

Very possibly — it depends on how your state measures headcount (annual average vs point-in-time). We run your numbers against your state's exact rule and give you a definitive answer.

Do returning seasonal workers have to be re-enrolled every year?

Rules differ: some programs treat rehires as continuing participants, others restart the process. We track each state's rehire rule so nothing lapses mid-season.

We're only open five months a year. Do deadlines still apply?

Yes — registration deadlines run on the state's calendar, not your season. Missing one while closed for the winter is exactly the trap we're built to prevent.

Find out where your seasonal businesses business stands.

Book a free 15-minute compliance audit. We'll show your exact requirement, your real exposure, and whether your own plan saves you money.

100% freeNo obligation15 minutes

Get your free audit

Takes 30 seconds. We'll reach out to schedule.

Submits to GHL / LeadConnector · or call (732) 444-8686