Colorado SecureSavings requires employers with 5+ employees to offer a retirement savings program. Active enforcement began in 2023. Denver-area employers are receiving compliance notices now.
Get Your Free Colorado Compliance Audit →SecureSavings is Colorado's state-mandated retirement savings program. Colorado SecureSavings requires employers with 5+ employees to offer a retirement savings program. Active enforcement began in 2023. Denver-area employers are receiving compliance notices now.
Employers who already offer a qualifying private retirement plan — such as a 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA — are exempt from SecureSavings requirements.
Learn more at the official state portal: https://www.coloradosecuresavings.com
Option 1 — Enroll in SecureSavings: Register through the state portal and facilitate payroll deductions. This fulfills the mandate but doesn't maximize tax savings.
Option 2 — Set up a private plan (recommended): A qualifying 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA exempts you from the mandate AND qualifies you for up to $15,000 in SECURE 2.0 Act tax credits over 3 years.
Key difference: A private plan belongs to your company. CalSavers/state plans do not. Private plans also attract and retain better employees.
The SECURE 2.0 Act (2023) gives small business owners massive tax credits for starting a retirement plan:
✅ Up to $5,000/year for 3 years for plan startup costs
✅ $1,000 per employee/year for employer contributions (up to 50 employees)
For many Colorado small businesses, this makes a private 401(k) free or nearly free — while exempting you from SecureSavings requirements entirely.
Colorado employers with 5 or more employees who have been operating for at least 2 years and don't offer a qualifying retirement plan.
$100 per eligible employee per year for non-compliance.
Offer a 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA. SECURE 2.0 tax credits can cover startup costs up to $5,000/year for 3 years.
Find out exactly what SecureSavings means for your business — and whether a private plan saves you more money than enrolling in the state program.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Audit →