MERIT is enforcing now. It applies to Maine employers with 5+ employees that do not offer a qualifying retirement plan. Penalty: Up to $100 / employee / yr (escalating). Already passed: All employers notified through 2026 (2026-06-30) — unregistered employers should register or certify an exemption now.
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MERIT covers Maine employers with 5+ employees that do not offer a qualifying retirement plan. Counting rule: Headcount as of the date the employer certifies an exemption or onboards (MRSB Rule Ch. 101); penalties use Maine DOL employee counts. Must have been in business during both the current and the preceding calendar year.
Escalating: $20 per employee (2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30); $50 per employee (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30); $100 per employee (on/after 2027-07-01). Penalties are being assessed now.
Already passed: All employers notified through 2026 (2026-06-30) — unregistered employers should register or certify an exemption now. Newly eligible employers: June 30 of the notice year.
5 M.R.S. §171, §173(3), §173(4)(A); MRSB Rule Ch. 101 · Official program: meritsaves.com · Verified 2026-09-17.
MERIT is Maine's state-facilitated retirement savings program. It is enforcing now. Program: https://meritsaves.com.
MERIT covers Maine employers with 5+ employees that do not offer a qualifying retirement plan. Counting rule: Headcount as of the date the employer certifies an exemption or onboards (MRSB Rule Ch. 101); penalties use Maine DOL employee counts. Must have been in business during both the current and the preceding calendar year.
Escalating: $20 per employee (2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30); $50 per employee (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30); $100 per employee (on/after 2027-07-01). Penalties are being assessed now.
Already passed: All employers notified through 2026 (2026-06-30) — unregistered employers should register or certify an exemption now. Newly eligible employers: June 30 of the notice year.
Exempt if a plan under 401(a)/401(k), 403(a)/403(b), SEP (408(k)), SIMPLE (408(p)) or 457(b) was offered in the current or two preceding years; certification required. A private 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA satisfies the mandate and may qualify for SECURE 2.0 startup credits.
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