If you are in the process of converting your 401(k) plan to Guideline, the below plan conversion timeline can give you an idea of the timeframe you can expect. Please note, this is provided for illustrative purposes only. Your finalized conversion timeline will be provided to you once you’ve completed Guideline plan setup.
Day 1 - Set up your Guideline account
You’ll be invited to claim your Guideline account once we’ve completed your plan review. Once you’ve claimed the account, you’ll need to complete the online setup process:
Sign service agreement, plan document, and (if necessary) get board approval and sign board resolution
Connect and verify bank account
Connect your payroll provider
Additionally, you’ll need to upload documents to your Guideline account for review:
Most up-to-date participant loan program, any agreement, or related documents (if applicable)
Employee 401(k) participant census (with dismissed employees clearly marked)
Prior year Form 5500
Compliance test results from previous 2 years (not applicable if plan is Safe Harbor)
Payroll roster census (if non-integrated)
Day 4 - Initiate plan transfer with previous 401(k) provider
Once our team finishes reviewing your submitted prior plan information and confirms it’s in good order, Guideline will provide you with exact instructions and a finalized timeline once you’ve completed Guideline setup. Do not initiate transfer prior to completion of the Guideline plan setup.
Day 15 - Employees invited to participate in Guideline 401(k) plan
Guideline will provide employees with a 30-day notice for open enrollment prior to the Guideline plan start date.
Day 44 - Final contributions to previous 401(k) provider
You must continue making payroll contributions to your previous provider until the Guideline plan begins. Failure to do so could result in missed contributions. Guideline charges a Services Fee to correct missed or delayed contributions. The employer may also incur taxes or penalties for missed contributions.
Day 45 - Guideline 401(k) plan begins
First contributions to your Guideline 401(k) plan will be the first payday after the plan start date.
Day 75 - Assets transfer from previous provider
Approximately 30-45 days after your Guideline plan has begun, your previous provider will liquidate plan assets and wire cash over to your Guideline plan. Please be sure to complete all required processes before your funds are liquidated and wired. This will ensure that your plan’s cash can be allocated into the investment portfolio each participant has selected for their Guideline account. A Pre-Guideline Plan Activity questionnaire will need to be completed after assets have been allocated.