Skip to main content

Our Thoughts Are With You

If you’ve been impacted by the ongoing wildfires, please see our California Wildfire Recovery Resource Guide.

cal_tree_icon.png

businesses.png

Small business, big benefit

  • Simple administration
  • No employer fees or matching
  • No fiduciary responsibilities

CalSavers is designed to make facilitating a retirement program easy for small businesses. Registration is now open and required by state law for employers who do not offer a qualified retirement plan. Be sure to register or apply for exemption by December 31, 2025.

50k.png

Don’t delay, register today!

Your deadline to register and start facilitating CalSavers or apply for an exemption is December 31, 2025.

Start early for more opportunities to attend webinars, ask questions, and talk to field representatives in your region. The sooner you register, the sooner your employees can start saving and the more support will be available to you during the registration process. It only takes 15 minutes to get started.

50k.png

Check your mandate status

If you have 1-4 employees,1 you’ll need to register or request an exemption by December 31, 2025.

You may be exempt if your company:

  • sponsors a qualified retirement plan
  • is classified as a religious, tribal, or government organization
  • has no employees other than the owner(s) (including self-employed individuals)
  • has no employees other than the owner’s spouse
  • only pays independent contractors

1 Employer eligibility and mandate status is based on an employer’s average number of employees from the previous year. This number is calculated by averaging the number of employees reported to EDD on an employer’s four DE9/DE9C filings from the prior calendar year.

To request an exemption:

Simply complete an exemption form. You will need your:

  • Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
  • California payroll tax number
  • CalSavers access code that you received in an email or other mailing

1 Employer eligibility and mandate status is based on an employer’s average number of employees from the previous year. This number is calculated by averaging the number of employees reported to EDD on an employer’s four DE9/DE9C filings from the prior calendar year.

15x - desktop.png

15x - mobile.png

How to register

Follow these four simple steps to get started and manage your program.

Step 1

Register today

You will need your:
  • FEIN
  • CA payroll tax number
  • CalSavers access code that you received in an email or other mailing
Check your email

After completing your registration, you'll receive a confirmation email outlining your next steps.

Step 2

Add employee information

Within 30 days of registering, submit your employee roster using any of these options:
  • Upload a file using our template
  • Enter manually
  • Connect your payroll application

Tip: If you have an employee or third-party you can add them as an administrator to help manage your company's account.

Automatic enrollment

Employees will receive an invitation to set up their account and will have 30 days to opt out. If no action is taken, they will be automatically enrolled.

Step 3

Submit employee contributions

Submit employee contributions

The first contribution submission will be the first pay date that occurs 30 days after you upload your employee roster. You'll get a reminder when it's time. The CalSavers client service team can help you set up CalSavers in your payroll system.

Contributions must be sent within seven days of taking money out of employees' paychecks.

Step 4

Keep CalSavers running smoothly

Once your program is set up, be sure to:
  • Keep track of employee contribution rates in the CalSavers portal.
  • Add new employees within 30 days of hire or when they become eligible.
  • Mark employees as inactive when they leave or are terminated.
  • Process payroll contributions for participating employees.
Line 3@2x.png
Step 1

Register today

You will need your:
  • FEIN
  • CA payroll tax number
  • CalSavers access code that you received in an email or other mailing.
Check your email

After completing your registration, you'll receive a confirmation email outlining your next steps.

Line 3@2x.png
Step 2

Add employee information

Within 30 days of registering, submit your employee roster using any of these options:
  • Upload a file using our template
  • Enter manually
  • Connect your payroll application

Tip: If you have an employee or third-party you can add them as an administrator to help manage your company's account.

Automatic enrollment

Employees will receive an invitation to set up their account and will have 30 days to opt out. If no action is taken, they will be automatically enrolled.

Line 3@2x.png
Step 3

Add employee information

Submit employee contributions

The first contribution submission will be the first pay date that occurs 30 days after you upload your employee roster. You'll get a reminder when it's time. The CalSavers client service team can help you set up CalSavers in your payroll system.

Contributions must be sent within 7 days of taking money out of employees' paychecks.

Line 3@2x.png
Step 4

Keep CalSavers running smoothly

Once your program is set up, be sure to:
  • Keep track of employee contribution rates in the CalSavers portal.
  • Add new employees within 30 days of hire or when they become eligible.
  • Mark employees as inactive when they leave or are terminated.
  • Process payroll contributions for participating employees.
Line 3@2x.png

50 percent.png

We’re here to help

Give us a call, access resources, attend a webinar, or let's meet in person. We're ready for any questions you may have.

Employer assistance: 855-650-6916

FAQs

What is CalSavers and why was it created? Who is required to participate?

CalSavers is a state-facilitated retirement savings program that helps employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The California Legislature created CalSavers so that all Californians have an easy way to save for their future. Research shows that employees are 15 times more likely to save money and put themselves on a path toward retirement security if they have access to a payroll deduction savings program at work. CalSavers helps employees save money automatically from their paychecks, which increases their likelihood of saving for retirement.

All California employers with one or more employees that do not offer a qualified retirement plan, and are not otherwise exempt, must facilitate CalSavers.

How do I know if my business is exempt from the CalSavers mandate?

You may be exempt from the mandate if your company:

  • sponsors a qualified retirement plan;
  • is classified as a religious, tribal, or government organization;
  • has no employees other than the owner(s) (including self-employed individuals);
  • has no employees other than the owner’s spouse; or
  • only pays independent contractors.

If you are exempt from the mandate, to confirm your exemption. You will need your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), California payroll tax ID number from the Employment Development Department (EDD), and the CalSavers access code from your notice.

What steps do I need to take to register my business with CalSavers and facilitate the program to stay in compliance?

To comply with the CalSavers mandate, you must:

  1. Register: You’ll need your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), California payroll tax ID number (from EDD), and the CalSavers access code from your notice.
  2. Add employee information: Add all eligible employees to the CalSavers portal. After the initial upload, employers are required to keep their roster of employees up to date by adding new employees to the portal within 30 days of hire. New employees are eligible upon hire if they are 18 years or older. Existing employees who turn 18 must be added within 30 days of their 18th birthday.
  3. Send payroll deductions: For participating employees, ensure payroll deductions are made and transmitted to CalSavers within seven days of each pay date.

CalSavers has resources and support available to assist employers during their onboarding process. Visit the employer resources and employer support webpages for additional FAQs, documents, templates, webinars, and to request client support or one-on-one assistance.

Sign up for a webinar

Webinars are available in multiple languages every week for you and your employees.

Schedule an in-person meeting

Meet with a field representative in your area to discuss the program, receive guidance setting up your account, and get answers to your questions.