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New York State Secure Choice Retirement Plan Mandates: Employer Obligations and Options

February 25, 2026

9 am - 11 am (Event begins at 9:30 am)

Location: Crandall Library (251 Glen St, Glens Falls, NY 12801)

As of 2026, New York State has launched the Secure Choice Savings Program, a mandatory retirement savings initiative affecting many private-sector employers. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the program’s requirements, compliance deadlines, and practical guidance on how employers can meet these new obligations or consider alternative qualified retirement plans (such as IRS-approved 401(k) or 403(b) plans).

Overview:
Under the Secure Choice mandate, private-sector employers with 10 or more employees, who have been in business for at least two years and do not currently offer a qualified retirement plan, must take action in 2026. Eligible employers are now required to register for and facilitate the Secure Choice Savings Program or certify an exemption if a qualified retirement plan is already in place.Key Program Requirements and Employer

Obligations:

• Employer Eligibility: Employers with 10+ employees and in business at least two years that do not offer a qualified retirement plan (including 401(k), 403(b), SEP, SIMPLE IRA, or similar) must participate in Secure Choice unless they certify an exemption.
• Registration Deadlines (2026):
• • 30+ employees: Register by March 18, 2026
  • 15–29 employees: Register by May 15, 2026
  • 10–14 employees: Register by July 15, 2026
• Automatic Enrollment: Participating employers will automatically enroll eligible employees into the program with a default contribution rate of 3% of gross wages, deducted via payroll; employees may opt out or choose a different contribution rate.
• Roth IRA Structure: Employee contributions fund individual Roth IRA accounts, offering portability and flexibility; employers are not permitted to contribute or match, and have no fiduciary responsibilities for investment decisions.
• Exemptions: Employers that already sponsor a qualified retirement plan can certify their exemption using their EIN and state-provided access code.

What Employers Need to Do:

• Register through the New York Secure Choice portal once notified by the state.
• Upload employee information and work with payroll to facilitate automatic deductions.
• Track and remit contributions to the program on behalf of employees.

Why This Matters:
This session will help you understand not only the current legal requirements, but also your options for offering aqualified retirement plan that may better meet your organizational goals (such as a 401(k) or

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Host or Publisher Lisa Boucher and Lauren Gomes Atwood