If you are in the process of transferring your 401(k) plan to Guideline, the below plan conversion timeline is an example of what to expect. Your finalized conversion timeline will be provided once you’ve completed the plan setup guide with Guideline.
Week 1:
Set up your Guideline account
Once we have completed the plan review process, you will receive an invitation to claim your Guideline account. After your account has been claimed, you’ll need to complete the online setup process:
Sign Service Agreement and Adoption Agreement Connect and verify your bank account
Connect your payroll provider
Additionally, you’ll need to upload documents to your Guideline account for review:
Participant loan report
Employee 401(k) participant census (with dismissed employees clearly marked)
Payroll roster census (if using a non-integrated payroll provider)
Initiate plan transfer with previous 401(k) provider
Once our team finishes our review and confirms all documentation is in good order, Guideline will provide you with exact instructions and a finalized timeline once you’ve completed your plan setup. Please do not initiate your plan transfer until after plan setup is completed.
Week 2:
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.
Week 8:
Final contributions to previous 401(k) provider
You are required to continue making payroll contributions to your previous provider until your plan starts at Guideline. Failure to remit contributions timely will result in missed contributions and/or late deposits. Please note, Guideline will charge an extraordinary service fee for any correction that needs to be processed on behalf of the plan.
Guideline 401(k) plan begins
First contribution to your Guideline 401(k) plan will be the first payday after the plan start date.
Week 12:
Assets transfer from previous provider
Approximately 30-45 days after your plan start date, your previous provider will liquidate your plan assets and wire the funds to Guideline. Please be sure all required tasks have been completed in the plan setup guide. This will ensure your plan assets can be allocated to participant accounts at Guideline. A Pre-Guideline Plan Activity questionnaire must be completed after your plan assets have been allocated.
If you have questions on the 401(k) conversion or transfer process, feel free to check out our FAQ.