As a Guideline Pro partner, you can invite clients to get started with a Guideline 401(k) plan directly from your dashboard.
Here are the steps to help get your clients started.
Add plan information
From the main page of your dashboard, click the “Add a plan” button.
Choose how the new plan should be added, depending on if the company already has an established 401(k) plan and where it is located:
Start a new plan: Select this option if your client does not already have a 401(k) plan with any provider. To initiate plan setup, you’ll need to add the following information:
Company name
Employee count
Payroll provider
Primary contact’s name and email address
Transfer an existing plan to Guideline: Choose this option if your client has a 401(k) plan with a provider other than Guideline. To start a plan conversion, you’ll need to enter the following:
The designated plan trustee’s name and work email address
Company name
Their current retirement plan provider
You must also upload several documents regarding the client’s current plan, so we can ensure we can adequately service their new one.
Connect to an existing Guideline plan: If your client already has an existing 401(k) plan with Guideline, you’ll simply need their Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Send invite or design plan
Once you’ve entered all the required client information, you will be able to select from two options: “Send invite” or “Design plan.”
Send invite
If you’d like your client to be able to create a plan design on their own, you can choose to send them an email invitation right away.
From the invite, they will be directed to the online plan setup experience where they can choose the plan options that are right for their business. They will also be able to add any missing business or payroll details. Your Guideline Relationship Manager can provide information regarding how provisions operate to help you make decisions regarding plan designs.
Design plan
If you’d prefer a more hands-on approach, the “Design plan” option will let you set plan details based on your recommendations. Your clients will still have the opportunity to make changes before anything is finalized.
When you choose this option, you’ll be guided through a flow that allows you to select the plan type, match formula, and eligibility requirements. You can also add business and payroll details.
Once you’ve selected your preferences, you can send the invite. Your client will then be able to review, change, and approve their plan.
Client onboarding
After the plan is established, your client will be guided through an onboarding flow, where they can set up important plan details, connect their payroll provider, and enter banking or credit information for billing purposes. If provided access, you may also complete these tasks on their behalf.
If your clients have questions about the onboarding process, feel free to share the new plan resources available within our Help Center. Sponsors can also connect with our employer onboarding support team for additional assistance during plan setup.