05/28/2025
Important SECURE 2.0 Update

Under the SECURE 2.0 Act Provision 603, starting in 2026, individuals earning $145,000 or more in FICA wages will need to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. For new and existing plans, please review to determine if Roth options need to be included.

Ascensus Retirement Services

Ascensus, a leading retirement plan solutions provider, will act as the pre-approved sponsor for your client's retirement plan document. As one of the largest qualified retirement plan platforms in the country, we offer many plan design options to help create a plan that meets anyone's needs.
 

Establish Services

You have the flexibility to choose from two options to meet your clients’ needs: 

Option 1 - Document Only Services – With this service, Ascensus will provide plan document support and maintenance for your Individual 401(k), 401(k) Profit Sharing or Money Purchase Pension qualified retirement plan. As necessary, Ascensus will provide your plan with applicable IRS required amendments and restate your plan document as needed.
 
NOTE: After completing these steps, be sure to complete the Pershing Employee Data Worksheet that will be submitted to Pershing for each account associated with the applicable plan. These should not be sent to Ascensus.
 
There are two steps required to establish Document Only Services.

Option 2 - Document with Recordkeeping Services – With this service, Ascensus will provide plan document support and maintenance for your Individual 401(k) plan. As necessary, Ascensus will provide your plan with applicable IRS required amendments and restate your plan document as needed. In addition to the plan document services, Ascensus will also provide recordkeeping services for your Individual 401(k) plan.
 
NOTE: If you select Ascensus as the Recordkeeper of this plan, the account must be set up as Omnibus (pooled assets account) at Pershing.
 
Visit our Service Overview page for a more detailed list of these two services.
 
There are two ways to complete the required documents: 1) submit electronically through Sertifi below, or 2) complete, print, and return the Plan Establishment Kit found on the Forms page to Ascensus.
 
Complete and Submit Documents through Sertifi
Before you begin, please have the following information available.
 

Plan name, plan type, employer EIN, and plan provisions (e.g., eligibility requirements, loan provisions, etc.).
 
Provide the Employer/Authorized Signer's email address and select the appropriate plan type below. You must complete the documents in one session and electronically sign.
 
NOTE: The Employer/Authorized Signer must be present to sign while the forms are being completed because the forms cannot be electronically forwarded for signature.

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    • Individual 401(k) Plan Establishment Kit (Document Only)
      A document only Individual 401(k) plan designed for sole proprietors with no employees, or for owners and their spouses, offering elective deferrals and/or profit sharing contributions. This service will provide pre-approved document sponsor services only.
    • Individual 401(k) Plan Establishment Kit (Document with Recordkeeping)
      An Individual 401(k) plan designed for sole proprietors with no employees, or for owners and their spouses, offering elective deferrals and/or profit sharing contributions. This service will provide recordkeeping and tax preparation services by Ascensus.
    • Plan Establishment Kit (Document Only - 401(k) Profit Sharing & Money Purchase Plans)
      A 401(k) Profit Sharing plan is designed for businesses with employees, offering elective deferrals, profit sharing contributions, and employer matching contributions. (Elective deferrals and employer match are not allowed in a profit sharing only plan.) A Money Purchase plan requires a fixed annual employer contribution (does not allow for elective deferrals and other discretionary employer contributions).