Once the automation begins, here's how the sync works and when to make updates in Gusto vs. Empower.
Payroll files
Gusto will send payroll files one day after the check date. Please allow at least one additional day for this to be reflected in your Empower account.
Deferral changes
Employee enrollments and deferral changes must be made in Empower 401(k) accounts and will then be synced automatically back from Empower to Gusto within a week. If you note that an employee deferral is not accurately reflected in Gusto, please contact us at 401kimplementation@gusto.com.
Here's how to review your employees' current deferral amounts:
- Sign in to your Gusto admin account.
- Go to the Benefits section.
- Choose the Empower 401(k) tile.
- Click the Employees tab.
- Review the deferral amounts listed in Gusto. Make sure they match your current employee deferral rates as listed in your Empower 401(k) account.
Not that this does not include company contributions. If applicable, company contributions are applied at the time of running payroll.
Census changes
All employee hires, dismissals, name and address changes must take place in Gusto and will then sync over to Empower on the next payroll file. Please allow at least two days after the pay date for these to be reflected in your Empower account, although sometimes it may take longer.
Update employee eligibility
Here's where to manage your employees' eligibility:
- New hires: You’ll note new employee 401(k) eligibility when onboarding an employee.
- Update current employees: You can update an existing employee’s eligibility status in their employee profile—go to their Work tab, then look under "401(k) eligibility status."
Eligibility statuses
Qualified or May Qualify Someday: Use this status for any employee who has qualified for the 401(k) plan or may qualify in the future. If an employee is eligible but has opted out of the plan, they should still be marked as Qualifies or may qualify someday.
Excluded from plan: This status should only be used if an employee is excluded from participating in the 401(k) plan based on your plan specifications and will never be eligible to participate.