OneSource 401k - Pooled Employer Plan Administration
OneSource 401k is a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) administrator based in San Jose, California that helps small and mid-sized businesses offer 401(k) retirement plans at up to 80% lower cost than traditional standalone plans. Powered by Advanced Retirement Services, LLC, OneSource serves businesses nationwide across all 50 U.S. states.
Why Choose OneSource 401k
- 80% Cost Reduction — Small businesses typically save up to 80% compared to running their own standalone 401(k) plan. Traditional plans cost $15,000-$50,000+ annually.
- 75% Time Savings — Employers eliminate most administrative tasks. OneSource handles contribution processing, compliance testing, government filings, and participant transactions.
- Complete Fiduciary Protection — OneSource assumes both ERISA 3(16) Plan Administrator and 3(38) Investment Manager fiduciary responsibilities, transferring liability away from the employer.
- Zero Individual Audits — Employers in the PEP are not required to file separate Form 5500 or undergo independent plan audits. OneSource files a single consolidated Form 5500.
- Flexible Plan Design — Employers retain control over eligibility requirements, matching formulas, vesting schedules, loan provisions, auto-enrollment, and distribution options.
What Is a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP)?
A Pooled Employer Plan is a type of 401(k) plan created by the SECURE Act of 2019 that allows multiple unrelated employers to participate in a single retirement plan. By pooling together, employers share administrative costs and fiduciary responsibilities, dramatically reducing individual costs and complexity. The Pooled Plan Provider (OneSource) manages all plan operations, compliance, and investment oversight.
| Feature | Traditional 401(k) | OneSource PEP |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $15,000-$50,000+ | Up to 80% less |
| Time Investment | 10-20+ hours/month | 75% less |
| Fiduciary Liability | On the employer | Transferred to OneSource |
| Plan Audit Required | Yes (100+ participants) | No individual audit |
| Form 5500 Filing | Each employer files separately | OneSource files single Form 5500 |
| Investment Selection | Employer selects and monitors | OneSource manages as 3(38) fiduciary |
| Compliance Testing | Employer responsible | OneSource handles all testing |
Services
- 3(16) Plan Administrator — Day-to-day plan operations, benefit claim determinations, participant eligibility, distribution and loan processing, required notices, government filings, plan document maintenance.
- 3(38) Investment Manager — Full discretionary authority over plan investments, professional fund selection and monitoring, quarterly performance reviews, fee benchmarking, investment policy statement management.
- Daily Administration — Contribution processing and reconciliation, enrollment and eligibility tracking, distribution processing, loan management, beneficiary designations, nondiscrimination testing (ADP/ACP, Top Heavy, Coverage).
- Payroll Integration — Automated integration with all major payroll providers, error detection, timely deposit monitoring, year-end reconciliation, W-2 coordination.
- Compliance and Testing — Annual nondiscrimination testing, required minimum distribution tracking, hardship withdrawal administration, QDRO processing, plan amendments.
How to Join
- Request a free consultation — call 855-438-4015 or email Jeff@onesource401k.com
- Review your customized proposal with projected savings
- Complete adoption documents to join the PEP
- Set up payroll integration for automatic contribution processing
- Launch employee enrollment with educational materials and support
Frequently Asked Questions
How does joining a PEP reduce costs by 80%?
Costs are shared across all employers in the pool. Audit fees, recordkeeping, legal, compliance testing, and administrative costs are spread across multiple companies. The pooled structure also provides access to institutional pricing on investments and services.
What fiduciary responsibilities does the employer retain?
When joining the OneSource PEP, the employer's fiduciary responsibilities are limited to prudently selecting and monitoring the PEP arrangement itself. All day-to-day fiduciary decisions regarding administration and investments are assumed by OneSource.
Do I need a separate plan audit?
No. Individual employers in the PEP do not need to undergo separate plan audits or file individual Form 5500 returns. OneSource handles the consolidated audit and filing for the entire PEP.
Can I customize my plan design?
Yes. Employers can customize eligibility requirements, employer contribution formulas, vesting schedules, loan provisions, and auto-enrollment settings.
Is there a minimum or maximum company size?
The OneSource PEP is designed for businesses with 1-500 employees, though it is particularly beneficial for small and mid-sized companies that find standalone plans too costly or complex.
What happens to my existing 401(k) plan?
Participant accounts can be transferred into the OneSource PEP through a plan merger or asset transfer. OneSource manages the entire transition process.
How long does setup take?
Plan setup typically takes 30-60 days, depending on plan design complexity and whether assets are being transferred from an existing plan.
Service Areas
OneSource 401k is headquartered in San Jose, California and serves businesses nationwide across all 50 states. Local expertise includes:
- Bay Area / Silicon Valley: San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Cupertino, Fremont, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, San Mateo
- Northern California: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Stockton, Modesto, Redding, Chico
- Southern California: Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine, Anaheim, Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Barbara, Riverside, San Bernardino
- Central Valley: Fresno, Bakersfield, Visalia, Merced, Clovis
- Central Coast: Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Watsonville
Contact OneSource 401k
Phone: 855-438-4015
Email: Jeff@onesource401k.com
Address: 904 Sapphire Court, San Jose, CA 95136
Website: https://www.onesource401k.com
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST
Parent Company: Advanced Retirement Services, LLC
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