OregonSaves: does your business have to register, and by when?

Every Oregon employer that doesn't offer a qualified retirement plan has to register with OregonSaves, whatever its size.

The next deadline is July 31, 2027, for businesses set up from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

The size-based deadlines all passed by 2023. New businesses register by July 31: the same year if set up from January to March, otherwise the next year. If you already offer a 401(k), you certify an exemption instead.

Deadline coming upOregonSaves

Who has to do this?

Under Oregon's retirement savings law (ORS 178.200 to 178.260 and 178.990) and its rules (OAR chapter 170, division 80)4, a Oregon employer is covered when all of these are true:

  • You have employees in Oregon. There is no minimum number. 1
  • You don't offer a qualified retirement plan. 1

What a covered employer does: Register with OregonSaves, add employees and send payroll contributions each pay period, or certify an exemption. 1

When?

The next deadline is July 31, 2027, for businesses set up from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

OregonSaves deadlines
WhoDeadlineWhat is due
Employers with 100 or more employeesNovember 15, 2017PassedRegister or certify an exemption 5
Employers with 50 to 99 employeesMay 15, 2018PassedRegister or certify an exemption 5
Employers with 20 to 49 employeesDecember 15, 2018PassedRegister or certify an exemption 5
Employers with 10 to 19 employeesMay 15, 2019PassedRegister or certify an exemption 5
Employers with 5 to 9 employeesNovember 15, 2019PassedRegister or certify an exemption 5
Employers with 3 or 4 employeesMarch 1, 2023PassedRegister or certify an exemption 5
Employers with 1 or 2 employeesJuly 31, 2023PassedRegister or certify an exemption 5
Businesses set up from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027July 31, 2027Register or certify an exemption 2

A new business set up from January 1 to March 31 registers by July 31 of that year; one set up later registers by July 31 of the following year. 2

What is OregonSaves?

  • Contributions go to each employee's own Roth IRA. 1
  • The default savings rate is 5% of gross pay. Employees are enrolled after 30 days unless they opt out, and can opt out or back in at any time. 1
  • Employers cannot contribute to employee accounts. 1

What if we already have a 401(k)?

  • Employers that offer a qualified plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b), SEP, SIMPLE IRA or 457(b), to any of their employees are exempt. 3
  • Certify your exemption online with your EIN and the Access Code from your OregonSaves notice, before your deadline. 3

Your two options

Either one meets the requirement. The state program column is as the state describes it; which suits you depends on your business and your people.

Join OregonSavesOffer your own plan
What you doRegister with OregonSaves, add employees and send payroll contributions each pay period, or certify an exemption. 1Certify an exemption online with your EIN and the Access Code from your notice. 3
Where the money goesA Roth IRA for each employee 1Accounts in the plan you choose, such as a 401(k)
Employer contributionsNot permitted 1Up to you, within the plan's design
Fee to the employerNo fees for employers, according to the program. 1Set by the provider you choose

What does it cost?

The state program: No fees for employers, according to the program. 1

Your own plan: the provider sets the fees, and federal tax credits can cover part of the cost of starting one. See 401(k) tax credits for small businesses and our pricing.

What happens if we don't?

  • The Bureau of Labor and Industries may assess a civil penalty of up to $100 per eligible employee, capped at $5,000 a calendar year. 4

General information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the state program or your counsel.

Sources & Methodology
  1. Oregon State Treasury, OregonSaves, Employers. Read October 13, 2026.
  2. Oregon State Treasury, OregonSaves, I just started a new business in Oregon. When is my deadline to register?, page dated January 24, 2025. Read October 13, 2026.
  3. Oregon State Treasury, OregonSaves, How do I certify an exemption?. Read October 13, 2026.
  4. Oregon Legislature, ORS chapter 178 (2025 edition). Read October 13, 2026.
  5. Oregon Secretary of State, OAR chapter 170, division 80, Oregon Retirement Savings Program. Read October 13, 2026.

Each statement is paraphrased or quoted from the source it cites. A link to a state agency does not mean the agency endorses alooola. Last verified October 13, 2026.

Get help with OregonSaves in three steps

  1. Tell us about your business: your state, how many people work for you, and any plan you have now.
  2. An advisor talks it through with you and sends a written proposal with the fees, so you can weigh it against the state program.
  3. If you choose your own plan, we coordinate the setup with you and your payroll provider. You then certify your exemption with the state.
Request a proposal

Prefer to talk? Call (484) 275-5525, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm ET.