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What California Household Employers Need to Know About the CalSavers Retirement Program

Posted by HomeWork Solutions on 6/9/25 2:36 PM
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What California Household Employers Need to Know About the CalSavers Retirement Program
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If you're a household employer in California, there’s a new requirement on the horizon you’ll want to be aware of: the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program. While no immediate action is needed, this is something you’ll want on your radar—especially as the deadline approaches.

Here’s what you need to know, in plain language.

What Is CalSavers?

CalSavers is a state-run retirement savings program that helps workers in California save for the future—specifically those whose employers don’t offer a qualified retirement plan, like a 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP IRA.

If you employ even one household worker in California (such as a nanny or senior caregiver) and don’t already offer a retirement plan, you’ll be required to register with CalSavers or claim an exemption by December 31, 2025.

How Does It Work?

Once you’re registered, CalSavers will automatically enroll your employees into a Roth IRA at a 5% contribution rate, deducted from their pay. Employees can:

  • Adjust their savings rate
  • Choose different investment options
  • Opt out altogether

They’ll have 30 days to make these choices after they’re added to the system.

Note: You cannot make employer contributions—this is strictly employee-funded.

What’s Required from You?

As the employer, your role is to:

  1. Register with CalSavers or file an exemption by the deadline (Dec. 31, 2025)
  2. Upload employee info to the CalSavers portal
  3. Deduct contributions from employee paychecks
  4. Submit contributions to CalSavers within 7 days of each payroll

Non-compliance comes with penalties:

  • $250 per employee after 90 days
  • $500 per employee after 180 days

How HomeWork Solutions Can Help

If you're a current HWS Complete or Premier client, we've got you covered. While participation is ultimately your responsibility, we will assist you with setting up your CalSavers account and handling payroll deductions and remittances—just as we do with tax filings. We are unable to assist with CalSavers for HWS Essential accounts, as clients using this service level pay their employees directly. Essential clients who would like to learn more about transitioning their account to a Complete or Premier level, click here.

We’ll also notify your employees and request the necessary info (like Date of Birth) to complete enrollment.

FAQs

Do I have to register if I already offer a 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP IRA?
No. You’re exempt if your household already offers a qualified retirement plan.

What if I only have one employee?
You still need to comply. CalSavers applies to all California employers with at least one employee.

Stay Ahead of the Deadline

While this change may feel like one more thing on your plate, it’s ultimately a step forward in helping your valued household employees save for retirement. HomeWork Solutions is here to simplify the process and ensure you stay compliant, with less stress and no surprises.

We’ll keep you updated as more information as the deadline approaches. If you have any questions or want to talk about how this affects your household, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Topics: senior care, nanny, agency, CPA, CalSavers for household employers, CalSavers deadline 2025, CalSavers, California domestic worker retirement, California nanny employer retirement plan, nanny employer CalSavers, senior caregiver CalSavers, HomeWork Solutions CalSavers help, household employer payroll compliance CA

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