Running a business means keeping track of payroll, staffing, customers, taxes, and a seemingly endless supply of administrative requirements. One that deserves a place near the top of the checklist is Colorado SecureSavings. Employers receiving a program notice need to take one of two actions: register their business or certify an exemption. Setting the notice aside does not accomplish either.

The most easily overlooked detail may affect businesses that already offer retirement benefits. Having a qualified retirement plan can exempt your business from facilitating Colorado SecureSavings, but employers should still certify that exemption. “We already have a 401(k)” is a reason to complete the exemption process, not a reason to ignore the notice.

Colorado SecureSavings is a state-administered program that allows employees to save in their own Roth individual retirement accounts through payroll deductions. There is no fee for employers to facilitate the program, and employers do not contribute to or match employee savings. Participation is voluntary for employees, who can opt out.

Eagle County businesses are among the lowest in enrollment in the state; if your business received a notice and has not acted, review it promptly.

Under the program’s eligibility guidance, Colorado businesses must facilitate the program if they have been operating for at least two years, have at least five W-2 employees who have worked for them for at least 180 days, and do not offer a qualified retirement plan. Employers should review those criteria carefully rather than assume that their business qualifies (or does not qualify) based on a quick head count.

For businesses required to participate, registration is the beginning of an ongoing payroll responsibility. Employers add eligible employees, and the program communicates directly with those employees about their options. Employees have an initial 30-day period to opt out or customize their choices. Those who do not act are automatically enrolled, and payroll deductions begin. Employees retain the ability to change their contribution choices or opt out later.

The employer’s role is administrative: keep employee information current, process payroll deductions, and submit contributions. Employers do not choose investments or provide investment advice to participating employees. Although the program charges employers no facilitation fee, businesses should budget staff time for registration, payroll setup, and ongoing administration. Free to facilitate still requires someone to do the work.

This deserves attention now. The registration deadline has passed for businesses notified before January 1, 2026. If your business received a notice and has not responded, review it promptly and complete the appropriate process.

Start by confirming whether your business offers a qualified retirement plan and reviewing the program’s eligibility requirements. Then assign responsibility for completing registration or certifying the exemption. Your bookkeeper, payroll provider, or benefits administrator can help gather information and coordinate the necessary steps. Registration requires your federal Employer Identification Number and the access code provided in your program notification.

Assigning responsibility matters. A notice can land in the owner’s inbox while payroll is handled elsewhere. Forwarding that email is useful, but confirming completion is what closes the loop. Someone should own the task, finish it, and retain confirmation for the business’s records.

Vail Valley Partnership’s mission of leading collaboration includes helping local employers understand requirements that affect their operations. Business owners have plenty competing for their attention; a clear explanation and a practical next step can help keep an administrative obligation from becoming an unfinished task.

Visit ColoradoSecureSavings.com, review the requirements, and register your business or certify your exemption. If you already offer a retirement plan, make sure that exemption is recorded. If you must facilitate the program, put the payroll process in place.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com