The landscape for small business retirement benefits in Virginia has changed. As of July 1, 2026, the RetirePath Virginia mandate has expanded to include nearly all small businesses in the Commonwealth. Is your business affected?

If you have 5 or more eligible employees, have been in operation for at least two years, and do not currently offer a qualified retirement plan (such as a 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA), action is required.

Key Registration Deadlines:

• 10–24 Employees: Deadline is September 30, 2026.
• 5–9 Employees: Deadline is October 30, 2026.

Important Note for Exempt Employers: If you already offer a retirement plan, you are exempt from the mandate but must certify your exemption online using your state-provided access code to avoid potential penalties.

What do you need to do? The program is designed to be low-cost for employers—there are no fees and no required matching contributions. Your role is simply to facilitate payroll deductions for employees who choose to participate.

Take Action Today.  Visit RetirePathVA.com to register your business or certify your exemption.  For questions about how this impacts your specific industry, please contact the Chamber office.