SECURE 2.0 Update: Treasury and IRS Issue New Guidance on Saver's Match Program
Part of a series | SECURE 2.0 Act Insights
The guidance is intended to provide stakeholders with greater certainty as retirement providers, financial institutions and employers prepare for implementation of this significant SECURE 2.0 provision.
The Treasury Department and IRS have issued Notice 2026-48 outlining anticipated rules for the SECURE 2.0 Saver's Match program and announced their intent to issue proposed regulations.
Background on the Saver's Match
The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 created the Saver's Match, a new federal retirement savings incentive designed to help low- and moderate-income workers build retirement security. The program replaces the existing Saver's Credit beginning with the 2027 tax year.
Unlike the Saver's Credit, which reduces a taxpayer's income tax liability, the Saver's Match will be contributed directly into an eligible retirement account. Under the program, eligible taxpayers may receive a federal matching contribution equal to 50% of up to $2,000 of qualified retirement savings contributions, for a maximum annual match of $1,000.
According to IRS guidance, the match begins to phase out for individuals with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above $20,500 and married taxpayers filing jointly with income above $41,000. The benefit phases out completely for individuals with income of $35,000 or more and married taxpayers filing jointly with income of $71,000 or more.
What Notice 2026-48 Addresses
Notice 2026-48 provides the initial information for implementation of the Saver's Match program. The guidance outlines the rules Treasury and the IRS expect to include in forthcoming proposed regulations and addresses several key operational issues, including:
Eligibility requirements for individuals claiming the Saver's Match
Calculation of qualified retirement savings contributions and applicable match amounts
Identification of eligible retirement plans and IRAs that may receive Saver's Match deposits
Procedures under consideration for claiming the Saver's Match on a federal income tax return
Methods for transmitting federal matching contributions to retirement accounts
Reporting and administrative responsibilities for employers, retirement plan providers, recordkeepers, and IRA custodians
Special rules for matches of less than $100, which may be taken as a refundable tax credit if the taxpayer elects that treatment
The guidance is intended to provide stakeholders with greater certainty as retirement providers, financial institutions and employers prepare for implementation of this significant SECURE 2.0 provision.
According to Treasury and the IRS, forthcoming proposed regulations are expected to be consistent with the framework outlined in the Notice. The agencies also requested public comments on various aspects of the program through Oct. 5, 2026.
TrumpIRA.gov and Retirement Savings Access
The guidance also marks the beginning of Treasury and IRS implementation of the Trump administration’s Executive Order 14403, "Promoting Retirement-Savings Access for American Workers by Establishing TrumpIRA.gov."
Under the executive order, Treasury is tasked with launching TrumpIRA.gov by Jan. 1, 2027. The website is intended to provide information about low-cost IRA options and promote awareness of the Saver's Match among workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Treasury and the IRS anticipate that the website will identify financial institutions offering eligible IRAs that can receive Saver's Match contributions and satisfy other program requirements. The agencies also indicated that additional information for IRA providers interested in participating will be released later in 2026.
Why This Matters for Employers
Although the Saver's Match is primarily a federal incentive for eligible employees, employers may play an important role in educating workers about potential retirement savings opportunities alongside payroll deferrals.
The direct-deposit structure of the Saver's Match may increase the visibility and value of retirement plan participation for lower-income workers, potentially encouraging greater plan enrollment and contribution rates. Because the match is a federal contribution paid directly to an eligible retirement account, employers are not responsible for calculating, funding, or processing the match through payroll, yet employees may still receive the benefit if they qualify. Employers sponsoring workplace retirement plans may want to evaluate future employee communications and financial wellness materials as implementation guidance develops.
In addition, retirement plan administrators, payroll providers and recordkeepers may need to coordinate with federal reporting requirements and operational processes associated with the new program.
Looking Ahead
Notice 2026-48 represents another important step in the continued implementation of SECURE 2.0. While the guidance answers certain initial questions regarding the Saver's Match, Treasury and the IRS have indicated that additional proposed regulations and operational guidance are forthcoming.
As implementation continues, employers should monitor future developments to better understand any compliance, reporting, or participant communication obligations associated with the program.
As always, ADP will continue to keep you informed regarding future retirement plan and compliance developments.
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Updated August 11, 2026
