
When Your 401(k) Becomes a Large Plan: The 100-Participant Audit Trigger, the 80-120 Rule, and Your First IQPA Audit
Since 2023 plan years only 401(k) participants with account balances count toward the 100-participant large-plan line, so a 60-employee company can owe an $8,000 to $12,000 IQPA audit with its Form 5500. This guide covers the day-one count, how the 80-120 rule defers the audit, the July 31 and October 15 deadlines, and a first-audit preparation checklist.










