401(k) Plan Audits
Your 401(k) audit, done right.
A 401(k) audit doesn't have to be painful. With fixed pricing, a single document request, and weekly updates, we make the process predictable and painless.
Starting at $10,000 — see full pricing
What is a 401(k) audit?
The Department of Labor requires 401(k) plans with 100 or more eligible participants at the beginning of the plan year to have an annual audit by an independent qualified public accountant. This is commonly called a "limited-scope audit" under ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C).
The auditor tests that the plan is being administered correctly: contributions are calculated and deposited on time, participants are properly eligible, distributions follow the plan document, loans comply with regulatory limits, and assets are properly valued. The final report is filed along with your Form 5500.
This isn't a tax audit. It's a compliance audit designed to protect plan participants and give the Department of Labor confidence that retirement assets are being managed properly. Done well, it also gives you — the plan sponsor — confidence that your plan is running correctly.
Who Needs One
Does your plan require an audit?
Plans with 100+ eligible participants
If your plan has 100 or more eligible participants on the first day of the plan year, you need an audit. This is the most common trigger and applies regardless of how many participants actually have balances.
Plans filing a "large plan" Form 5500
If you checked the "large plan" box on your Form 5500, an audit is required — even if your participant count dipped below 100. The 80-120 rule means once you cross 120, you stay in "large plan" status until you drop below 80.
Plans that received a DOL notice
If the DOL has contacted you about a missing or deficient audit, you need to act quickly. Late or deficient filings can result in penalties of up to $250 per day. We can help you get into compliance.
The Pepper Difference
How we make audits painless
One document request
We send one comprehensive request upfront. Not 5-10 rounds of follow-ups over months. You gather everything once, and we get to work.
Fixed pricing
Your audit costs $10,000 or $12,000 depending on plan size — plans with 2,500+ participants get custom pricing. Period. No hourly billing, no overages, no "we went over budget" conversations.
4-8 week timeline
We set a timeline at kickoff and stick to it. Weekly status updates keep you informed so you always know where things stand.
Dedicated engagement lead
You'll work with one person throughout the engagement. No being passed between junior staff or wondering who to call.
24-hour response time
Questions answered fast. No disappearing into a black box for weeks. If you email us, you'll hear back within one business day.
Pricing
Simple, fixed pricing
FAQ
Common questions about 401(k) audits
Ready to get started?
Get your audit proposal in under 2 minutes. Fixed pricing, no surprises.
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