adding safe harbor match to profit sharing plan

[Old Reliable]

Can a safe harbor match be added to an existing discretionary profit sharing plan mid year (i.e., after January 1?)

[RatherBeGolfing]

Does it already allow for elective deferrals or is it just PS at this time? 

[Artie M]

As @RatherBeGolfing is alluding to, it depends…if the PS plan already has a 401(k) feature in place, a safe harbor match can only be added at the beginning of a future plan year. If the PS plan does not have a 401(k) feature, the safe harbor feature can be implemented on a prospective basis for 2026 as long as it is in place for at least 3 months of the year. So, if the PS plan doesn’t have a 401(k) feature and is a calendar year plan, it can add the safe harbor match until October 1, 2026.

If adding a safe harbor nonelective there is more flexibility, including retroactive options.