On August 7, 2026, the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Q&As in Notice 2026-48 consistent with their intent to release proposed regulations for the Saver’s Match, a program designed to help low- and moderate-income workers save for retirement. The Q&As address administrative and compliance issues for retirement plan sponsors considering whether to accept Saver’s Match contributions. The notice requests public comments about the implementation process for Saver’s Match contributions and plan operation questions for plan sponsors.

Eligible workers will need an account—either an individual retirement account (IRA) or an employer-sponsored retirement plan account—that can accept Saver’s Match contributions. TrumpIRA.gov could make it easier for workers without an employer plan to establish an IRA that accepts contributions. Learn more about IRAs in this blog: “What Employers Need to Know About IRAs and the Saver’s Match.”

This blog covers IRS guidance for workers with access to an employer-sponsored 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b) plan, if their plan accepts Saver’s Match contributions. “Neither retirement plans nor IRAs are required to accept Saver’s Match contributions directly from Treasury. However, because Saver’s Match contributions represent a new approach to promoting retirement savings and an important opportunity to improve the long-term financial security for low- to moderate-income Americans, Treasury and the IRS encourage retirement plans and IRAs to consider accepting such contributions,” the notice states.

Saver’s Match Replaces the Saver’s Credit

A current federal program called the Saver’s Credit is a tax credit for individuals making contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA) or an employer-sponsored retirement plan, including 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Eligibility depends on tax factors, such as adjusted gross income and filing status. The Saver’s Credit is applied directly to the individual’s tax bill, reducing the amount of income tax owed. It can’t, however, reduce taxes below zero.

Beginning in 2027, the Saver’s Match will replace the Saver’s Credit. Instead of a tax credit handled via an individual’s tax return, the Saver’s Match is a federal contribution made into an individual’s IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan up to 50% of the individual’s contribution, for a maximum annual match of $1,000. The federal contribution is made to an IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b) plan. Contributions to a Roth account may qualify for the Saver’s Match, but the federal match itself cannot be deposited into a Roth account.

The Saver’s Match is still based on the individual’s filing status and modified adjusted gross income. It will apply to retirement contributions made in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026. Payments of the federal contribution are scheduled to begin in 2028 after income tax filings are completed, based on the contributions made in 2027.

One benefit to the Saver’s Match is that even individuals with no income tax liability can receive a federal contribution directly into an eligible retirement account. The challenge, however, is ensuring that the government’s contribution is deposited into the correct individual’s retirement account.

Implementation Issues With Saver’s Match Contributions

Notice 2026-48 outlines how Treasury and IRS have structured the Saver’s Match program and identifies operational issues that still need to be finalized.

The Notice identifies seven topics that Treasury and IRS continue to evaluate, including the following:

• Tax treatment of Saver’s Match contributions
• Individual eligibility requirements and considerations
• Examples for calculating contributions
• Methods for transmitting the contributions to retirement accounts
• Determination of which retirement plans and IRAs may receive contributions from the Treasury
• Process for individuals to claim contributions
• Reporting and other administrative obligations for retirement plans.

Plan Sponsor Options With Saver’s Match Contributions

Because plan sponsors are not required to accept Saver’s Match contributions, they should first determine whether doing so aligns with the plan’s goals. Employers can consider the following steps.

• Plan documentation: Determine whether plan amendments are needed.
• Service-provider coordination: Discuss implementation requirements with the plan recordkeeper and other service providers.
• Internal processes: Review and update procedures for processing outside contributions through payroll systems, including how payment errors will be handled.
• Data protection: Address cybersecurity and privacy issues.

Takeaways for Plan Sponsors That Choose to Accept Saver’s Match Contributions

Although the federal government deposits Saver’s Match contributions directly into an individual’s account, employers still play an important role. Employers that choose to accept Saver’s Match contributions should consider the following steps.

• Benefits communications: Add information about the Saver’s Match to benefits communication materials.
• Employee education: Explain the program clearly so employees understand how it works and know where to direct questions.
• Financial wellness resources: Create or revise financial wellness materials, including examples that illustrate how the Saver’s Match may impact employees.
• Payroll deferrals: Explain payroll deferrals and pretax contributions.

As part of Notice 2026-48, the Treasury and IRS are requesting comments about the implementation process and clarifications that should be made in their forthcoming guidance. Comments are due by October 5, 2026.

The International Foundation will be awaiting the release of the proposed rules for the Saver’s Match. In the meantime, visit the International Foundation’s SECURE 2.0 Act toolkit for updates.

Developed by International Foundation Information Center staff. This does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your plan professionals for legal advice.