What is a key feature of SIMPLE Plans?

A key feature of SIMPLE Plans is that employer matching is required. SIMPLE stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees, and it is designed primarily for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

In this plan, the employer must either match employee contributions up to a certain percentage or make a flat contribution for all eligible employees, which emphasizes the shared responsibility in funding retirement savings. This requirement encourages employer participation and aims to increase the overall retirement savings of employees.

The other features mentioned are distinct aspects not characteristic of SIMPLE Plans. For instance, while employee contributions are made, they are not optional; employees must choose to contribute to the plan. Moreover, contribution limits for SIMPLE Plans are relatively modest compared to other retirement plans, so they do not have "high contribution limits." Lastly, employer contributions are not solely from the employer's funds, as employees also contribute. Therefore, the requirement of employer matching is what makes this feature significant in the context of SIMPLE Plans.