--- title: Do You Need a 401(k) Plan Audit for 2025? description: Find out whether your company needs a 401(k) plan audit for 2025, how ERISA participant thresholds work, and what happens if you’re not compliant. image: https://blog.cmp.cpa/hubfs/Do%20You%20Need%20a%20401k%20Plan%20Audit%20for%202025_2.jpg --- - [Contact Us](https://cmp.cpa/contact-us/) - [Bill Pay](https://cmp.cpa/my-account/) - [File Drop-Off](https://app2.gettruss.io/firm_drop_offs/new?auth_token=MTQyNyZ6OW1HeHh4NWhRbXNIRDF6RmU3OVZXRGJRUkV2aU5ZSGN0OXprNUtH&firm_user_id=3261) - [Client Portal](https://app2.gettruss.io/client_portals/sign_in?client_portal_name=CMP-CPA) [![CMP](https://blog.cmp.cpa/hubfs/Cookmartin-Dec2015/CMP-Logo.png "Cook Martin Poulson, P.C.")](https://cmp.cpa/) - [Home](https://cmp.cpa/) - [About](https://cmp.cpa/company/) - [Meet the Team](https://cmp.cpa/company/meet-the-team/) - [Community](https://cmp.cpa/company/community/) - [CMP Celebrates 40-Years In Business](https://cmp.cpa/company/news/) - [Careers](https://cmp.cpa/company/careers/) - [Reviews & Testimonials](https://cmp.cpa/reviews/) - [Services](https://cmp.cpa/services/) - [Tax Preparation](https://cmp.cpa/services/income-tax-services/) - [Tax Planning](https://cmp.cpa/services/tax-planning/) - [Financial Audits & Reviews](https://cmp.cpa/services/financial-statements-audits-and-reviews/) - [Business Valuation](https://cmp.cpa/services/business-valuations/) - [Estate and Succession Planning](https://cmp.cpa/services/estate-succession-planning/) - [ERISA / 401K Audits](https://cmp.cpa/services/erisa-audits/) - [Crypto Tax Accountant](https://cmp.cpa/services/crypto-tax/) - [Federal R&D Tax Credit](https://cmp.cpa/services/rd-tax-credit-services/) - [Utah R&D Tax Credit](https://cmp.cpa/services/utah-rd-tax-credit-services/) - [Bookkeeping and Payroll](https://cmp.cpa/services/bookkeeping-and-payroll-services/) - [Accounting Software Solutions & Consulting](https://cmp.cpa/services/accounting-software-solutions/) - [Retirement Plan Services and TPA](https://cmp.cpa/services/retirement-plan-tpa-services/) - [Cost Segregation Studies](https://cmp.cpa/services/cost-segregation/) - [Outsourced CFO](https://cmp.cpa/services/cfo-outsourced-solutions/) - [Industries](https://cmp.cpa/industries/) - [Farm and Ranch](https://cmp.cpa/industries/farm-ranch-accountant-service/) - [Real Estate and Construction](https://cmp.cpa/industries/real-estate-construction/) - [Retail and Wholesale](https://cmp.cpa/industries/wholesale-and-retail-accounting-services/) - [Nonprofit](https://cmp.cpa/industries/non-profits/) - [Manufacturing](https://cmp.cpa/industries/manufacturing/) - [Healthcare](https://cmp.cpa/industries/healthcare/) - [Technology](https://cmp.cpa/industries/software-technology/) - [Internet Marketing/YouTube](https://cmp.cpa/industries/internet-marketing-youtube/) - [Resources](https://cmp.cpa/resources/) - [Videos](https://cmp.cpa/videos/) - [Tools](https://cmp.cpa/resources/#tools) - [Important Documents](https://cmp.cpa/resources/#import-doc) - [Important Links](https://cmp.cpa/resources/#import-link) - [FAQ](https://cmp.cpa/resources/faqs/) - [Problems We Solve](https://cmp.cpa/problems-we-solve/) - [Blog](https://blog.cmp.cpa/)   Wasatch Front  [801-467-4450](tel:8014674450) |  Cache Valley [435-750-5566](tel:4357505566)[tel:8017428119](tel:8017428119) | Southern Utah  [435-269-4540](tel:4352694540) ![Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg](https://blog.cmp.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/Cookmartin-Dec2015/Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg?width=1106&name=Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg "Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg") # Do You Need a 401(k) Plan Audit for 2025? Published January 08, 2026 By [Tyson Strong](https://blog.cmp.cpa/author/tyson-strong) Do You Need a 401(k) Plan Audit for 2025? 3:40 ## Key Takeaways - **401(k) audit requirement**: A plan audit is required under ERISA once the plan reaches 100 or more participants with account balances at the beginning of the plan year. - **Participant count matters**: Audit requirements are based on participants with account balances, not total eligible employees. - **80–120 participant rule**: Plans in this range may continue filing as a small plan and avoid an audit if they qualified in the prior year. - **Noncompliance risks**: Failing to obtain a required audit can result in DOL penalties, rejected Form 5500 filings, and fiduciary exposure. - **Experienced CPA support**: Working with a firm that specializes in 401(k) audits helps ensure compliance while improving plan governance and internal controls. If your company offers a 401(k) plan, compliance with the [U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)](https://www.dol.gov/) and IRS regulations isn’t optional; it’s essential. Once your plan reaches a certain size, an independent audit is required under the [Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)](https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/retirement/erisa). At [CMP](https://cmp.cpa/), we specialize in [employee benefit plan audits](https://cmp.cpa/services/erisa-audits/), including [401(k) plans](https://cmp.cpa/services/retirement-plan-tpa-services/). Our team combines technical expertise with a client-focused approach that streamlines the audit process. ![Do You Need a 401k Plan Audit for 2025](https://blog.cmp.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/Do%20You%20Need%20a%20401k%20Plan%20Audit%20for%202025.jpg?width=2000&height=1000&name=Do%20You%20Need%20a%20401k%20Plan%20Audit%20for%202025.jpg) ## When is a 401(k) Audit Required? Under ERISA, large 401(k) plans must attach an independent auditor’s report to their annual [Form 5500 filing](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/key-topics/reporting-and-filing/form-5500). Whether an audit is required depends on the number of participants with account balances at the beginning of the plan year. | **Plan Type** | **Participant Count** | **Audit Requirement** | | --- | --- | --- | | Large Plan | 100+ participants with account balances | Audit Required | | Small Plan | Fewer than 100 participants with account balances | No Audit Required | | 80-120 Participant Rule | Between 80 and 120 participants with account balances (and filed as a small plan in the prior year) | May continue as a small plan and avoid an audit | You can find the number of participants with account balances on your Form 5500 filing or contact your TPA. If you are unsure which category your plan falls into for 2025, your TPA can help determine whether the audit requirement applies. Failing to obtain a required audit can result in DOL penalties, rejected Form 5500 filings, and potential fiduciary exposure, making timely compliance critical. ## Why Choose CMP for Your 401(k) Audit? **1. 401(k) Audit Expertise:** We perform [401(k) audits](https://blog.cmp.cpa/401k-audit-checklist) year-round. Our understanding of plan operations, participant eligibility, contributions, distributions, and investment reporting allows us to identify issues early and keep your audit on track. **2. Regulatory Confidence:** We stay up to date on DOL, [IRS](https://www.irs.gov/), and GAAP requirements to ensure your plan’s [financial statements](https://cmp.cpa/services/financial-statements-audits-and-reviews/) comply with all requirements and avoid unnecessary risks. **3. Personalized Attention:** At CMP, you work directly with [experienced professionals](https://cmp.cpa/company/meet-the-team/) who understand your plan and your business. We prioritize communication, responsiveness, and a smooth audit experience. **4. Value Beyond Compliance:** Our audit process includes practical recommendations to enhance internal controls, improve plan governance, and [reduce administrative risk](https://blog.cmp.cpa/what-is-a-401k-tpa/), supporting both your organization and your employees’ financial future. ## Ready to Simplify Your 401(k) Audit? Partner with CMP for a smart, efficient, and fully compliant audit process. If your plan will require a 401(k) audit, contact us early to secure your place on our audit schedule. [![\\\\\Would Your Employee Retirement Plan Survive An IRS Audit?\\\\\\\\\\\Get An Assessment → \\\\\\\](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/1853761/interactive-207557188144.png)](https://blog.cmp.cpa/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKMMjSmPyLQ7MsZrUXK%2BilnSbzbTJcepFtYwYc5cnW81gT%2FMjI%2BZ0QcxZtOknOcOX5gHc%2FdR7SiqthICEdGljVOPRsXvjiWG%2ByiuphOnKIRGbvQafnvKvN3tTFVNd617kYs4GOY8R%2F5KF5GW%2F%2BRQQi1FQCuTWP3zNrEVq%2BkZblAZtFRBt0RuNfxmCC2yIo7U68jhcw3jRFw4Ng3Jke9qjzorC1UCb6IR6uO1BrMiTDs&webInteractiveContentId=207557188144&portalId=1853761) *This content is for educational purposes only and may not apply to your specific tax situation. Tax laws are complex, subject to change, and depend on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified tax advisor before relying on this information.* [![Tyson Strong](https://blog.cmp.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/Tyson-Strong-cPA.jpg?width=160&height=190&name=Tyson-Strong-cPA.jpg)](https://cmp.cpa/team/tyson-strong/) About Tyson Strong Tyson Strong is an Audit Associate at CMP, where he has been a member of the auditing team since 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Governors University and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Accounting. Tyson enjoys problem-solving and is committed to continuing his education to strengthen his expertise in the accounting field. A Cache Valley native, Tyson lives in Smithfield, Utah, with his wife, Laney, and their three children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, camping, fishing, and attending movies, concerts, and plays. He is a dedicated football fan and supports the New Orleans Saints and Utah State Aggies. 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