What Are State-Run IRA Programs?
A Simple Guide for Small Business Owners and Freelancers
If you’re self-employed or run a small business without a retirement plan, you are not alone, and you are not without options. Many states now offer state-run IRA programs that make it easier to start saving for retirement without the complexity or cost of setting up a traditional 401(k) plan.
These programs are gaining traction nationwide and are especially helpful for small business owners, 1099 contractors, freelancers, and gig workers who want to take control of their financial future.
What Is a State-Run IRA Program?
State-run IRA programs, often called Auto-IRAs, are government-facilitated retirement savings programs. They allow workers to contribute to an Individual Retirement Account, usually through automatic payroll deductions on a Roth (after-tax) basis.
These accounts are portable, meaning they follow you if you switch jobs or change career paths.
Why These Programs Matter
If you’re not yet offering a retirement plan to your team or if you’re saving on your own as a freelancer, these programs can fill the gap:
- Simple and low-cost setup for employers
- Automatic savings for employees and contractors
- Low fees and easy account access
- Portable accounts that move wherever you go
Some programs are mandatory for employers who do not offer a retirement plan. Others are voluntary, giving you the choice to opt in.
Who Should Pay Attention?
- Small business owners in states with mandatory Auto-IRA laws
- Freelancers and 1099 contractors looking for a simple way to start saving
- Employers who want to provide retirement options without launching a full 401(k) plan
If you fall into one of these categories, it is worth checking if your state offers a program that fits your needs.
State-Run IRA Programs: What’s Available in Your State?
Use the chart below to see what your state offers. You’ll find the program name, a link to get started, whether the program is automatic or voluntary, and its current status.
| State | Program Name | Website | Automatic or Voluntary? | Status / Year Implemented or Expected |
| California | CalSavers | https://www.calsavers.com | Automatic | Active / 2019 |
| Colorado | Colorado SecureSavings | https://www.coloradosecuresavings.com/ | Automatic | Active / 2023 |
| Connecticut | MyCTSavings | https://www.myctsavings.com/ | Automatic | Active / 2022 |
| Delaware | Delaware EARNS | https://earnsdelaware.com | Automatic | Active / 2024 |
| Hawaii | Hawaiʻi Retirement Savings Program | https://labor.hawaii.gov/hrsp/ | Voluntary | In Development |
| Illinois | Illinois Secure Choice | https://www.ilsecurechoice.com/ | Automatic | Active / 2018 |
| Maine | MERIT | https://meritsaves.org/ | Automatic | Active / 2024 |
| Maryland | Maryland $aves | https://marylandsaves.com | Automatic | Active / 2022 |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Secure Choice Retirement Program | https://mn.gov/scrb/ | Automatic | In Development / 2026 expected |
| Nevada | Nevada Employee Savings Trust (NEST) | https://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/NEST/ | Automatic | In Development / 2025 expected |
| New Jersey | Retire Ready NJ | https://www.nj.gov/treasury/securechoiceprogram/ | Automatic | Active / 2024 |
| New Mexico | NM Work and Save | nmsto.gov/work-and-save | Automatic | In Development |
| New York | NY Secure Choice Savings Program | https://www.securechoice.ny.gov/ | Automatic | In Development |
| Oregon | Oregon Saves | https://www.oregonsaves.com/ | Automatic | Active / 2017 |
| Rhode Island | RI Savers | https://treasury.ri.gov/risavers | Automatic | In Development / 2025 expected |
| Vermont | Vermont Saves | https://www.vtsaves.vermont.gov/ | Automatic | Active / 2025 |
| Virginia | RetirePath Virginia | https://www.retirepathva.com/ | Automatic | Active / 2023 |
| Washington | Retirement Marketplace | https://retirement-marketplace.com/ | Automatic | In Development / 2027 expected |
*Chart last updated June 2025
Whether you are a one-person business or leading a small team, state-run IRA programs offer a simple, cost-effective way to begin saving for retirement.
If your state has an active or developing program, take a few minutes to explore it. You might find it is exactly the solution you’ve been looking for.For more in-depth information, visit the Georgetown Center for Retirement Initiatives.
