401(k) Plan Sequence Number

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Editorial Team

Updated on March 13, 2023

A 401(k) plan sequence number is simply the number that the employer assigns to the plan.

For example, if the 401(k) plan is the second type of qualified plan that is or has been sponsored by the employer, then its number will be 002.

This number is then combined with the employer's tax ID number to make up the whole sequence number.

Retirement plans such as SEP or SIMPLE IRAs should not be included in this numbering sequence, nor should non-qualified plans such as deferred compensation plans, split dollar plans, executive bonus plans or group carve-out plans.

Only qualified plans that fall under ERISA guidelines should be included in this sequence.

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website, view his author profile on Amazon, or check out his speaker profile on the CFA Institute website.

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