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Why doesn’t my census data match my records?

Published

Mismatched census records typically occur if your plan converted to Betterment mid-year. In this case, you need to upload the full year’s census data to ensure accuracy. If your plan did not convert mid-year, a mismatch may be due to incomplete or inconsistent payroll records.

To resolve mismatched census records:

  1. Gather complete payroll records – Ensure you have full-year data, including all employees, compensation details, and contributions.
  2. Upload the full-year census – Submit the complete data through the Betterment platform, verifying accuracy before submission.
  3. Review the pre-filled census – Compare the system-generated census with your records for consistency.
  4. Address discrepancies – If differences remain, contact Betterment’s support team for assistance.

Accurate census data is critical for 401(k) nondiscrimination testing, including nondiscrimination tests, and for ensuring proper tax filings like Form 5500. Betterment provides tools to upload and verify census data easily, and our support team is available to help resolve any mismatches.