Having trouble with the 401(k) step during onboarding?

Last updated: October 6, 2026

Applies to: US W-2 employees making their 401(k) election in the Ascen portal, during onboarding or benefits enrollment. Independent contractors, Canadian T4 employees and international workers do not have an Ascen 401(k), so they will not see this step.

Summary: The 401(k) step has two separate options, a Traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) and a Roth 401(k). You can contribute to either one, both, or neither. If the screen will not take what you enter, or shows something you did not expect, you do not have to get it working yourself: email support@ascen.com with the amount you want for each option and we will set it up for you.

Two options, each set separately

  • Traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) are separate elections. Choosing one does not choose the other.

  • For each one you set a percentage of your pay or a fixed dollar amount per paycheck.

I chose one option and now I see a form that says I opted out

After you make your election for one option, the step may show you a form for the option you did not choose. That form is about the other option only. It does not cancel the election you just made. For example, if you enrolled in the Roth 401(k), a form about the Traditional 401(k) refers to the Traditional option you left out, and your Roth election stays in place.

If you cannot get back to the earlier screen to check what you chose, email us and we will confirm what is saved on your record.

The amount will not save, or shows a number you did not enter

  • Enter the amount for each paycheck. A dollar amount is taken from every paycheck, so enter what you want deducted per paycheck, not a monthly or yearly total.

  • Check the value before you submit. If the screen shows something you did not type, such as 300% when you meant 3%, do not submit it.

  • Still stuck? Rather than retrying again and again, email support@ascen.com. Tell us the percentage or dollar amount per paycheck you want for the Traditional 401(k), for the Roth 401(k), or for both. We will set your election and confirm it to you.

If you do not want to contribute

That is your choice, and it is not permanent. If you decide later that you want to contribute, email support@ascen.com and we will reopen the step so you can enroll.

Changing your election later

You can change your contribution at any time during the year by emailing us. Changes usually take effect from your next payroll. See How to Update Your 401(k) Contribution.

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