Employer Resources
Start here for helpful resources about PERA reporting and other transactions. We have a variety of forms, guides, training materials, and links, as well as resources for your employees. Browse resources by role to narrow them down.
Find Resources by Role
Forms and Guidebooks
Find helpful forms that are available for download or via the STARS portal, including the STARS Access Request Form, 140-Day Designation and more.
Training Materials
To be successful in taking care of our members, we need to communicate well with you, our PERA-affiliated employers. We want to provide you with everything you need to be confident in all PERA-related interactions. See below for all your training needs.
Contribution Reporting and Adjustments
Contribution reporting is a critical responsibility of the employer because of the impact to members/employees and PERA. While the process can be simple, there are many details, which can be complicated and it’s important to us that you have all the information you need to be accurate and confident in reporting contributions. Review this booklet for detailed instructions on the contribution reporting processes. Here you will find detailed information and examples about the reporting process, adjustments, exceptions, and more. Visit the Employer Contribution Rates page to get the most up-to-date rates.
Includable Salary
Knowing what qualifies as PERA-includable salary can be confusing, so we have broken it down into bite-sized training modules for a better understanding of the details. Each training module includes directions on submitting payment plans for review and lists PERA resources just in case you get stuck. See below to explore your specific needs within this large topic.
Employer Training Optional Retirement Plans*
Review this booklet for all your training needs for your employees with optional retirement plans.
*Optional Retirement Plans are largely limited to higher-ed employers
STARS
Colorado PERA’s Secure Transmission And Reporting System (STARS) is your portal to all things reporting. Reporting through STARS is efficient and will expedite the processing of your information.
STARS Resources
Colorado PERA’s Secure Transmission and Reporting System (STARS) is your portal to all things reporting. Reporting through STARS is efficient and will expedite the processing of your information. Learn how to request STARS access, activate your account, report contributions and more within the new STARS Employer Portal with our helpful guide.
If you are not yet set-up with STARS, complete the STARS Access Request form to establish the users you would like for the system. You may also use this form to update personnel access to the portal.
See the following for help navigating some specific situations within STARS:
If you feel like you need more assistance with STARS, reach out to the Employer Relations team at 1-800-759-7372 ext. 3724 or email at ercontributions@copera.org.
STARS Employer Portal Overview
Resource Links For Your Employees
This toolkit includes curated lists of key resources organized by career stages. In these lists, you’ll find videos, key publications, and webinar registration links. Whether you are onboarding new employees, looking for ongoing education, or helping an employee transition into retirement, you’ll find the most recommended resources from our Member Education staff. These resources will help you explain and promote PERA benefits to your colleagues.
Resources For Your Employees
New Members in the Defined Benefit (DB) Plan
New Members in the PERAChoice Plan
Webpages
Publications
Webinars
Videos
Mid-Career Members
Publications
Webinars
Videos
Retirement Ready Members
Leaving Employment
It’s important to understand the implications of refunding or rolling over your account. The Leaving Employment page and Refund/Rollover Request booklet have more information to help you make an informed decision.
Health Benefits (PERACare) for Employers
PERACare is available for PERA employers to cover their active employees who are PERA members. The program provides access to health care, dental, and vision plans.
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Working After Retirement Resources for Employers
Find the Working After Retirement presentation, important forms and other resources mentioned in the presentation.
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401(k)/457 Plans (PERAPlus) for Employers
The PERAPlus 401(k) and 457 Plans allow employees to save for retirement beyond their Colorado PERA benefit. All PERA employers offer the PERAPlus 401(k) Plan, but you can choose to also offer the PERAPlus 457 Plan and a Roth option.
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SECURE 2.0 Act Resources for Employers
When Congress passed the SECURE 2. 0 Act in 2022, it expanded on the original 2019 SECURE Act to further enhance retirement savings opportunities.
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