Comparing Self-Employed Retirement Plans: Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA vs. SIMPLE IRA
Here's how three common retirement savings plans for self-employed workers stack up based on contribution limits, costs and more.
Whether you're a full-fledged small-business owner or you just run a business on the side, there are several smart ways to save for retirement that are specifically designed for the self-employed. Here's a comparison of three popular self-employed retirement savings plans: the solo 401(k), the SEP IRA and a SIMPLE IRA. See which option is right for your retirement planning needs.
Solo 401(k)
Works well for: A self-employed business owner with no employees or a worker participating in an employer’s 401(k) who also has a side business.
How much you can contribute: As an employee, you can contribute up to $18,500 for 2018, plus up to $6,000 extra if you are 50 or older. As a sole proprietor, you can contribute 20% of your company’s net earnings. For 2018, total contributions can’t exceed $55,000 (not counting the catch-up contribution).
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Maximize it: If you have a side gig and work for a company with a retirement plan, contribute to both.
How much it costs: There’s usually no annual maintenance fee, but you’ll need to file an annual IRS Form 5500 if your plan assets exceed $250,000.
SIMPLE IRA
Works well for: Self-employed people with fluctuating incomes (such as real estate agents) or a business with 100 or fewer employees. Both employer and employee can contribute.
How much you can contribute: Up to $12,500 in salary deferrals, or $15,500 if 50 or older. Employers match employee contributions up to 3% of compensation, which can be reduced to 1% in any two out of five years. Or an employer can contribute 2% of each employee’s compensation, up to $5,500.
Maximize it: Some firms start out with a SIMPLE IRA and then change to a 401(k) when they have more employees or want to match more than the 3% limit in a SIMPLE plan.
How much it costs: Costs vary by plan provider. Fidelity, for example, charges an annual fee of $25 per participant, or a $350 plan fee.
SEP IRA
Works well for: A small business with only a few employees or a self-employed owner who might have made a nice profit last year but needs more time to establish a plan. (You have until October 15, 2018, to set up a plan for 2017. Other plans must be set up by the end of the year for which contributions are made.)
How much you can contribute: No employee contributions. You as the employer can contribute up to 20% of your net income, to a maximum of $55,000.
Maximize it: Only the employer can contribute. Whatever percentage you select, you must contribute the same percentage of compensation for each employee.
How much it costs: There often is no setup or annual maintenance fee. Check with brokerage and mutual fund companies that sponsor SEPs.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
GM Stock Accelerates After Earnings Beat
General Motors beat expectations for the first quarter and raised its outlook for the year. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Georgia Has a New Income Tax Rate for 2024
Tax Cuts Georgians now have a tax package containing income tax cuts, childcare relief, and potential property tax caps.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $69,000 a year.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
simple IRA The maximum amount workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA increased by $500 for 2024.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
457 Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans State and local government workers can contribute more to their 457 plans in 2024 than in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans The Roth 401(k) contribution limit for 2024 is increasing, and workers who are 50 and older can save even more.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties
Making Your Money Last Wondering how to find foreclosed homes for sale for your next residence or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate-owned properties to buy.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published