Moving forward, a solo 401(k) works like most retirement plans. But they’re also allowed to open their own traditional or Roth IRAs. A SEP IRA is simple to administer and no tax filings are required. We’ll explain everything you need to know to make the call between a SEP IRA and solo 401(k). The Simplified Employee Pension Plan (“SEP”) IRA and the 401k Profit Sharing Plan (401k PS) are two of the most common retirement plans for successful small businesses and self-employed individuals, since they offer high contribution limits and flexible annual contributions. It is important to note that you can set up a SEP IRA and convert to an Individual 401k in the future if you change your mind and either want to receive an Individual 401k loan or if you want to contribute more than the calculations of a SEP IRA will allow. For starters, you may enjoy much larger contribution limits. Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial goals that we need to achieve in our lifetime. For example, if you made $15,000 of eligible compensation, you could sock all $15,000 of it away with a Self-Employed 401(k), but only $3,750 with a SEP IRA.” To me, this is the most … SIMPLE IRA SEP IRA; Who can contribute: Employee and employer. Solo 401k allows for higher annual contribution limits than a SEP IRA. In 2019, as an employee, you can contribute up to $19,000 to your solo 401(k), and an additional $6,000 if you are at least age 50. The Most Significant Distinctions Between the SEP IRA vs Solo 401k. As a small business owner, you are responsible for saving for your own retirement. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cantella & Co. Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. As far as cons go, the SEP IRA has many of the same restrictions as IRAs. Small businesses have 3 basic retirement plan options today – 401k, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEP IRAs. The total contribution limits to a SEP-IRA appear similar to solo 401(k) limits, capping out at $55,000 for 2018. Evan Ross 4 min read. Taxes on contributions to a SEP IRA and a 401k, and on their earnings, are deferred until they’re paid out, and both incur significant tax penalties on any amounts withdrawn before age 59½. Not only can you make bigger contributions as an employee, but you can also make contributions as an employer. Comparing Self-Employed Retirement Plans: Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA vs. The reason for this is that a Solo 401k … So a SEP IRA perhaps is best for small-business owners with a small pool of employees. A SEP-IRA is a Simplified Employee Pension plan that offers retirement savings benefits for employers and their employees. 401K ESTATE PLANNING. I also wonder if self employed individuals can use both an IRA and a 401K like those of us with corporate jobs can. It’s natural for entrepreneurs to want to put all their net earnings back into their business. When you work for an employer, you can usually count on there being a 401(k) plan or something similar already in place that you can contribute to. Posted on January 6, 2020 by Tanya. Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA . Can you contribute to both a solo 401k and a SEP IRA in the same year? First, you have to know what it is. SIMPLE IRA. Another important distinction between the SEP IRA versus the Individual 401k is the loan feature. You can open one through most financial institutions or banks that offer traditional IRAs. IRAS. This is because they allow for a fixed $18,500 Salary Deferred portion, regardless of how much your business makes. Employees must be at least 21 to participate in either of these these plans. Employees in SEP IRA plans must have worked for the employer during three of the past five years and earned at least $550 in 2010. Employers can offer a 401(k), a SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA, while individuals can set up a traditional or Roth IRA. However, only up to $280,000 worth of compensation can get calculated into your employer contribution limit. Therefore employees do not contribute to their own accounts. INDIVIDUAL 401(K) For the 2020 tax year, $19,500 ($26,000 for employees age 50 or older). They’re the very best plans available for the self-employed, especially if you’re a sole practitioner. It is only when you hire full-time employees that a SEP IRA makes sense. Everyone’s personal situation is different and there is no single definitive superior retirement plan for every individual who earns self-employment income. In truth, you can’t go wrong with either. Those who have full-time employees can save for retirement using a SEP IRA… Beacon Capital Management Advisors is registered in all 50 States and is a branch office of Cantella and Co. Inc. © 2020 Beacon Capital Management Advisors. Have a question? WhatsApp. For self-employed people, I agree that unless you want to tax shelter money over and above the standard contribution of the 401k, you’re better off with the SEP IRA. You can open a solo 401(k) through most financial institutions and online brokers. But you must fill out IRS form 5500-SF if your plan has more than $250,000. As for those who are self-employed, I believe the limit is 20% of income to a SEP IRA vs. 25% to a solo 401k. 1. Roger Wohlner says October 4, 2013 at 9:03 pm. You can construct one with various investment options including the following: In addition to having high contribution limits, a SEP IRA allows you to deduct all your employer contributions when calculating your business taxes. The simple answer to this question is that SEP IRAs are retirement accounts opened by freelancers while 401(k)s are retirement accounts administered by larger companies for their employees. Employees in SEP IRA … In answer to your first question, the answer is generally yes. As with a corporate 401(k), you, as an employer, can also contribute to your solo 401(k). You can build a diversified portfolio with a variety of funds like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. If you withdraw money from your account before turning 59.5 years old, the distribution would be taxed as ordinary income plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty. The Takeaway: Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA. The SEP IRA does not allow catch-up contributions if you’re over 50, and it does not offer a Roth version, so if either of those is a dealbreaker, the SEP IRA won’t be for you. Another issue to consider is whether you’d like to have the option of borrowing against your retirement plan by using your retirement plan's balance as collateral and receive an Individual 401k loan. A SEP differs from other plans in that it allows contributions from employers only and resembles a profit-sharing plan. The following chart lays out the details of each of the retirement plans. If you are a self employed individual or an owner and spouse business and are considering a SEP IRA or Individual 401k reading this information should help you make your decision easier by explaining the differences simply. The option of a tax free loan using the balance of the plan as collateral via an Individual 401k loan. The Individual 401k and the SEP IRA have comparable maximum limits, but due to the way the contribution is calculated a self employed individual may be able to contribute more into an Individual 401k versus a SEP IRA at the same income level, therefore maximizing retirement contributions and valuable tax deductions. If you value the loan feature or want to maximize your annual retirement contributions then you should consider an Individual 401k. But this can be an expensive proposition since contributions for employees must match the percentage of the salary that the owner makes for themselves. Since you are your own boss, youare responsible for both starting your own plan and funding it. Sep-IRA vs Solo 401K If you work as an independent contractor, meaning you get a Form 1099 each pay period instead of a W-2, you’re responsible for your own benefits, including a retirement plan. If this sounds like you then keep it simple and set up a SEP IRA. SEP IRA and 401(k) plan accounts are owned by the employee, who can choose between a range of investment options. We provide more information about them on our website www.definedbenefitplan.com. Eligible employees, as far as the IRS is concerned, are those that meet the following criteria: A SEP IRA has many of the same features as an IRA. Those who have full-time employees can save for retirement using a SEP IRA… The funding of a SEP-IRA is entirely provided by employer contributions. However, when you work for yourself, it's a different story. Both accounts allow for people to sock away large amounts of pre-tax income — as of 2018, both SEPs and 401(k… Selecting the right retirement plan can be confusing and the subtle differences between options can sometimes be overlooked. It’s easier to max out your Solo 401k contributions vs the SEP IRA. 401(k) vs. IRA: An Overview . There are several tax advantaged retirement plans out there. Bottom line. But your earnings are tax-free when you make qualified withdrawals. The conventional wisdom regarding the Solo 401(k) vs SEP IRA question is that self-employed people should choose the Solo 401(k) because in most cases, the potential tax savings are … But the differences don't stop there. This is to tune of up to 25% of your compensation. But if this proves to be more expensive than beneficial, you can set up a solo or individual 401(k) plan for your business. Employees become … Your two main choices are a SEP-IRA or a Solo 401K. Employer contributions only. As for those who are self-employed, I believe the limit is 20% of income to a SEP IRA vs. 25% to a solo 401k. SEP-IRA vs. Solo 401(k) SEP-IRA: Solo 401(k) Who can contribute? These are the same limits corporate 401(k) plans have. Otherwise, no age or service restrictions. All rights reserved. Look under “Retirement Plans for Small Businesses.”. Both the SEP IRA and the Solo 401K are self-employed retirement plans. Jose Hernandez-July 19, 2020. In addition, a profit sharing contribution can be made up to 25% of W-2 wages or 20% of net self employment income. Contributing to both plans makes little sense. However, you enjoy some perks you won’t get with a traditional IRA. That’s the document designed to paint a financial and compliance. The deadline for contributions is the same date. Employees can’t contribute to their own SEP IRAs in most cases. Contributions to a defined benefit plan are dependent on an individual’s age and income, but can potentially be $60,000 to $200,000 or more a year. SEP IRA vs. Solo 401k – Advantages of a Solo 401k. SEP IRA vs. Solo 401K vs. A solo 401(k) is a great option for a self-employed individual with no employees who can afford to save more than $6,000 a year, the traditional IRA limit. But which is right for you—the SEP or 401k PS? 401k plans. The deadline for contributions is the same date. Converting from a SEP IRA to an Individual 401k and transferring retirement assets from a SEP IRA to a new Individual 401k can be accomplished by completing some minor administrative paper work. SIMPLE IRA. Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA -- What’s the Best Option? You can contribute the lesser of the following in 2019: Meanwhile, a traditional IRA permits contributions up to $6,000 or $7,000 if you’re at least age 50. SEP IRA vs Solo 401K. This earning requirement also applies to 2011. Max employee contribution: $19,500 plus a $6,500 catch-up if you are age 50 or over. If you’re deciding between a solo 401(k) and a SEP IRA, and you have employees, the choice is easy: SEP IRA. The IRS defines this as your net earnings from self employment minus one half of your self employment tax and the contributions you made to your plan as an employee. A SEP IRA stands for “Simplified Employment Plan” IRA. To help choose the right plan for your business, you need to understand their features and match them to … The reason for this is that a Solo 401k allows for both employee (salary deferral) & employer (profit sharing) contributions whereas only profit sharing contributions can be made to a Solo 401k. If you’re deciding between a solo 401(k) and a SEP IRA, and you have employees, the choice is easy: SEP IRA. Solo 401k plans for 2020 enable a business owner to put 100% of income away to a … Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA Comparing solo 401(k)s and SEP-IRAs for the self-employed. The only time it may be useful is if you have both a small business and other self-employed income. An Individual 401k loan may be considered a valuable feature to some self employed business owners. A Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement (SEP IRA) This is designed for small business owners and allows flexible contributions. Adam has been writing for The Motley Fool … The contribution limit calculation in an Individual 401k is important because it allows you to potentially save more than a SEP IRA at the same income level. Pinterest. Employees must be at least 21 to participate in either of these these plans. The SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k)–which is the best retirement plan if you’re self-employed? If you’ve ever wondered about the 401(k) risk for your plan, then you are familiar with the notorious Form 5500. If you have a solo 401k, are you required to contribute to it at all, or can you choose a SEP IRA in any given year? A SEP IRA or individual 401(k) can be set up as late as the due date (including extensions) for the business’s tax return for the year. It allows you to contribute toward your retirement savings while doing the same for your employees. Simple IRA vs 401(k) vs Solo 401(k) vs SEP IRA. A SIMPLE IRA allows both the employee and the small business owner or sole proprietor to make contributions. SEP-IRA. If you’re in business for yourself, a financial advisor can help you with retirement planning. SEP IRA vs Individual 401k Selecting the right retirement plan can be confusing and the subtle differences between options can sometimes be overlooked. Employer only; must contribute for all eligible employees. Based on the scope of your business, an SEP IRA may make more sense for your small business than a 401k or other retirement alternative. Retirement Savings for Freelancers: Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA How to choose the best tax-advantaged retirement savings plan if you’re self-employed. Plus, the fact that you must contribute toward each employee’s plan can make this a particularly expensive choice. A SEP provides high maximum contribution limits, but an Individual 401k may allow a greater contribution at the same income level. Learn more about an Individual 401k loan. A Safe Harbor 401(k) plan is a qualified retirement plan that is designed to meet non-discrimination requirements in a more simplified manner than a regular 401(k… The IRS taxes your distributions when you make qualified withdrawals in retirement. Another popular choice for the self-employed is the solo 401(k). SIMPLE IRA vs. SEP-IRA. Employer contributions are optional. In 2020 participants in an Individual 401k can contribute up to 100% of the first $19,500 ($26,000 if age 50 or older) of W-2 compensation or net self employment income for a sole proprietorship. 401k Administration 401(k) Risk: Are You Taking On Too Much? The solo 401(k) and SEP IRA are two of the best retirement plans available for a small business owner – even a self-employed freelancer – looking to set up a professional caliber plan. A SEP functions similarly to a traditional IRA. Other retirement plans, such as Traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans, can be rolled over into a SEP-IRA. SEP IRA vs 401k: Some Background The main differences between the three retirement vehicles mentioned above, are going to be the tax benefits and who they are designed to work for. THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT. If you have a solo 401(k), you fund it on a pre-tax basis and your investments grow tax-free. SEP IRA plans for 2020 enable a business owner to put approximately 20% of income away to a maximum of $57,000. FINRA’s BrokerCheck. This includes sole proprietors, partnerships, C and S corporations, and the self-employed. Or you can opt for the Roth solo 401(k). They are IRA, Simplified Employee Pension aka SEP, a Keogh Plan, or a 401k plan. If you have questions or need advice contact us. Infographic: SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k) for Self-Employed Business Owners Simplified Employee Pension (SEP IRA) Overview and Eligibility Requirements. Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan. If you have employees, they can make contributions. (Employers can also choose less restrictive requirements.) You can’t open a solo 401(k) plan if … All profit sharing contributions must be made to a traditional account. Small businesses have 3 basic retirement plan options today – 401k, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEP IRAs. Infographic: SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k) for Self-Employed Business Owners Simplified Employee Pension (SEP IRA) Overview and Eligibility Requirements. Solo 401(k) Vs. SEP IRA. SEP-IRA. To put it simply, a 401(k) plan is a retirement account offered by employers allowing employees of the company to contribute a portion of their paycheck to retirement. For the SEP IRA, your contributions are 20% of your income which means your business needs to earn at least $275,000 in income before you can max out your contributions. Employee and employer. SEP IRA, Solo 401k for small business is broke down in an LLC vs. S Corp explanation. To determine how much you can contribute based on your income use the interactive Individual 401k calculator. A SEP IRA and a 401k plan, then, have many similarities; they also have some significant differences. SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k) Owners of small businesses have more choices today when it comes to saving for retirement. Solo 401k allows for higher annual contribution limits than a SEP IRA. The SEP IRA is a type of a Traditional IRA, however it is specifically for small business owners. As detailed above, the Solo 401(k) is the far superior option for the self-employed. Individual 401k plans have greater administrative responsibilities than a SEP, but may allow a larger annual contribution at identical income levels due to the way the annual contribution is calculated. Solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs are both alternative types of employer-sponsored retirement plans. Self-Employed Retirement Plan Faceoff: SEP IRA vs Solo 401K vs SIMPLE IRA Last updated: January 3, 2020 G.E. Photo credit: ©iStock.com/StockRocket,/©iStock.com/designer491, ©iStock.com/Nuthawut Somsuk. You can contribute more to a Solo 401k vs. SEP IRA . To help you make the right decision, we published studies on the. A SEP IRA differs from a self-employed 401(k) plan with respect to the following features: Suitability: Both plans are available to small business owners and self-employed individuals. SEP IRAs and solo 401(k)s are tax-deferred retirement savings vehicles for small business owners. You just need your employer identification number to apply. The Solo 401(k) and the SEP-IRA are two popular options for folks who are self-employed. If not, the simplicity of a SEP IRA makes it the best choice for you. That’s due to the employees’ ability to make contributions to a Solo 401(k). Jim Barnash is a Certified Financial Planner with more than four decades of experience. Here's how the calculation works. A SEP IRA or individual 401(k) can be set up as late as the due date (including extensions) for the business’s tax return for the year. How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement? Sep-IRA vs Solo 401K If you work as an independent contractor, meaning you get a Form 1099 each pay period instead of a W-2, you’re responsible for your own benefits, including a retirement plan. Beacon Capital Management Advisors is registered in all 50 States and is an Accredited Business of the Better Business Bureau since 2004. The simple answer to this question is that SEP IRAs are retirement accounts opened by freelancers while 401(k)s are retirement accounts administered by larger companies for their employees. This ensures that the government starts receiving taxes on your savings. Twitter. It’s a retirement … You can contribute more to a Solo 401k vs. SEP IRA . But again, with these issues I wouldn’t leave anything to chance. Once you take the match away IRAs become far better than 401ks. Compare the Top 3 Financial Advisors For You, 25% of your compensation (with a $280,000 ceiling for the calculation), They’ve worked for you during three of the last five years, They’ve earned at least $600 from you in the past year. If you don’t want to defer taxes, you may want to open a solo Roth 401(k) or a Roth IRA, depending on how much you can save. If you’re deciding between a solo 401(k) and a SEP IRA, and you have employees, the choice is easy: SEP IRA. For a sole proprietor, this means that you can set up the plan and make contributions for a given year as late as April 15 of the following year (or October 15 of the following year if you filed for an extension). Your two main choices are a SEP-IRA or a Solo 401K… INDIVIDUAL 401(K) No common-law employees. The SEP IRA is a type of a Traditional IRA… Reply. But again, with these issues I wouldn’t leave anything to chance. Generally, employees must be allowed to participate if they're 21 or older, earn at least $600 in the tax year 2020 (or $650 in tax year 2021), and have worked for the same employer in at least 3 of the past 5 years. See The SEP for IRA LLC Solution: Retirement Savings For Small Businesses & The Self-Employed for more. Luckil… You can’t open a solo 401(k) plan if you have an employee other than your spouse. But you should put at least some of it in retirement savings. Mark thanks for your comment. The SEP IRA and Individual 401k are the two most common retirement plans chosen by successful self employed individuals and owner and spouse businesses due to their high contribution limits and flexible annual contributions. This is the total amount the employee can personally contribute to all SEP, Roth, and traditional IRAs each year. Employer contributions and employee deferrals. Adam Levy (TMFnCaffeine) Dec 10, 2020 at 10:48AM Author Bio. If you can’t put away more than $6,000, you should go with the SEP IRA until you can afford to save more. You fund it with after-tax dollars, so it won’t reduce your taxable income. That said, if you contribute to a SEP IRA for yourself, the IRS requires that you also  contribute toward the SEP IRA of every eligible employee. ForUsAll 401k Blog — Retirement Plan Types: 401(k) vs SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and Solo 401(k) Share this . A final point to consider is IRS rules do not permit loans with a SEP IRA. But it also comes with a lot of responsibilities — not the least of which is saving for your own retirement. Potentially greater retirement contributions at the same income level, therefore maximizing retirement contributions and valuable tax deductions. Each of these plans that can help you save for retirement. But if you’re self-employed with no employees, the choice depends on how much you plan to save. To calculate your contribution limits and allowable tax deductions accurately, you can use the worksheet on IRS Publication 560. Self-employment has many perks. Also, there is no rule  stopping you from making additional contributions to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA for  yourself, though the amount you can claim as tax-deductible may be limited. A solo 401(k) or sole-participant 401(k) is a retirement plan designed for the self-employed who can sock away more than traditional or Roth IRA limits. So which type of retirement plan makes the most sense for you? This post will help you decide which to use. By. $13,500 plus a $3,000 catch-up if you are age 50 or over. This means your contributions are tax deductible and your money grows tax-free. Employer contribution limits: The … They can be established by legal entities (in this context, often S corporations) or they can be established by individuals that have self-employed income. For a sole … Automatic contributions toward your employees’ plans can be a major selling point to attract the right talent. That said, total contributions (employer and employee, combined) to your solo 401(k) can’t exceed $56,000, or $62,000 if you’re at least 50 years old in 2019. A solo 401(k) functions much like its corporate counterpart. IRA vs 401k: Understanding the difference between the two. Miller 5 Comments While completing my taxes this year, I started … The Simplified Employee Pension Plan (“SEP”) IRA and the 401k Profit Sharing Plan (401k PS) are two of the most common retirement plans for successful small businesses and self-employed individuals, … With a solo 401(k), a self-employed business owner can make contributions as both the employee and the employer. SIMPLE IRA So how do you choose? Ask our Retirement expert. A simplified employee plan (SEP) IRA is a type of IRA that works well for the self-employed or the small business owner. SEP IRA vs 401k: How SEP IRAs Compare. Linkedin. Your primary considerations should be: Do you have a 403B, 401K, or other qualified retirement plan through an employer? IRS rules do not permit a loan in a SEP IRA, but an Individual 401k loan of up to half of the plan's value up to a $50,000 maximum is allowed. SEP IRA vs. Solo 401k – Advantages of a Solo 401k. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Visa® Credit Card Review, Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card Review, 7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Hiring a Financial Advisor, 20 Questions to Tell If You're Ready to Retire, The Worst Way to Withdraw From Your Retirement Accounts. SEP IRA vs. Self-Employed 401(k) Plan. You can start small with a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Both are looking at small business retirement plans and would like something that is tax deductible. When comparing a SEP IRA to Solo 401(k), it’s important to know that business owners can make larger retirement contributions to a Solo 401(k) for a given level of compensation. What level of self-employment income do you earn? The only con to a solo 401(k) is that it may involve a little more paperwork, so it’s only worth setting up if you’re looking to make large contributions to it. Simply stated there are 2 primary advantages of the Individual 401k over the SEP IRA. If you are a self employed individual or an owner and spouse business and are considering a SEP IRA or Individual 401k … If you are the sole proprietor of a small business, you can choose between using a SIMPLE IRA or a SEP-IRA for yourself and your employees. If you don’t know where to begin to set up the plan the best fits your needs, a financial advisor can help. Most providers offer access to an array of funds with which you can build your SEP IRA portfolio. If you run your own business and have a small number of employees, you may be interested in a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan or SEP IRA. For many successful business owners the decision of which retirement plan to choose comes down to either a SEP IRA or Individual 401k. Note: Consider a defined benefit plan as an alternative to a SEP IRA or Individual 401k if you are self employed and would like to contribute more than the SEP IRA and Individual 401k contribution limits. SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k) Owners of small businesses have more choices today when it comes to saving for retirement. What’s more, those employer contributions much match the percentage of compensation you contribute toward your own. Jim has run his own advisory firm and taught courses on financial planning at DePaul University and William Rainey Harper Community College. So if you contribute 20% of your compensation toward your own SEP IRA, you must also contribute 20% of each eligible employee’s compensation to his or her individual plan. Unlike a SEP-IRA, a Solo 401(k) can offer a Roth option for the employee contributions. The two types of plans have many similarities, but there are differences to consider as well. sep ira vs. 401k. SEP IRA and 401(k) plan accounts are owned by the employee, who can choose between a range of investment options. Facebook. You can open one only if you and your spouse are the only employees in your business. 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Considerations should be: Do you have both a Solo 401 ( k ) for the self-employed, especially you... Your business earnings are tax-free when you hire full-time employees that a SEP IRA vs. Solo 401 ( ). You work for yourself, a financial and compliance says October 4, 2013 at 9:03 pm simply there! ) functions much like its corporate counterpart right decision, we published studies on the differences to consider IRS... Everyone ’ s plan can be confusing and the small business owners and allows flexible.... Owners with a traditional account begin taking required minimum distributions ( RMDs ) when you hire full-time employees that SEP.