5 Self-Employed Retirement Plans to Consider. There are five main choices for the self-employed or small-business owners: an IRA (traditional or Roth), a Solo 401(k), a SEP IRA, a SIMPLE IRA or a defined benefit plan.
When you're self-employed, you can save for retirement with tax-advantaged accounts like a SEP IRA, self-employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or Fidelity Advantage 401(k)℠. A health savings plan (HSA) is another potential option for long-term savings, particularly since savings are not use it or lose it and can grow over time.
The downside of SEP IRAs is that employees must make equal contributions for all eligible employees and only employer contributions are allowed. Another downside is that just like with any IRA, SEP IRA rules require individuals to be at least 59 1/2 for withdrawals, or else you'll be taxed a 10% penalty.
Self-employed individuals should consider SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, solo 401(k)s, or solo Roth 401(k)s, with professional financial advice.
You're eligible to open a solo 401(k) if you're self-employed and don't employ others. A couple running a business together also qualifies. You can contribute to your solo 401(k) as both employer and employee. You can choose between a traditional plan or a Roth plan.
Bottomline, SEP IRA is beneficial for self-employed/small businesses WITH employees since they could give them an employee match. However, if you're self-employed WITHOUT employees, you have much more tax benefits + a much higher contribution limit with a solo 401k.
An IRA is not inherently better. They -401(k) and IRA, are both pre-tax investments dedicated for retirement. However, a 401(k), as you know allows you to contribute a higher amount than an IRA. What may make an IRA better is a broader variety of investment options within it.
If you are self-employed, it's in your hands to set up a retirement plan for yourself. You have many options to choose from including an IRA/Roth IRA, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, but the best best choice, if you qualify, is the Solo 401(k) plan. Learn why! -- Learn more about the Solo 401(k): .
If you are at full retirement age or older, you can get all your Social Security benefits whether you retire from your business or not. When you work for someone else, it is easy to determine whether you are “retired.” Your paycheck tells the whole story.
SEP IRA (simplified employee pension): Ideal for small business owners or freelancers with few or no employees. This plan lets you make contributions based on a percentage of your income, which can be beneficial when your business earns more, as contributions are tax-deductible and grow tax-deferred.