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.
Most self-insured private employer health plans fall under the jurisdiction of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA is federal law that is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (DOL-EBSA).
Simplified employee pension (SEP) Contribute as much as 25% of your net earnings from self-employment (not including contributions for yourself), up to $69,000 for 2024 ($66,000 for 2023, $61,000 for 2022, $58,000 for 2021, $57,000 for 2020 and $56,000 for 2019).
Solo 401k plans are not typically classified as standard ERISA plans, because these plans are for business owners only. Solo 401k plans don't include non-owner employees, so there are certain titles of ERISA that don't apply to the Solo 401k.
Four retirement plan options for self-employed people include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and Solo Roth 401(k)s.
Contribute as much as 25% of your net earnings from self-employment (not including contributions for yourself), up to $69,000 for 2024 ($66,000 for 2023, $61,000 for 2022, $58,000 for 2021, $57,000 for 2020 and $56,000 for 2019).
Self-employed retirement plans allow small-business owners to save for the future with tax benefits. Each self-employed retirement plan has different rules for tax benefits, annual contribution limits, and employees.
Self-employed IRA – traditional or Roth An individual retirement account (IRA) is a good option if you're saving less than $7,000 for the year, if you're self-employed, or if you're leaving a job to start a business.
Keogh plans can operate similarly to a pension plan, profit-sharing plan or a 401(k), and are more complicated than a SEP IRA or solo 401(k). They typically require help from financial professionals, which could include actuaries, tax advisors and financial advisors.
In general, an employee must be allowed to participate in a qualified retirement plan if he or she meets both of the following requirements: Has reached age 21. Has at least 1 year of service.