Self Employed Retirement Plans

Key benefits and features of the Individual 401k, SEP IRA, Defined Benefit plan and Simple IRA.

What are the key benefits and features of these self employed retirement plans and in what situations would each be appropriate?

Individual 401k

Features: In 2012 there is $50,000 maximum contribution ($55,500 if age 50+ due to a "catch-up" provision). Loans are permitted in an Individual 401k.

Advantages: Potentially greater retirement contributions at identical income levels compared to other self employed retirement plans. Loans are available through some Individual 401k providers.

Disadvantages: Potentially greater administrative responsibilities and administrative fees compared to other self employed retirement plans.

In summary, who would be appropriate for an Individual 401k?

The Individual 401k and SEP IRA are the two most common retirement plans chosen by successful self employed individuals. 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.

Here's how the calculation works. Participants in an Individual 401k can contribute up to 100% of the first $17,000 ($22,500 if age 50+) of W-2 salary or net self employed income. In addition, a profit sharing contribution of up to 25% of your compensation can be made. This is important because it allows you to potentially save more than a SEP IRA at the same income level.

Also another important distinction between the SEP IRA versus the Individual 401k is an Individual 401k may allow loans. Loans may be a key benefit of an Individual 401k and may be considered a valuable feature to some self employed business owners.

Is this the appropriate self employed retirement plan for you?

Learn more about the Individual 401k.

SEP IRA

Features: In 2012 there is $50,000 SEP IRA contribution limit.

Advantages: Easy to setup and low administrative responsibilities.

Disadvantages: An Individual 401k may provide a larger contribution and tax deduction compared to a SEP IRA. For those age 50+ there isn't an additional catch-up provision like there is with the Individual 401k. Loans are not permitted with a SEP IRA.

In summary, who would be appropriate for a SEP IRA?

The SEP IRA is a great choice for self employed business owners who would like to contribute 25% or less of compensation. Compensation is defined as W-2 wages if incorporated or self employment income as a sole proprietorship. A SEP IRA provides high maximum contribution limits, but an Individual 401k may allow a greater contribution at the same income level. IRS rules do not permit loans from a SEP IRA.

Is this the appropriate self employed retirement plan for you?

Learn more about the SEP IRA.

Defined Benefit Plans

Features: May provide the largest contribution of any self employed retirement plan.

Advantages: Depending on the age and income of the business owner, annual contributions can exceed $100,000 or more. Loans may be permitted.

Disadvantages: Of the 4 self employed retirement plans discussed here, this plan has the greatest administrative fees. Annual contributions are not as flexible as an Individual 401k or SEP IRA.

In summary, who would be appropriate for a Defined Benefit Plan?

The defined benefit plan is appropriate for those age 45 or older who wish to make tax deductible contributions in excess of the maximum limits of the Individual 401k or SEP IRA. Defined benefit plans have greater administrative fees and more rigid annual funding requirements, but may be ideal for business owners who wish to shelter the largest percentage of their income and/or who want to make the largest retirement plan contribution permitted by IRS rules.

Is this the appropriate self employed retirement plan for you?

Learn more about the Defined Benefit Plan.

Simple IRA

Features: In 2012 the Simple IRA contribution limit is a $11,500 or $14,000 if age 50+. In addition there is a maximum 3% employer contribution.

Advantages: Low administrative fees and responsibilities.

Disadvantages: Low maximum contribution limits. Loans are not permitted

In summary, who would be appropriate for a Simple IRA?

Self employed business owners that have a Simple IRA are able to contribute up to 100% of their income up to the maximum contribution limits. As a result, this plan would be a good choice for someone that doesn't have a high income, but would like to contribute beyond the limits of an IRA and would like to contribute a large percentage of their income. A good candidate for this plan doesn't mind the relatively low contribution limits of a Simple IRA compared to a SEP IRA or Individual 401k. For example, a sole proprietor with $20,000 in net income could contribute more into an Individual 401k than a Simple IRA. Self employed business owners that have a low income, but would like to contribute more than the maximum limits of the Simple IRA may want to consider an Individual 401k instead.

Is this the appropriate self employed retirement plan for you?

Learn more about the Simple IRA.