The number of self-employed Americans is rising by the day. According to Gallup, 30% of American workers were self-employed.
Being self-employed doesn’t mean you’ll fail to benefit from the tax benefits that formal employees get as conventional retirement plans. There are two outstanding alternatives: SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k) plans.
They both have matching advantages, but their few differences are what make one better for you.
What is a SEP IRA?
Simplified Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP-IRA) applies for self-employed and small business owners and employees. It allows you to contribute to your retirement savings with your employees doing the same.
Your contributions are tax-deductible, and your money grows without being taxed.
How is a SEP IRA Calculated?
You can contribute to a SEP-IRA annually. For 2020, the contribution limit is $57,000, equivalent to 25% of the employees’ compensation for the year.
In 2021, it stands at $58,000. That means the limit on the compensation you can use is $285,000 in 2020 and goes up to $290,000 in 2021.
What is Solo 401k?
A solo 401(k) is a 401(k) plan limited to self-employed individuals. Spouses who work for them at least on a part-time basis may be eligible to contribute as well.
If you run a small business with an employee who is not your spouse, you may not be eligible to save for retirement in a Solo 401(k) plan.
It lets you make the after-tax Roth contributions. You also save more at a lower cost.
How is the Solo 401k Plan Calculated?
If you’re below 50 years, you can contribute a maximum of $57,000 in 2020. If you’re above 50 years, you can contribute a maximum of $63,000.
However, your first $19,500 can be contributed up to 100% of your compensation. After that, the calculation is the same as a SEP IRA. But, it can be stacked.
For example, if you earn $100,000 and under 50 years old, you can contribute $19,500 as an employee of your own company.
In addition, you are able to contribute towards the employer portion, or profit sharing. This is an additional $25,000 (25% of $100,000) with a total of $44,500 for 2020.
Which is the best between a SEP-IRA and Solo 401 (k)?
If you’re self-employed, Solo 401 (k) is the best option since its potential tax saving is higher. It also offers more-on par with other employer-sponsored retirement plans that SEP doesn’t offer.
For instance, you can take out a loan from your Solo 401(k) of $50,000 and below or 50% of your account balance. It offers catch-up contributions if you’re aged 50 and above and the Roth option.
Roth option helps you pay income tax in exchange for withdrawals retirement that is tax-free.
If you need help finding which plan makes sense for your company, schedule a plan discussion with us or take 30 seconds to find which plan is best for your company with The Retirement Plan Evaluator.