Saving for retirement is fraught with rules and regulations, making it more challenging to figure out what type of savings account is the right fit for you. Business owners who work on their own may want to consider a Solo 401(k) because of its flexibility, high contribution limits, and the rules that govern contributions from both an employee and employer perspective.
If you are considering opening your own retirement savings account, you should know what to expect from your Solo 401(k) employer contribution in addition to your own savings.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the details you need to maximize your savings and set yourself up for retirement year after year with savvy money moves.
What is a Solo 401(k)?
While many people who have worked corporate jobs in the past are familiar with 401(k)s, they may be less familiar with the Solo(k) variety of retirement savings accounts. A Solo 401(k) or an Individual 401(k) is similar, but it is designed specifically for entrepreneurs and small businesses. You can only qualify for a Solo(k) if your small business has no other full-time employees (spouses are an exception).
Like many retirement savings accounts offered by an employer, business owners are given the option to contribute both their pay via salary deferral and money from the business as part of profit sharing. This allows you to contribute twice as much toward your retirement with some of the highest contribution limits of any savings account.
Solo 401(k) Employer Contributions Explained
While the contribution limits to a Solo(k) are higher than some other savings accounts, there are still limits in place. Those limits exist for both employees and employers, making it easier to draw a clear line around what you can contribute on behalf of the business.
Personal Contributions
Personal contributions are capped at the same rates as an ordinary 401(k): $23,000 in 2024 for those under age 50. If you are age 50 or above, you can make a catch-up contribution of $7,500, adding up to a total of $30,500 annually.
Employer Contributions
The Solo 401(k) max employer contribution is a little harder to identify. Employers can contribute up to 25 percent of their net self-employment income for the year (money earned minus expenses, half of your self-employment tax, and money that you earmarked for your employee contribution to a retirement savings account).
It should be noted that there are aggregate contribution limits as well. The max combined employee and employer contributions are limited to $69,000 for people under age 50 ($76,500 for those ages 50 or older).
The most restrictive rule for Solo 401(k) savings accounts is that you cannot have employees other than yourself in the business. The main exception to this rule is your spouse. If they work in the business in any capacity, you can pay them and still contribute to a Solo(k). Your spouse can even qualify for their own retirement savings account through the business.
Keep in mind that you also have a Solo 401(k) employer contribution deadline which varies based on your business structure. Employee contributions must be made by the end of the calendar year. Employer contributions must be made by the business tax filing deadline.
Example Solo 401(k) Contribution Split
Suppose that you are a sole proprietor making an even $100,000 annually. You are over the age of 50 which makes you eligible for catch-up contributions that maximize your retirement savings. Because of the profit-sharing contribution available in a Solo(k), you can make contributions on behalf of both the employee and the employer.
How much can you contribute to your Solo(k) in this situation?
In 2024, you can make an employee contribution of $23,000. Additionally, you can contribute $20,000 as the employer, which is 20% of your company’s income.
Here’s how it works: after making the employer contribution, your taxable income reduces to $80,000. At this point, your employer contribution is effectively 25% of your income ($20,000/$80,000).
If you are over the age of 50, you are also eligible to make a catch-up contribution of $7,500.
The grand total on your contribution to the Solo(k) for the year would be $50,500. For those under 50 and unable to make the catch-up contribution, your total would be $43,000.
Are Employer Contributions to a Solo 401(k) Deductible?
There remains one important question you must answer before taxes are due: Are employer contributions to Solo 401(k)s deductible?
This is another question that is often posed when deciding on an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. The answer ultimately depends on whether you have a traditional or Roth Solo(k). Pre-tax contributions can be tax-deductible now and taxed in retirement while Roth contributions are the opposite.
Set Up Your Solo(k) with Retire4one
Busy business owners may not have the time to meet with financial planners and set up their own retirement savings accounts, but Retire4one is here to help. We offer a one-stop shop where self-employed individuals who run their own businesses can start saving for retirement in five minutes or less.
Why Retire4one? We offer:
- Core investment options selected by an independent fiduciary
- 5500 Form filing on your behalf, meaning less hassle and tax paperwork for you
- Quick setup to get started in 3-5 minutes
To give our clients the maximum benefit, we partner with Voya who will hold all your investments. You get all the benefits of a 401(k) at a large employer at a discounted rate through their pooled employer plan without the overhead costs. Contact us today with questions or get started now and set up your first Solo 401(k) in a matter of minutes!