Pension > Self Employed 401(k) Pension

A Self-Employed 401(k) Plan, also known as a Solo 401(k) or Individual 401(k), is a retirement plan designed for self-employed individuals, including small business owners with no full-time employees (other than a spouse). It offers a way to save for retirement with both employee and employer contributions. Here are the key features and components of a Self-Employed 401(k) Plan:

1. Eligibility:


  • Self-employed individuals with earned income from self-employment activities, such as freelancers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and small business owners, are eligible to establish a Self-Employed 401(k) Plan.

2. Contributions:

  • Self-Employed 401(k) Plans allow for both employee and employer contributions. The plan participant (you, as the self-employed individual) can make contributions as both the employee and the employer.

3. Employee Contributions:

  • As the employee, you can make elective salary deferrals into your Self-Employed 401(k). In 2021, the maximum employee contribution limit was $19,500, with an additional $6,500 catch-up contribution allowed for participants aged 50 and older.

4. Employer Contributions:

  • As the employer, you can make employer contributions, which are typically based on a percentage of your self-employment income (up to IRS limits). These contributions are tax-deductible for your business.

5. Combined Contribution Limit:

  • The total contribution to your Self-Employed 401(k) cannot exceed the annual contribution limits, which vary based on the participant’s age. The total contribution includes both employee and employer contributions.

6. Simplified Administration:

  • Self-Employed 401(k) Plans are relatively simple to administer, especially for individuals with no employees (except a spouse). There are no complex reporting requirements.

7. Immediate Vesting:

  • All contributions made to your Self-Employed 401(k) are immediately vested, meaning you have full ownership of the funds.

8. Investment Options:

  • Self-Employed 401(k) plans offer a wide range of investment choices, allowing you to invest in various assets such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more.

9. Catch-Up Contributions:

  • Participants aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions to their Self-Employed 401(k) to save more for retirement.

10. Rollovers: – You can roll over funds from other retirement accounts, such as Traditional IRAs or former employer-sponsored plans, into your Self-Employed 401(k) to consolidate your retirement savings.

11. Withdrawals and Taxation: – Withdrawals from a Self-Employed 401(k) are generally subject to income tax, and early withdrawals before age 59½ may incur penalties. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) must begin after age 72 (as of 2021).

12. Asset Protection: – Self-Employed 401(k) plans typically offer some level of asset protection from creditors and legal judgments, depending on state laws.

13. Loan Option: – Some Self-Employed 401(k) plans allow for participant loans, which can provide a source of funds in emergencies. The loan must be repaid according to IRS rules.

14. Potential for High Contributions: – Self-Employed 401(k) plans may allow for higher annual contributions compared to other retirement plans, especially for self-employed individuals with substantial self-employment income.

Self-Employed 401(k) Plans are valuable retirement savings options for self-employed individuals and small business owners. They provide flexibility in contributions, allow for tax deductions, and offer a wide range of investment choices. The ability to contribute as both the employee and the employer makes them a powerful tool for building retirement savings.