For those who work as a freelancer, solo-consultant, or particular person small enterprise proprietor, you’ve possible puzzled: How ought to I save for retirement?
Surprise no extra, right here’s your reply…
Meet the solo 401(ok):
- Solo 401(ok)s are sometimes missed on the earth of retirement accounts, however they are often an efficient means for self-employed people to avoid wasting.
- Solo 401(ok)s provide flexibility, excessive contribution limits, and tax advantages.
What’s a solo 401(ok)?
A solo 401(ok) is basically a 401(ok) plan for self-employed people or enterprise house owners who don’t have full-time staff past themselves (and probably their partner).
It really works equally to a daily 401(ok)—with worker and employer contribution choices—however is designed particularly for these with out different full-time staff. It affords extra flexibility than choices like SEP IRAs (which solely permit employer contributions) or SIMPLE IRAs (with decrease contribution limits).
Many individuals mistakenly assume solo 401(ok)s are sophisticated or just for excessive earners, however the fact is that they’re fairly easy, and so they’re nice for self-employed people of all revenue ranges.
Assist decrease your taxes and develop your financial savings with a solo 401(ok).
High 5 advantages of solo 401(ok)s for self-employed people
Profit 1: Solo 401(ok)s are tailor-made for entrepreneurs such as you
For those who’re a sole proprietor, freelancer, or gig employee, you know the way difficult it may be to stability inconsistent revenue with long-term monetary objectives. A solo 401(ok) helps you to ramp up your contributions in worthwhile years and cut back in case your revenue takes a dip. You can even contribute as each the worker and the employer, providing you with extra methods to avoid wasting.
One other massive perk is the flexibility to make a contribution to your partner. In the event that they’re additionally working with you, they’ll contribute to the solo 401(ok) with earnings from your corporation, doubtlessly doubling your retirement financial savings. This will additionally assist scale back your family’s taxable revenue should you’re making pre-tax contributions.
Profit 2: Excessive contribution limits
One of many standout options of a solo 401(ok) is the flexibility to make each worker and employer contributions:
- Worker contribution: In 2025, you may contribute as much as $23,500 as an worker. And should you’re over 50, there’s a further profit: You can also make “catch-up” contributions of as much as $7,500 for ages 50-59 and over age 64, and “super-catch-up” contributions of as much as $11,250 for ages 60-63.
- Employer contribution: Because the enterprise proprietor, you may contribute as much as 25% of your web self-employment revenue (20% for sole proprietors and partnerships).
In complete, you may contribute $70,000 (not together with catch-up contributions) to your solo 401(ok) in 2025. This implies extra room for tax-deferred progress and bigger financial savings general.
Profit 3: Tax benefits
Solo 401(ok)s provide some wonderful tax advantages that may assist scale back your tax burden right now whereas saving for retirement.
- Pre-tax contributions: If you wish to decrease your taxable revenue now, you may contribute pre-tax {dollars} to your conventional solo 401(ok). This helps to scale back your present tax invoice, which is particularly useful in high-income years.
- Roth contributions: Many solo 401(ok) plans additionally can help you make Roth contributions. This implies you pay taxes on the cash now, however certified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Providing each pre-tax and Roth choices provides you flexibility in managing each your present and future tax conditions.
- SECURE 2.0 tax credit score: Betterment consists of an Automated Contribution Association of three p.c per pay interval, permitting new plans to say a $500 tax credit score per yr for 3 years.
Profit 4: No revenue limits for Roth contributions
In contrast to Roth IRAs, solo 401(ok)s don’t have revenue limits for making Roth contributions. In case your revenue is simply too excessive to qualify for a Roth IRA, you may nonetheless contribute to a Roth solo 401(ok) and revel in tax-free progress.
Profit 5: Prior yr contributions for brand new plans
Because of the SECURE Act 2.0, solo 401(ok) plans now include a neat little trick: You possibly can arrange a solo 401(ok) after the brand new yr and nonetheless contribute for the earlier yr. For instance, should you arrange a solo 401(ok) in March 2025, you may nonetheless make 2024 contributions till your tax submitting deadline (April 15, or October 15 with an extension). This offers you an opportunity to atone for retirement financial savings that will have slipped by means of the cracks.
Getting began: Selecting a solo 401(ok) supplier
In terms of organising your solo 401(ok), you’ll need to select a supplier that makes issues easy. Search for one that gives clear charges, easy-to-use digital instruments, and a stable monitor file of compliance and recordkeeping.
Moreover, you might need to take into account solo 401(ok) suppliers that provide a spread of economic providers like money accounts or investing providers, that means you may consolidate your monetary life onto one platform.
Meet the Betterment solo 401(ok)
Betterment’s solo 401(ok) is a low-cost funding possibility designed for the self-employed.
Right here’s what you get with Betterment’s solo 401(ok):
- 100% digital setup. No paperwork or mailing checks. Open and handle your account totally on-line.
- Distinctive flexibility. You’ve the choice to open a conventional or Roth solo 401(ok), and your partner can contribute, too.
- Knowledgeable-built portfolios. Select from our collection of low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that can assist you construct wealth over the long run.
- $1,500 tax credit score. Plans embody automated contribution preparations and doubtlessly qualify for a tax credit score of as much as $500 per yr for 3 years.
- Greater contribution limits. You possibly can contribute $70,000 (plus as much as $11,250 extra in catch-up contributions relying in your age) with a solo 401(ok).
