IRAs Self-Employed

As a self-employed individual, retirement planning can be exciting and daunting. With so many retirement plan options available, it’s important to understand which plans may work best for you.

Here are five self-employed retirement plans to consider:

Defined benefit plan

A defined benefit plan is a retirement plan that provides a fixed monthly benefit in retirement based on a formula that takes into account factors such as age, years of service, and salary history.

This plan is more complex to set up and manage and may require the services of an actuary to calculate contributions. However, it offers the highest contribution limits of any retirement plan. It may be a good option for self-employed individuals with high incomes who want to maximize their retirement savings.

Pros:

• Higher Contribution Limits: Defined Benefit Plans offer the highest SEP IRA contribution limits of any retirement plan, allowing self-employed individuals to contribute much more than other plans like a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. This can be particularly beneficial for high-income self-employed individuals who want to maximize their retirement savings.

• Predictable Retirement Income: A Defined Benefit Plan offers a guaranteed retirement income based on a formula, which can provide greater financial security and peace of mind in retirement.

• Tax Benefits: Contributions made to a Defined Benefit Plan are tax-deductible, which can help reduce taxable income and lower taxes owed.

Cons:

• Cost and Complexity: Defined Benefit Plans are typically more expensive and complex to set up and maintain than other retirement plans. They often require the services of an actuary to calculate contributions and may also require ongoing administrative costs.

• Limited Flexibility: Defined Benefit Plans offer less flexibility in terms of contributions and investment options than other retirement plans. Once the plan formula is established, contributions are fixed and cannot be adjusted based on income fluctuations or other factors.

• Employer Contributions Requirements: Self-employed individuals who choose a Defined Benefit Plan must also make contributions on behalf of an eligible employee. This can be costly and may not be feasible for some self-employed small business owners.

SIMPLE IRA

A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement plan that allows self-employed individuals with employees to contribute up to $13,500 (or $16,500 if you are age 50 or older) in 2021 on a pre-tax basis.

This plan is relatively easy to set up and manage and offers a way for self-employed individuals with employees to provide retirement benefits to their employees.

Pros:

• Easy to Set Up and Maintain: Setting up a SIMPLE IRA is relatively easy compared to other types of retirement plans. It does not require the services of an actuary, and the administrative tasks associated with the plan are straightforward.

• Lower Costs: Compared to other retirement plans, setting up and maintaining a SIMPLE IRA costs are relatively low, making it a good option for self-employed small business owners.

• Employee Participation: A SIMPLE IRA allows an eligible employee to contribute to the plan and receive employer contributions, which can greatly benefit attracting and retaining quality employees.

Cons:

• Limited Contribution Limits: The SIMPLE IRA contribution limits are lower than other types of retirement plans. In 2021, self-employed individuals can contribute up to $13,500 to a SIMPLE IRA (or $16,500 if you are age 50 or older). Additionally, there are IRA contribution limits on employer contributions.

• Limited Flexibility: Compared to other retirement plans, SIMPLE IRAs offer limited investment options, and contributions must be made on a pre-tax basis. This can limit the investment options and flexibility available to self-employed individuals.

• Participation Requirements: As the name suggests, a SIMPLE IRA is designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. As a result, self-employed individuals with no employees or with more than 100 employees are not eligible to participate in a SIMPLE IRA.

SEP IRA Plan

A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement plan that allows self-employed individuals and small business owners to contribute up to 25% of their net earnings from self-employment, up to a maximum of $58,000 in 2021.

A Simplified Employee Pension plan is relatively easy to set up and manage and offers a high contribution limit for retirement savings.

Pros:

• High Contribution Limits: A SEP IRA plan allowed self-employed individuals to contribute up to 25% of their compensation or \$58,000 (whichever is less) in 2021. This can greatly benefit high-income earners who want to maximize their retirement savings.

• Tax Benefits: Contributions made to a SEP IRA account are tax-deductible, which can help reduce taxable income and lower taxes owed.

• Easy to Set Up and Maintain: A SEP IRA is relatively easy to set up and maintain, with no requirement for an actuary or complex administrative tasks.

Cons:

• Employer Contribution Requirements: As the name suggests, a SEP IRA requires employers to make contributions on behalf of eligible employees. This can be a downside for self-employed individuals who have employees and may not want to contribute as much to their employees’ retirement accounts.

• No Catch-Up Contributions: Unlike other retirement plans like the Solo 401(k), a SEP IRA does not allow catch-up contributions for individuals aged 50 or older.

• Limited Investment Options: SEP IRAs offer limited investment options compared to other retirement plans, which can limit the investment choices available to self-employed individuals.

Traditional or Roth IRA

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings account that allows you to save for retirement on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis.

A Traditional IRA allows you to deduct contributions from your taxable income, while a Roth IRA allows you to make after-tax contributions with tax-free withdrawals in retirement. These plans are relatively easy to set up and manage and offer great flexibility in terms of investment options.

Traditional IRA:

Pros:

• Tax-Deductible Contributions: Traditional IRA contributions are tax-deductible, which can help lower taxable income and reduce taxes owed.

• Investment Flexibility: Traditional IRAs offer a wide range of investment options, giving self-employed individuals more control over their retirement savings.

• Lower Taxes in Retirement: Traditional IRA withdrawals are subject to business income tax. However, because most people are in a lower tax bracket in retirement, this can result in lower overall taxes paid.

Cons:

• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Traditional IRAs require individuals to take RMDs after age 72, which can result in unwanted tax consequences.

• Early Withdrawal Penalties: Withdrawals made before age 59 ½ are subject to a 10% penalty, which can be a downside for individuals who need access to their retirement savings before retirement.

• No Tax-Free Withdrawals: Traditional IRA withdrawals are subject to income tax, which can limit the amount of money available for retirement spending.

Roth IRA:

Pros:

• Tax-Free Withdrawals: Contributions made to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, which can greatly benefit individuals who anticipate being in a higher tax bracket in retirement.

• No RMDs: Roth IRAs do not require individuals to take RMDs, providing more flexibility in retirement planning.

• Early Withdrawal Flexibility: Roth IRAs allow individuals to withdraw contributions at any time without penalty, which can be helpful for individuals who need access to their retirement savings before retirement.

Cons:

• No Tax Deductions: Contributions made to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, which can limit the amount of money that can be saved on taxes.

• Limited Income Eligibility: Roth IRAs have income limits that may prevent high-income earners from contributing.

• No Tax Benefits in Current Tax Year: Contributions made to a Roth IRA do not provide any tax benefits in the current tax year, which may not be appealing to individuals looking to reduce their current tax liability.

Solo 401(k)

A Solo 401(k) is a retirement plan specifically designed for self-employed individuals with no employees or a spouse as the only employee. It allows you to contribute up to $59,000 in 2021 (or $64,500 if you are age 50 or older) on a pre-tax or Roth basis, depending on the plan design.

This plan offers a high contribution limit and flexibility in investment options, making it a popular choice for self-employed individuals.

Pros:

• High Contribution Limits: The Solo 401(k) allows self-employed individuals to contribute up to $58,000 for 2021 (or $64,500 for those age 50 and over), which can greatly benefit high-income earners who want to maximize their retirement savings.

• Employer and Employee Contributions: As both the employer and employee, self-employed individuals can make employer and employee contributions, allowing for even greater retirement savings.

• Investment Flexibility: The Solo 401(k) offers a wide range of investment options, giving self-employed individuals more control over their retirement savings.

• Roth Option: Solo 401(k)s also offer a Roth option, which allows for after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free in retirement.

Cons:

• Administrative Requirements: As the plan administrator, self-employed individuals manage the plan and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. This can require additional administrative work and expenses.

• No Eligibility for Employees: Solo 401(k)s are only available to self-employed individuals with no full-time employees (other than a spouse). This can limit the options available for those with employees or who may hire employees in the future.

• Required Filing: Once the assets in a Solo 401(k) reach a certain threshold, the plan owner is required to file Form 5500 with the IRS. This can be an added expense and administrative burden.