Are you self-employed? Being self-employed gives you a certain measure of freedom, but it doesn’t give you an excuse to skip out on saving for retirement. You do not have the benefit of an employer-sponsored 401(k) that automates savings. In fact, it makes putting money away that much more crucial: Unlike an employee who might have access to a 401(k), you’re on your own. So, If you’re self-employed, you’ll have to take action to ensure you have enough money for a comfortable retirement.
Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed: What Are the Options?
Before digging into the particulars of individual savings options, it’s important to understand a few guidelines that govern small business retirement plans. For instance, each plan has its annual contribution limit, just the way an employer’s retirement plan does. The amount you can contribute varies by plan, and a special limit may apply if you’re considered to be self-employed, rather than a business owner.
Next, each plan has its own tax rules to follow concerning when you can take distributions, how those distributions are taxed, and what can trigger a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Some plans also have special rules that apply to businesses that have employees.
Finally, small business retirement plans can offer tax advantages to savers. Your retirement savings can grow on a tax-deferred basis, earning compound interest over time. Some or all of your annual contributions may be tax-deductible, which could reduce your tax bill when you file your yearly return.
Here are the five plans that may work for you:
Traditional or Roth IRA are best for individuals for those just starting out with relatively low self-employment income. Traditional IRA offers an upfront tax break, and the Roth IRA provides tax-free income in retirement. The biggest
drawback of this kind of account is the low contribution limit – $7,000 per year in 2024 for those younger than 50 and $8,000 for those older than 50.
Solo 401(k) plans are 401(k) plans available to an owner-only business, such as a sole proprietor or consultant with no employees. They allow for deferrals (money contributed out of salary) and employer contributions (money paid from employer accounts, e.g., profit sharing). Solo 401(k)s can be a good choice for self-employed workers looking for a plan that works similarly to a traditional 401(k) and with larger contribution limits than an IRA. Individuals can decide to make either tax-deductible deferrals or post-tax Roth deferrals, based on their needs.