Employee + Employer Contributions
Dual Source
You contribute as an employee (up to $23,500 in 2025) AND as an employer (up to 25% of net self-employment income). Combined, that's up to $70,000 -- or $77,500 if you're 50 or older.
Solo 401(k) Plans for Self-Employed Owners and Owner-Only Businesses
Maximize your retirement savings as a business owner with no employees. A Solo 401(k) lets you contribute as both employer and employee -- up to $70,000 in 2025.
Get StartedSimple, Flat-Fee Pricing
One plan. One price. No surprises.
Everything you need to set up and maintain a Solo 401(k) -- plan document, compliance, contribution calculations, and ongoing amendments.
$350
one-time setup
$99
/month
- Custom plan document & trust
- IRS plan determination coordination
- Annual contribution calculations
- Form 5500-EZ filing (when required)
- Plan amendments & regulatory updates
- Roth & loan provisions available
- Spousal participation setup
- Custodian coordination
The Highest Contribution Limits for Sole Proprietors
Why a Solo 401(k)?
If you're self-employed or run a business with no common-law employees (other than a spouse), a Solo 401(k) gives you access to the highest possible retirement contribution limits -- often two to three times more than a SEP IRA for the same income level.
Roth Option Available
Tax Diversification
Solo 401(k) plans can include a Roth deferral option, allowing you to make after-tax contributions that grow tax-free. SEP IRAs don't offer Roth contributions.
Loan Provision
Access If Needed
Your plan can include a loan provision allowing you to borrow up to 50% of your vested balance (max $50,000) without triggering taxes or penalties.
Spousal Participation
Family Planning
If your spouse works in the business, they can also contribute as an employee -- effectively doubling the household retirement contribution capacity.
Full-Service Administration
What's Included
Plan Document & Setup
Turnkey
We draft a custom plan document, establish the trust, and coordinate with your chosen custodian to get the plan up and running.
Annual Compliance
Form 5500-EZ
When your plan balance exceeds $250,000, a Form 5500-EZ filing is required. We prepare and file it on time, every year.
Contribution Calculations
Optimized
We calculate the exact maximum contribution based on your self-employment income, ensuring you capture every dollar available without exceeding limits.
Ongoing Plan Maintenance
Amendments & Updates
Required amendments, discretionary changes, and IRS guidance updates -- your plan stays current without you having to track regulatory changes.
Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA
A SEP IRA is simpler to set up, but limits you to employer contributions only (25% of compensation). A Solo 401(k) lets you contribute as both employee and employer, which typically results in significantly higher total contributions -- especially at lower income levels. For example, at $100,000 of net self-employment income, a SEP IRA caps you at roughly $18,587. A Solo 401(k) allows approximately $42,087 in total contributions. If you're over 50, the gap widens further.
FAQ
Common Questions
What happens if I hire employees?
Once you have common-law employees (other than your spouse), a Solo 401(k) no longer qualifies. You'd convert to a standard 401(k) plan. We plan for this upfront and can manage the transition seamlessly if your business grows.
Can I have a Solo 401(k) and a SEP IRA?
Technically yes, but the combined contribution limits apply across both plans, so there's rarely a benefit. Most people choose one or the other. We'll help you determine which maximizes your situation.
What custodians do you work with for Solo 401(k)?
We work with any custodian. Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard, and several others all support Solo 401(k) plans. We help you choose based on investment options, fees, and reporting capabilities.
Do I need a Solo 401(k) if my business is a side hustle?
If you have self-employment income and want to maximize retirement savings beyond what your day-job 401(k) allows, a Solo 401(k) on the side business can be powerful. The combined employee deferral limit across all plans is $23,500 (2025), but the employer contribution is separate per plan.
Self-employed? Let's figure out how much you could be saving. Book a free consultation.
45 Minutes
No Obligation
Written Analysis
Get Started