Owners of their own businesses, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals have access to a variety of retirement plans.
These plans offer tax benefits for contributions; however, the regulations, conditions, and contribution caps vary amongst them. It’s crucial for independent contractors and gig workers to select the type or types of contracts that best fit their needs and adhere to IRS contribution guidelines.
A taxable brokerage account allows contributions from self-employed individuals as well, but these accounts don’t offer the same tax benefits as these plans.
Simplified Employee Pension IRAs, or SEP-IRAs, have large contribution limits and little administrative work. These high limits have mainly caused them to take the place of Keogh plans, which were popular prior to 2001 but are now known as qualified plans and have largely lost favor.
Both self-employed people and business owners are eligible to contribute to SEP-IRA plans; however, business owners are required to match employee contributions at a fixed percentage of total employee pay for each employee. You can make deductible contributions equaling the lesser of:
While solo 401(k)s have high contribution limits and are comparable to employer-provided plans, they also come with a comparatively heavy administrative load and some brokerage firms charge fees for them. If you have employees other than your spouse, you are not eligible to contribute to these accounts. Nonetheless, you have the option of contributing to a Roth IRA with after-tax money (which permits tax-free withdrawals in retirement) or a traditional 401(k) with pre-tax money.
Contributions to a solo 401(k) are accepted from both employers and employees; the maximum is $69,000 in 2024 ($66,000 in 2023) The maximum contribution amount in 2024 will be $76,500 ($73,500 in 2023) for individuals 50 years of age or above, plus an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution in 2023. The contributions break down as follows:
You can make the same contributions for each of you if your spouse works for this company and receives income from it in some way.
Compared to traditional or Roth IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs have a higher contribution limit, less administrative work, and the option to fund your own retirement account rather than your employees’. If you are self-employed or own a company with up to 100 employees, you qualify for a SIMPLE IRA.
As a self-employed individual, you have a unique opportunity to build a robust retirement nest egg through various retirement savings options. Among these, the Roth IRA stands out as a powerful tool for accumulating tax-free retirement savings. This comprehensive guide will delve into the details of Roth IRAs for the self-employed, addressing the eligibility criteria, contribution limits, and potential benefits of leveraging this valuable retirement savings vehicle.
Eligibility for Roth IRAs: Are You Qualified?
The good news is that most self-employed individuals are eligible to contribute to Roth IRAs. Unlike other retirement plans that may have income restrictions, Roth IRAs offer a more inclusive approach, allowing individuals with higher earnings to participate.
However, there are still income limitations to consider. For 2023, the income phase-out range for Roth IRA contributions for married couples filing jointly is between $218,000 and $228,000. This means that if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) falls within this range, you may still be able to contribute partially to a Roth IRA.
It’s important to note that your MAGI for Roth IRA eligibility purposes is not the same as your adjusted gross income (AGI) used for other tax calculations. Your MAGI is calculated by taking your AGI and adding back certain deductions, such as student loan interest and tuition and fees.
Contribution Limits for Roth IRAs: How Much Can You Contribute?
The annual contribution limit for Roth IRAs in 2023 is $6,500 for individuals under age 50 and $7,500 for those 50 and older. This limit applies to all Roth IRA contributions, regardless of whether you have multiple Roth IRAs.
For self-employed individuals, there are additional contribution opportunities through other retirement plans, such as SEP IRAs and solo 401(k)s. However, contributions to these plans do not affect your Roth IRA contribution limit.
Benefits of Roth IRAs for the Self-Employed: Why Consider a Roth IRA?
There are several compelling reasons why self-employed individuals should consider contributing to Roth IRAs:
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Tax-Free Growth: One of the most significant advantages of Roth IRAs is that your contributions grow tax-free. This means that any earnings on your investments within the Roth IRA are not taxed when you withdraw them in retirement. This tax-free growth can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
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Tax-Free Withdrawals in Retirement: Another key benefit of Roth IRAs is that qualified distributions in retirement are tax-free. This means that you won’t have to pay any income taxes on the money you withdraw from your Roth IRA, unlike traditional IRAs, where distributions are taxed as ordinary income.
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No Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs do not have required minimum distributions (RMDs). This means that you can leave your money in your Roth IRA and continue to let it grow tax-free for as long as you live.
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Potential Estate Tax Advantages: Roth IRAs may also offer potential estate tax advantages. Unlike traditional IRAs, which are subject to estate taxes, Roth IRAs are not included in your taxable estate. This means that your beneficiaries will receive the full value of your Roth IRA tax-free.
Other Retirement Savings Options for the Self-Employed
While Roth IRAs offer significant advantages, they are not the only retirement savings option available to the self-employed. Here are some other options to consider:
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SEP IRA: A SEP IRA is a simplified employee pension plan that allows self-employed individuals and small business owners to make tax-deductible contributions. The contribution limit for SEP IRAs in 2023 is 25% of your net earnings from self-employment, up to $66,000.
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Solo 401(k): A solo 401(k) is a retirement savings plan designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners with no employees other than their spouse. With a solo 401(k), you can contribute as both an employee and an employer. The contribution limit for solo 401(k)s in 2023 is $22,500 for employee contributions and $66,000 for employer contributions, with a combined limit of $66,000.
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SIMPLE IRA: A SIMPLE IRA is a retirement savings plan designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. With a SIMPLE IRA, both the employer and employee can make contributions. The contribution limit for SIMPLE IRAs in 2023 is $15,500, plus an additional $3,500 for those 50 and older.
For self-employed individuals, Roth IRAs offer a valuable opportunity to accumulate tax-free retirement savings. By understanding the eligibility criteria, contribution limits, and potential benefits of Roth IRAs, you can make informed decisions about how to best utilize this powerful retirement savings tool. Additionally, exploring other retirement savings options, such as SEP IRAs, solo 401(k)s, and SIMPLE IRAs, can further enhance your retirement planning strategy.
Remember, the key to a secure retirement is to start saving early and consistently. By taking advantage of the various retirement savings options available to you as a self-employed individual, you can build a solid financial foundation for your future.
Money Purchase Plans
In contrast to profit-sharing plans, money purchase plans require employers to make contributions for plan participants, and these contributions are fixed regardless of the company’s profitability year over year. The contribution rate needs to be determined when creating this plan. Plans for money purchases have a lot of administrative work, but setting up a pre-approved plan might be simpler. As an employer, you may make contributions up to a maximum equal to the lowest of the following:
- 25% of compensation
- $69,000 in 2024 ($66,000 in 2023) for those under 50. Catch-up contributions are available to anyone over 50; in 2024, these limits will rise to $76,500 ($73,500 in 2023)
The maximum deductible SEP contribution is equal to 2020% of the self-employment income less the net self-employment expense and the 2050% deduction for self-employment tax (i.e., $350,000 minus $50,000 minus $13,950) times 2020%). Additionally, the couple’s 2023 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which determines their eligibility for yearly contributions to both traditional deductible IRAs and Roth IRAs, is $203,840.
The range of the Roth IRA contribution MAGI phase-out for single filers in 2023 is $138,000 to $153,000. Jo is therefore qualified to make contributions to a Roth IRA of up to $6,500 for the tax year 2023, even with her healthy income.
Successful independent contractors frequently hold the following two misconceptions regarding yearly contributions to Roth IRAs:
If Jack and Jill have sufficient funds, it would be wise for Jack to contribute to a Roth IRA because it will save him money. If Jill places a higher priority on generating future federal income tax-free income, she can make contributions to a spousal Roth IRA. If she would rather receive a current write-off for the contribution, she may also make a contribution to a conventional deductible spousal IRA.
Important: Under the guidelines for “catch-up” contributions, you may contribute an extra $1,000 to a traditional or Roth IRA if you qualify and will be 50 years of age or older on December 31, 2023. Similarly, if your spouse qualifies and is 50 years of age or older, the same applies to spousal contributions.
IRA for Self Employed (EVEN BETTER THAN A 401K!)
FAQ
Can I put money in a Roth IRA if I am self-employed?
Who Cannot open a Roth IRA?
Can I set up a Roth IRA without an employer?
Which IRA is best for self-employed?
Is a Roth IRA a good investment for a self-employed person?
A Roth IRA is one of the essential retirement saving tools for self-employed people. It’s hard enough for traditionally employed people to save for retirement, and harder still for the self-employed. What is a Roth IRA? A Roth IRA is a type of retirement account that allows individuals to contribute after-tax dollars to an account.
Can a self-employed person open an IRA?
If you have employees, they can set up and contribute to their own IRAs. » In just a few minutes, you can open an IRA at an online brokerage. Review NerdWallet’s picks for the best IRA providers to get started. An IRA is probably the easiest way for self-employed people to start saving for retirement.
Can I open a Roth IRA if I’m not working?
You can open and contribute to a Roth IRA regardless of your employment status (full-time, part-time, or not working) so long as your contributions are equal to or below your earned income. This flexibility can be helpful during career transitions or periods of self-employment, as it allows you to continue saving for retirement in all seasons.
Where can I open a Roth IRA?
You can open a Roth IRA at banks, brokerages, or financial institutions that offer retirement accounts, including Fidelity. While many different places offer the same type of account, not all offerings are the same. Before opening a Roth IRA, carefully consider factors including fees, investment options, user experience, and even customer service.