Retirement Accounts

Retirement Plan Options for the Self-Employed

Self-employed professionals have plenty of retirement savings options. But you'll need to be proactive about researching and setting up a retirement plan. Learn more.

Stephanie Faris

Stephanie Faris

Published December 4th, 2020

Updated April 22nd, 2022

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

There are five major types of retirement plans for sole proprietors: IRAs, 401(k)s, SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs, and defined benefit plans.

Each type of plan is defined by its annual contribution limits, which are set by the IRS.

By contributing to a retirement plan, you can reduce your tax burden each year while also preparing for the future.

Retirement saving has become complicated in the self-employment era. Working independently is on the rise, with freelancing making up 36 percent of the U.S workforce in 2021, compared to only 17 percent in 2014. The share of college graduates choosing freelancing is also increasing, up 6 percent since 2020.

This drive toward independent contracting has created a problem, though. Without employer-provided retirement savings options, some freelancers are failing to set money aside for their golden years. Two-thirds of millennials lack any retirement savings, and 40 percent cite a lack of retirement savings options through work as a reason.

But you don’t need to have an employer to set up a retirement savings account. There are plenty of retirement plan options for self-employed workers.

Traditional and Roth IRAs for freelancers

If you’re just getting started, an individual retirement account (IRA) is probably one of the best self-employed retirement plans you can find. They’re especially beneficial to those leaving the workforce to freelance, since you can roll over an employer-provided 401(k) into an IRA.

For the self-employed, IRAs are typically offered in two major types: traditional and Roth. With a traditional IRA, you can deduct your contributions on your taxes, which makes it a great option for socking some of your earnings away that you would otherwise give to the IRS. However, you’re only deferring taxes until retirement. With a Roth IRA, you can’t deduct the money you put in, but the benefit is that you can enjoy tax-free withdrawals when you retire.

With a traditional or Roth IRA, self-employed professionals need to pay attention to the contribution limits. For 2022, you’re limited to $6,000 for the entire year unless you’ll be age 50 or older by December 31, at which point the limit increases by $1,000. If your annual compensation was less than that, you’ll be limited to the amount you made that year. In addition to annual contribution limits, the IRS sets certain limits on who can contribute to IRAs based on their adjusted gross income.

Solo 401(k)s for freelancers

You may not be eligible for large or small business retirement plans, but you still can participate in a solo 401(k). In this setup, the self-employed person acts as both the employer and employee, which means contribution limits are higher. You can contribute up to $20,500 in 2022. If you’re age 50 or older, you can set aside an additional $6,500 for a total of $27,000. Additionally, you can contribute up to 25 percent of your earnings. In total, your contributions in 2022 can’t exceed $61,000, including salary deferrals. If you’re over age 50, that limit increases to $67,500.

SIMPLE IRAs for freelancers

Another retirement plan option for self-employed professionals is a SIMPLE IRA, which is short for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. The limit for a SIMPLE IRA is $14,000 in 2022, or $17,000 for those aged 50 or older. You can also contribute an additional 2% fixed amount or a 3% matching contribution. Self-employed individuals that have employees are also required to make employer contributions under SIMPLE IRA rules.

SEP IRAs for freelancers

Another type of IRA worth considering is a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP). The biggest difference in a Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRAs is how contribution limits are calculated. With a SEP IRA, you can set aside 25 percent of your net self-employment earnings $61,000 for 2022. SEP IRAs do not allow for catch-up contributions for self-employed individuals age 50 or over.

Defined Benefit Plans for freelancers

By definition, it may seem like defined benefit plans aren’t a viable retirement plan option for freelancers. A defined benefit plan is an employer-sponsored plan like a pension, provided as a perk of employment. Pensions are typically funded based on an employee’s salary and years of service.

But defined benefit plans are still available as retirement accounts for self-employed professionals. These are called personal defined benefit plans and often appeal to freelancers who are making too much money to take advantage of the qualified business income (QBI) deduction. QBI was passed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, allowing business owners and sole proprietors to deduct 20 percent of your business’s income. But if your household income is more than $340,100 ($170,050 for individuals), you’ll be subject to a reduced amount, phasing out completely at $440,100, or $220,050 for individual filings.

If you’re in a high-earning household, a defined benefit plan could be a great way to save for retirement while also reducing your tax burden each year. The limit is calculated based on your age, expected return, and the amount you’ll receive at the time you retire. Usually you’ll be able to set aside tens of thousands of dollars before reaching the cap.

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Starting a retirement benefit plan

When you accept a salaried position, signing up for a retirement plan is often included as part of the onboarding process. You don’t have that convenience when you’re self-employed, which means you’ll have to seek out a plan on your own. The good news is, there are plenty of financial institutions and brokers willing to help you out. You may even be able to set it all up online.

In addition to researching the best retirement plan for self-employed workers, you should also shop around to find the lowest fees. Conduct a web search for the best providers of the type of account you want to open, and compare rates, application processes, investment options available, and reporting tools. You’ll then have the basic information you need, whether you choose to speak to an expert or sign up on your own.

Bottom line

Whether you choose a self-employed SEP, SIMPLE IRA, IRA, 401(k), or defined benefit plan, it’s important to get advice from a licensed professional – a Certified Financial Planner® can help you sift through the weeds and find the best plan for you.


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Stephanie Faris
Stephanie Faris

Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.

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Share this advice


Stephanie Faris
Stephanie Faris

Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.

Free Retirement Consultation

Still have questions about how to properly plan for retirement? Speak with a licensed fiduciary for free.

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Still have questions about how to properly plan for retirement? Speak with a licensed fiduciary for free.

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Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities.

Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances.

For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures.

Retirable is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Blue Ridge Bank N.A., Member FDIC. FDIC insurance is available for funds on deposit up to $250,000 through Blue Ridge Bank N.A., Member FDIC. The Retirable Visa® Debit Card is issued by Blue Ridge Bank N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 5.12% is effective as of Aug 1, 2023. This is a variable rate and may change after the account is opened. Fees could affect earnings on the account.

** Refer to the fee schedule in your Consumer Deposit Account Agreement

© 2024 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved.

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To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone.

Legal

Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities.

Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances.

For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures.

Retirable is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Blue Ridge Bank N.A., Member FDIC. FDIC insurance is available for funds on deposit up to $250,000 through Blue Ridge Bank N.A., Member FDIC. The Retirable Visa® Debit Card is issued by Blue Ridge Bank N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 5.12% is effective as of Aug 1, 2023. This is a variable rate and may change after the account is opened. Fees could affect earnings on the account.

** Refer to the fee schedule in your Consumer Deposit Account Agreement

© 2024 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved.

We're accredited and certified by