Solo 401(k) Funding Options

In addition to salary deferrals and profit sharing, Solo 401(k)s can be funded by rolling over or transferring funds from any of the following types of retirement plans: 
 

  • Traditional, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs (after a two-year holding period)
  • Qualified Plans or Keoghs (Profit Sharing, Money Purchase Pension, Defined Benefit)
  • 401(k) plans 
  • 403(b) plans
  • 457 plans


Each Solo 401(k) must be established no later than December 31 or fiscal year-end, whichever comes first, to be eligible for tax deductions for that year.

 

Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits

As the employee and the employer, the business owner is permitted to make a combination of contributions, including salary deferral and profits from the business. Also, if the business owner is age 50 or older, he or she is able to defer additional salary in the form of a “catch-up” provision.
 

Eligible Individuals   2011 2012
Employee Annual Contribution  $16,500   $17,000
  50+ Catch-up Provision  $ 5,500   $ 5,500
 Employer Up to 25% of W2 Compensation, if incorporated    
  Up to 20% of Self Employment Income as Sole Proprietor    
 Total Plan Contribution Limits Lesser of 100% of compensation or the amount indicated here (includes catch-up contribution)  $54,500   $55,500