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    Maximize Your Retirement Savings with a Solo 401(k)

    Solo 401k For Self-Employed & Small Businesses

    $899 FLAT ANNUAL FEE, NO TRANSACTION FEES!

    Book A Free Consultation

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    Why Choose IRAR

    Don't Let Anything Fall Through the Cracks! The IRS Will Catch It.

    Our platform helps you track your personal Solo 401(k) plan's debits and credits. It also segregates the distinct types of contributions, allocating the funds in the proper plan sources. This keeps your plan compliant with IRS rules. This is something that no other platform can do. 

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    Expert Help
    Get started easily with our user friendly online platform. If you have questions, you can get live help from our experts.
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    Cost Effective
    Maximize your savings with lower fees. Your flat annual fee includes all premium features at no additional cost.
    Excellence
    Compliant
    Keep your books in order. Allocate buys, sells, expenses, contributions, etc. with extreme accuracy.
    Book Your Free Consultation to Learn More!
     
    IRAR's Solo 401(k) Retirement Plan is 100% Self-Directed

    Experience the Highest Level of Compliance & Efficiency 

    Our one-of-a-kind online Solo 401(k) platform includes free premium recordkeeping features to help you follow plan rules— it's super easy to use. Here are a few of the many benefits it offers:

    • Unlimited Plan Participants
    • Roth Solo 401(k) 
    • Alternative Asset Investments
    • Allowed Loan up to $50,000
    • Preparation IRS Form 5500-EZ, 1099-R
    • FREE Plan Restatements
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    REQUEST A Demo

    Interested in a Self-Directed Solo 401(k) for Your Small Business?

    Schedule a one-on-one demo of our platform. Discover how you can effortlessly maintain and track your Solo 401(k) investments, efficiently managing your time and money— while ensuring full compliance with IRS regulations for your account.

    Schedule a Free Consultation

    Simple & Transparent Pricing

    Premium features and a recordkeeping platform at an affordable rate.

    Solo 401(k) Retirement Plan

    The annual fee includes:

    • Unlimited buys and sells
    • Plan Document
    • Preparation of Form 5500-EZ
    • Plan Restatements
    • Unlimited transactions
    • Online recordkeeping with premium features
    $899/yr
    -$500/yr
    Tax Credit
    $0/yr

    No transaction fees.
    One flat annual rate.

    From a user standpoint, the IRAR platform is easy to use. I log in monthly to reconcile accounts and handle tasks, and we've already made our first investment through the Solo 401(k). I really value the flexibility, it’s even got me thinking about moving more funds from my IRA to keep diversifying. Everyone I’ve worked with at IRAR has been incredibly friendly and helpful. When technical issues came up, they jumped on calls, walked me through solutions, and helped me understand both the back-office process and the investment rules for the Solo 401(k).

    Dante Passantino
    REALTOR® and IRAR Client

    Understanding the Self-Employed 401(k)

    Eligibility

    You may establish a Solo 401(k) if your business has no eligible employees other than you and, if applicable, your spouse. A spouse who works for the business, receives eligible compensation, and meets the plan’s requirements may also participate.

    How It Works

    A Solo 401(k) allows you to contribute to your retirement savings in two ways: through employee elective deferrals and employer profit-sharing contributions. Contribution amounts depend on your eligible compensation, business structure, and applicable annual limits.

    As the plan administrator, you are responsible for maintaining the plan, directing its investments, and keeping accurate records. Plan assets must remain separate from your personal and business funds. Proper administration and recordkeeping are necessary to maintain the plan’s tax-advantaged status.

    Solo 401(k) Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a Solo 401(k)? 

    A Solo 401k is a retirement plan for self-employed individuals or business owners with no other employees. This employer sponsored plan allows the business owner's spouse to participate in the plan. This plan allows high contribution limits. Both employee and employer contributions are allowed, helping the business and the owner lower their taxable income. This plan is also known as Individual 401(k), Self-employed 401(k), Personal 401(k), and One-Participant 401(k).

    Can you open a Solo 401(k) without an employer? 

    No. Regular 401(k)plans are employer-sponsored retirement plans. However, if you have a small business with no employees, a Solo 401(k) lets you save for retirement. You can make contributions to the plan as both employer and employee and enjoy tax benefits.

    Can I open a Solo Roth 401(k) on my own? 

    Yes. Anyone who has a business with no employees can open a Solo Roth 401(k). You can do this on your own by completing an online application.

    How do I open a Solo 401(k)? 

    To open a Solo 401(k) you must have earned income from a business with no employees. You will need an EIN for the Solo 401(k), an EIN for the business, a checking account, and a compliant recordkeeping platform. You do not need an LLC unless that is part of your investment strategy.

    What is the contribution deadline for a Solo 401(k)? 

    The contribution deadline for a Solo 401(k) is usually the employer’s tax return due date plus extensions. For corporations, employee contributions must be deposited within 7 business days after each payroll period. Contributions can be made by both the employer and employee. Since this plan is considered an owner-only plan by the IRS, the employee is also the owner. The District of Columbia's Emancipation Day holiday sometime falls around the same time, and the tax deadline is pushed out a few days for sole proprietors and C-Corporations.

    When does a Solo 401(k) need to be established? 

    The deadline to establish and fund a Solo 401(k) depends on the business structure and the type of contribution being made.

    • Employer contributions: The plan may generally be established and funded by the employer’s federal tax return due date, including extensions.
    • Employee elective deferrals: The owner-employee generally must make the deferral election by the end of the tax year. The contribution may then be deposited by the employer’s tax return due date, including extensions.
    • New sole proprietor plans: A sole proprietor with no employees may establish a new Solo 401(k) after year-end. The plan must be adopted and the first-year elective deferral deposited by the tax return deadline, excluding extensions.

    Important: Deadlines can vary based on the business structure, plan terms, and contribution type. Establish the plan and document any elective deferral decisions before the applicable deadline.

    Can a sole proprietor have a Solo 401(k)? 

    Yes, sole proprietors can open and contribute to a solo 401(k) plan. Also known as a one-participant 401(k), this retirement plan is designed for self-employed individuals and business owners with no employees other than a spouse. It offers the same tax benefits and high contribution limits as traditional 401(k) plans.

    What Is the Solo 401(k) Auto-Enrollment Credit? 

    Eligible employers that add an Eligible Automatic Contribution Arrangement (EACA) to a Solo 401(k) may qualify for the small employer auto-enrollment tax credit. The credit is $500 per year for three consecutive tax years, provided the arrangement is maintained during each applicable year.

    Unlike a deduction, which reduces taxable income, a tax credit reduces federal tax liability, subject to applicable general business credit rules.

    Key Benefits

    • Up to $1,500 in tax credits: Eligible employers may claim $500 per year for three consecutive tax years.
    • Direct reduction of tax liability: The credit may reduce federal tax liability dollar for dollar, subject to applicable limitations.
    • Automatic contributions: Eligible participants are enrolled at the plan’s default contribution rate unless they opt out or select a different rate.

    Eligibility depends on the employer and plan arrangement. Confirm eligibility with a qualified tax professional before claiming the credit.

    Resources

     

    • Contributions & Tax
    • Expand Your Portfolio
    • Solo 401(k) Calculators
    • Compliance Experts

    Monitor Contributions and Tax Treatment

    Our platform tracks contributions by type. Pre-tax elective deferrals generally reduce your current taxable income, while distributions are generally taxed as income when withdrawn.

    Roth Solo 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars and are not deductible. Qualified distributions are tax-free when the applicable five-year participation period and another qualifying condition, such as reaching age 59½, are met. Accurate recordkeeping helps maintain the proper tax treatment of each contribution type.

    Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits

    2025 and 2026 Total Contribution Limits

    The combined employee and employer contributions to a participant’s account, excluding catch-up contributions, cannot exceed the lesser of 100% of eligible compensation or:

    • $70,000 in 2025
    • $72,000 in 2026

    Employer contributions are generally limited to 25% of eligible compensation. A special calculation applies to self-employed individuals. Review the employee and employer contribution limits before making a contribution.

    2025 and 2026 Employee Elective Deferrals

    Employee elective deferrals are limited to 100% of eligible compensation, up to:

    • $23,500 in 2025
    • $24,500 in 2026

    If permitted by the plan, participants age 50 or older may make an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 in 2025 or $8,000 in 2026.

    Participants who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 during the calendar year may make a higher catch-up contribution of $11,250 in 2025 or 2026. This higher amount replaces the standard age 50 catch-up contribution for that year.

    Our platform tracks employee deferrals, employer contributions, and catch-up contributions separately.

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    Compare

    Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA

    Expand Your Portfolio with Alternative Investment Options

    Investments are fully self-directed which means you choose the investments you want in your plan. These can include alternative assets not usually available through most Solo 401(k) providers or retirement account administrators. Like in any other retirement account, all assets have a tax advantaged status.

    Here are some of the many types of investment options allowed in our self-directed Solo 401(k):

    ■ Real estate rentals ■ Private equity
    ■ Limited liability corporations (LLCs) ■ C corporations
    ■ Hedge funds ■ Startups
    ■ Small businesses ■ REITs
    ■ Convertible notes ■ Land trusts
    ■ Stocks, bonds & mutual funds ■ Energy, oil, and gas
    ■ Tax lien certificates ■ Precious metals
    ■ Cryptocurrency  
    Real estate investing

    Solo 401(k) Real Estate Investing Rules
    Guide

    Real Estate Non-Recourse Loan For Your Solo 401(k)

    Solo 401(k) Calculators and Planning Tools

    Contribution Calculator

    Our platform’s contribution calculator estimates how much you may contribute to a Solo 401(k) based on your business structure, eligible compensation, age, and contribution type. Open an account to access the platform and its planning tools.

    Required Minimum Distribution Calculator

    Solo 401(k) distributions can generally be taken without the additional early-distribution tax beginning at age 59½. Required minimum distributions may begin at age 73 or 75, depending on your date of birth, account type, and other applicable rules. Use the RMD calculator to estimate your required distribution based on the information you provide.

    Net Income Attributable Calculator

    If you contribute more than the amount allowed, the excess contribution may need to be corrected along with its associated earnings or loss. The Net Income Attributable calculator helps estimate the amount associated with the excess contribution.

    Plan Loan Calculator

    If your plan permits participant loans, the plan loan calculator can estimate your available loan amount, compare payment frequencies, and generate an amortization schedule. The loan must comply with the plan document and applicable repayment requirements.

    Solo 401k Plan Administrator

    5 Tips to Master Self-Directed Solo 401(k) Plan Management
    Resources

    Individual 401(k) Contribution Limits

    Solo 401(k) Support and Recordkeeping

    Get help from an experienced retirement account team with questions about the platform, plan administration, and required processes.

    Professional Network

    Access a network of independent professionals with experience in self-directed retirement accounts, estate planning, tax matters, and related services.

    Secure Document Storage

    Keep plan documents, agreements, contracts, receipts, expense records, and other account files organized in one place.

    Resources

    How to Set Up A Solo 401(k) in 5 Easy Steps
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