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    Take Full Control of Your Self-Employed Retirement Funds

    Maximize Your Retirement Savings with a Solo 401(k)

    $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
    • Checkbook Control 
    • IRS Approved Plan Documents
    • Secured Document Storage
    • Employer Identification Number (EIN) Creation Assistance 
    • Ongoing Support From Experts
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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 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 can set up a Solo 401(k) plan if you do not have any full-time employees. If your spouse works for the business, they’re also eligible to save.

    How it Works

    A Solo 401k allows you to contribute to your retirement savings in two ways: as an employee with salary deferrals from your business income (considered your compensation) and as the employer with profit-sharing contributions.

     As the Solo 401(k) plan administrator, you find, buy, sell, and manage the assets and retirement funds. It's important to segregate your plan from personal finances and business expenses. Proper recordkeeping will help you maintain the tax benefits of your Solo 401(k).

    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 last day to establish a Solo 401(k) plan for the tax year is the tax return due date plus extensions of the employer (statutory deadline). This deadline is also when employer contributions must be made. If an employer chooses to make an employee contribution, there is an earlier deadline of April 15 for sole proprietors and partnerships. For Corporations the deadline is 7 business days after the end of the calendar year. If the employer chooses to make an employee contribution, the plan will need to be established before the statutory deadline since the plan must be established before any contributions are made.

    The deadline to open a Solo 401(k) for a given tax year is your tax return due date, including extensions. That’s also the deadline to make employer contributions.

    However, if you want to make employee contributions:

    • Sole proprietors and partnerships must contribute by April 15 (without extensions).
    • Corporations must contribute within 7 business days after the end of the calendar year.

    Important: To make employee contributions, the plan must be established before the statutory deadline—because the Solo 401(k) must exist before any contributions are made.

    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? 

    This IRS tax credit allows you to claim $500 annually for three consecutive years if your Solo 401(k) includes an Eligible Automatic Contribution Arrangement (EACA). Unlike a tax deduction, which reduces taxable income, a tax credit directly reduces your tax liability, providing more impactful savings.

    Key Benefits

    The annual fee includes:

    • Up to $1,500 in Tax Savings: Claim $500 per year for three years
    • Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Reduction: More impactful than a deduction.
    • Promotes Consistent Saving: Auto-enrollment encourages regular contributions with the flexibility to opt out if you choose.

    Resources

     

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

    Monitor Contributions and Tax Treatment

    Our platform allows you to monitor your contributions, broken down by type. For example pre-tax contributions are tax-deductible, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income.

    Roth Solo 401(k) contributions are made in after-tax dollars and are not tax deductible. However, withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. Proper recordkeeping is important to make sure you get the tax break at retirement.

    Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits

    2025 - 2026 Employer Contribution Limits

    Total contributions to a participant’s account, not counting catch-up contributions (50 or older), may not exceed the maximum allowed for the tax year. The maximum is the lesser of 25% of an employee's compensation up to the maximum limit of $70,000 in 2025 and $72,000 in 2026. Employees and employer contributions combined may not exceed this limit.

    2025 - 2026 Employee Elective Deferrals / Employee Contributions

    The maximum an employee can contribute to a Solo 401(k) from employment income is $23,500 in 2025 and $24,500 in 2026 with an additional catch-up of $7,500 if over age 50 in 2025 and $8,000 in 2026. If age 60-63 additional catch up contribution is $11,250 for both 2025 and 2026. This is all tracked and calculated by our platform.

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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: Maximize Your Retirement Savings

    Contributions Calculators

    The contribution calculator on our platform makes it easy for individual 401(k) plan participants to know how much you can contribute based on your role and how much you earn. So, let's get started to take a look!

    Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) Calculator

    Regular distributions start at age 59 1/2 but when you reach 73, you will need to start taking an annual RMD. This calculator will help you figure out the exact amount of your RMD - it's super easy and helpful! 

    Net Income Attributable (NIA) Calculator

    If you accidentally put in too much to your Solo 401(k) plan, don't worry. We've got a handy calculator to help you figure out the earnings or loss associated with the extra money you contributed. No need to stress!

    Plan Loan Calculator

    If you're taking out a loan from your plan, this calculator can help! It will figure out your available loan balance, let you choose how often you make payments, and provide an amortization schedule that your employer will approve.

    Solo 401k Plan Administrator

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

    Individual 401(k) Contribution Limits

    Navigate Solo 401(k) with Confidence: Leading Compliance Experts on Your Side 

    Get access to senior retirement experts who can answer all your burning questions. 

    Informed Professional Network

    Tap into a professional network that understands self-directed retirement, estate planning, and more.

    Secure Document Storage

    Store your plan-related documents, agreements, contracts, receipts, expenses, and more.

    Resources

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

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    Build Retirement Wealth With A Solo 401(k) For Solopreneurs. 

    Get Your Free Solo 401(k) Guide Now

    Get the Latest Investment Strategies from Our Experts

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