Is a SEP-IRA Right for Your Business?
Updated: Feb 24, 2021
If you're like many small business owners, running your own business is an all-consuming endeavor.
In the face of everyday demands, choosing a retirement strategy for your business can become a casualty. The idea of establishing a plan could evoke worries about complicated reporting and administration.
If this sounds familiar, then you may want to consider whether a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement (SEP-IRA) may be right for you.
A SEP-IRA can be established by sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations, including S corporations.
The advantages of the SEP begin with the flexibility to vary employer contributions each year from 0% up to a maximum of 25% of compensation, with a maximum dollar contribution of $57,000 in 2020, and $58,000 in 2021.
Employees Vested
The percentage you contribute must be the same for all eligible employees. Eligible employees are those age 21 or older who have worked for you in three of the last five years and have earned at least $600 (in 2020) or $650 (in 2021). Employees are immediately 100% vested in all contributions.
There are no plan filings with the IRS, making administration simple and low cost. You only need to complete Form 5305 SEP and retain it for your own records. This form should be provided to all employees as they become eligible for participation.
Unlike other plans, a SEP may be established as late as the due date (including extensions) of your business’ tax filing (generally April 15th) for making contributions for the prior year.
A Menu of Choices
Each eligible employee will be asked to establish his or her own SEP-IRA account and self-direct the investments within the account, relieving you of choosing a menu of investment choices for the plan. The rules for accessing these funds are the same as those governing regular IRAs.
Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a SEP-IRA and other defined contribution plans. Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.1
Unlike the self-employed 401(k), which is only available to business owners with no employees, you cannot take a loan from your SEP assets. Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 72. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.1
The SEP earns the “simplified” in its name and stands as an attractive choice for business owners looking to maximize contributions while minimizing their administrative responsibilities.
Learn more. Get our FREE eBook guide:
The Ugly Truth About Managing Your Company's 401(k)
Learn the 3 Costly Threats & 2 Untapped Opportunities Revealed in This Guide
Avoid costly IRS and DOL fines from compliance hiccups
Stop overpaying on fees and patch costly “leaks” many companies overlook
Leverage investment options to attract and retain top talent
Are You Saving Enough for Retirement? We have multiple ways to help businesses with 1 - 100 employees. * Plan Design Team and Fiduciary Services * Advisory Services through Morning Star * 401K, Safe Harbor 401K, Defined Benefit Plans, 412(e)3 and more.... (Not Available in New York and Connecticut)
Not having a plan could be costing you thousands. Contact us to learn more. Click here.....
Business Succession Planning
The pandemic, and ensuing downturn, disrupted tax and retirement planning for small-business owners. Data gathered by SCORE, shows that 34% of small business owners, do not have retirement savings plans. Data also shows that the smaller the business, the less likely to offer a retirement plan to employees. There are solutions for small business owners with only a few employees.
Learn about retirement saving plans for entrepreneurs, and small business owners today.
1. IRAs have exceptions to avoid the 10% withdrawal penalty, including death and disability.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.