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Sep-IRA's; How to Increase Retirement Savings for the Self Employed

Don’t be Caught Short of Retirement Funds

Hi Barbara,

Given the number of articles about how people are not preparing for retirement sufficiently, I was wondering if you might do an article on SEP IRAs, and how self-employed people (who cannot rely on corporate pensions) might put away more than the $5,500 allowed per regular IRAs.

Regards, Gregg

According to the US Bureau of labor statistics about 1 in 9 workers was self-employed (in 2009). 

Self-employed people have the advantage of controlling their own schedule and creating their own path. What they lack is the employer sponsored 401(k) with high contribution limits and an employer match. But business owners and independent contractors have another alternative for retirement saving, the SEP-IRA.

With the end of the year approaching, along with retirement plan contribution deadlines, Gregg raises an important topic.

Start Saving for Retirement Now
Start Saving for Retirement Now

What is a SEP IRA?

Roth IRA’s (Individual Retirement Accounts) and Traditional IRA’s are well publicized and give individuals an opportunity to take charge of their financial future by contributing money into a tax advantaged account. These are great retirement saving options but also have their drawbacks such as low contribution limits.

The Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP IRA) offers retirement savings options for the small business owner, sole proprietor, partnership, or even a self-employed freelancer.

The SEP IRA gives the small business owner an opportunity to boost retirement savings above the legal limit of $5,500 or $6,500 if you’re age 50 or older. This under publicized retirement plan gives eligible business owners a higher contribution opportunity for their money to grow tax-deferred. The employer also benefits with tax-deductible contributions to the SEP IRA.

A SEP IRA allows an employer to contribute up to 25 percent (with a maximum contribution of $51,000 in 2013) of each eligible employee’s salary into a specially set up Traditional IRA for that employees future. The contributions are allowable even if you are the employer and employee! Since the SEP IRA is discretionary, the employer can choose to contribute one year without the obligation to contribute the next.

What are the Employee’s Requirements?

The employee, sole proprietor, or freelancer set’s up and individual SEP IRA account at an investment brokerage company. Any discount broker can help with the account set up. The SEP IRA is governed by the same rules as those for the Traditional IRA.

Since the Traditional IRA requires minimum distributions starting at age 70 1/2, so does the SEP IRA. Just like with the traditional IRA, there’s a 10 percent penalty if the employee withdraws money from the SEP IRA before age 59 1/2, subject to certain exceptions.

For example, the sole proprietor making $80,000 sets up a SEP IRA and is eligible to make a tax deductible contribution of 25 percent or $20,000. That’s much better than the $5,500 Roth IRA contribution allowed for an individual.

Where can I Get More Information?

If the SEP-IRA sounds like a good retirement investment for you, there’s more than enough information available. The IRS offers help choosing, establishing, and participating in a SEP IRA. The comprehensive and well regarded Investopedia Website defines a SEP IRA and details contribution and distribution guidelines.

With the growth of entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers, the opportunity to expand contributions for the future is an under appreciated opportunity for creating long term wealth.

Have any of you considered a SEP IRA for your retirement savings?

image credit; flickr_google images

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