Simple Small Business Retirement Plans

Quick Summary
Now that your company is firmly established and growing, you may want to consider adding a basic retirement pension plan to your employee benefits package. An employer-sponsored retirement plan provides a tax-deferred way for you and your employees to save for retirement. But as a busy small business owner, you may not want to commit to the administrative paperwork required for a 401(k) plan. A SIMPLE IRA or Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) could be the solution you need.

What Is a SIMPLE IRA and How Does It Work?

A SIMPLE IRA is a tax-deferred retirement plan designed specifically for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees who are earning at least $5,000 a year. It allows you and your employees to make pre-tax contributions as a way to save for retirement. You must make employer contributions on behalf of your employees and employees can also contribute to their own accounts.

What Is a SEP IRA and How Does It Work?

A Simplified Employee Pension, or SEP IRA, is a tax-deferred retirement plan available to small businesses of any size. A SEP is funded entirely by the employer – no employee contributions are allowed. Annual pre-tax contributions can vary depending on business cash flow.

What Are the Main Benefits of These Pension Plans?

An up-front tax deduction for you and your employees helps to reduce current income taxes. The plans are easy to setup and maintain, and employer contributions you make are deductible as a business expense.

Are There Downsides to SIMPLE IRAs and SEPs?

There are pros and cons for every type of retirement plan. A SIMPLE IRA can only be used by a company with 100 or fewer employees, so you would have to switch plans if your business grew beyond that payroll number. A SEP requires all employees and business owners to receive the same contribution percentage and the plan is totally funded by the employer.
 
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