Traditional IRA vs. SEP IRA: When to Switch for Higher Contributions

November 19, 2024
We use cookies on our site
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Some cookies are strictly necessary, while others help us with analytics and marketing. You can accept all, reject non-essential, or manage your preferences. Privacy Policy
Accept All
Manage Preferences
Disabling cookies completely or partially may restrict access to the Site’s functionality
Strictly necessary
(Always Active)
These cookies help remember your settings and personalize your experience. They are also required for the website to function properly and stay secure. For example, they enable session management, form protection (e.g., PHP session cookies, reCAPTCHA) and may allow embedded Google Services (e.g., Maps, YouTube) that provide enhanced functionality. Disabling them may affect how content is displayed or limit certain features.
Analytics & Performance
These cookies help us understand site usage and improve performance by measuring traffic and interactions (e.g., Google Analytics). If you decline, we will not know when you visited our site and cannot analyze how it is used.
Save
item
Are you a self-employed individual or a small business owner looking for a retirement savings plan that meets your unique needs? If so, a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA might be the perfect solution to maximize your retirement savings.
item
*Exceptions: first-time home purchase (up to $10,000 penalty-free), education expenses (up to $10,000 penalty-free), medical expenses, disability, death.
SEP IRAs allow contributions exclusively from the employer. Tax benefits apply to business earnings, which can reduce a company's taxable income.
Key benefits
  • High contribution limits up to $69,000
  • Favorable tax treatment: earnings on the investment grow tax-deferred until withdrawn
  • Flexibility: employers can contribute a percentage of employees' compensation, and contributions can vary from year to year
  • Simplicity and low administrative costs
10% of small businesses offering retirement plans use a SEP IRA, reflecting its popularity due to its simplicity and flexibility.
Better suited for
To open a SEP IRA, you must be a self-employed individual or a small business owner. This includes sole proprietors, independent contractors, and partners in a partnership. In 2022, most SEP IRA contributions were made by small businesses1. While you’re not required to contribute to your employees’ SEP IRAs, doing so can provide a valuable benefit and potentially attract and retain top talent.
While SEP IRAs offer significant benefits, they may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Individuals who prefer to contribute to gftheir own retirement savings rather than rely on employer contributions might find SEP IRAs less appealing. Those with complex financial situations or specific retirement goals may benefit from exploring other retirement plan options.
While SEP IRAs may not be ideal for everyone, their simplicity and employer-driven contributions make them especially attractive to small businesses aiming to offer retirement benefits while managing administrative costs effectively.
This is not financial advice. Please consult your financial professional to determine the investment options most appropriate for your financial situation. Please visit our disclaimer page to learn more.
Ready to get started?
Contact us, and we will get back to you shortly
callback callback

Ready to get started?

Contact us, and we will get back to you shortly
background
Ask for a call back
Contact us, and we will get back to you shortly
exit_icon

I accept the Privacy Policy

..