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Level 4
May 19, 2022

Solo 401(k) Question

  • May 19, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 12 views

Hi Team!  I have a quick Solo 401(k) Question. 

I have a client with an individually owned S-Corp and he is the only owner and employee.

My understanding is that the employEE can first make a employee contribution for up to $21,000 (in 2022) before year end.  My question is, is remaining employER contribution limited to 25% of his remaining wadges?  Or is it 25% or total business income?

For example, if the business makes $300,000 of gross income, the employee takes a salary of $100,000.  Is it that he can make an employee contribution of $21,000 and then take 25% of the remaining $79,000 or his wadges?  or is it 25% of his business net income?  

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    3 replies

    Level 15
    May 19, 2022

    If I remember correctly, neither.  I think it is 25% of $100,000.

    qbteachmt
    Level 15
    May 20, 2022

    You'll want to confirm your figures every year:

    https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/one-participant-401k-plans

    For 2022, the (employEE) elective deferral limit is 100% of compensation to a max of $20,500; there is a catch up amount for someone over 50 years old = additional $6,500. The EmployER nonelective share is 25% of the compensation.

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    abctax55
    Level 15
    May 20, 2022

    "...his (my emphasisbusiness net income"  -   Your client doesn't *have* business net income. The Corp does. 

    For an S-Corp, retirement plan contributions are based on compensation (aka W-2, aka subject to SE tax)  While the income/loss of the S-Corp does flow thru to the shareholder, it is not considered compensation and can't be used to compute a retirement plan contribution.

    HumanKind... Be Both