Solo 401(k)

Business & Finance abbreviation · Personal Finance

Solo 401(k)
Stands forOne-participant 401(k) plan
CategoriesBusiness & Finance

Solo 401(k) stands for One-participant 401(k) plan, a personal finance abbreviation.

Retirement plan for self-employed people and business owners with no employees other than a spouse, letting the owner contribute both as "employee" through elective deferrals and as "employer" through profit-sharing. This dual role usually permits larger contributions than a SEP IRA at the same income level.

Example: Once my freelance design income passed six figures, my accountant suggested opening a Solo 401(k).

Usage notes

Also marketed as an individual 401(k), self-employed 401(k) or uni-k. When plan assets exceed $250,000, the owner generally must file Form 5500-EZ each year. Hiring an eligible employee usually ends eligibility, because the plan would then have to cover that worker too.

More personal finance abbreviations

  • RRSP – Registered Retirement Savings Plan
  • SEP IRA – Simplified Employee Pension individual retirement account
  • SEPP – Substantially equal periodic payments
  • SIMPLE IRA – Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees individual retirement…
  • SIPP – Self-invested personal pension
  • SMSF – Self-managed super fund
  • SWR – Safe withdrawal rate
  • TFSA – Tax-Free Savings Account
  • TOD – Transfer on death
  • TSP – Thrift Savings Plan
  • UGMA – Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
  • UTMA – Uniform Transfers to Minors Act

See all 69 personal finance abbreviations →