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Solo 401(k) Guide for Self-Employed & Freelancers

Solo 401(k) contribution limits as employee and employer, Roth option, and setup steps.

July 9, 20267 min readBy MyWealthForge
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Key Takeaways

  • 1Employee deferral: $23,500 (2025). Employer profit-sharing: 25% of net income.
  • 2Total max ~$69,000 — same as SEP but reachable at lower income.
  • 3Roth solo 401(k) available at some custodians.
  • 4No employees other than spouse.

Solo 401(k) offers the highest retirement savings potential for self-employed workers with no employees.

See 401(k) limits.

Dual Contribution Role

You are employee ($23,500 deferral) AND employer (25% profit share). This beats SEP at incomes under ~$150k.

Catch-up $7,500 if 50+.

Setup Steps

Open at Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard. Adopt plan document. Track contributions separately.

Compare SEP IRA.

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