Tag: retirement

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Financial Planning

SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k) vs. Cash Balance Plans

SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k) vs. Cash Balance Plans: Choosing the Right Retirement Strategy for Small Business Owners

For many small business owners, retirement planning can look different from the experience of employees at larger companies. Without access to a traditional employer-sponsored retirement plan, business owners often take a more active role in designing their own retirement savings strategy while balancing reinvestment in the business, taxes, and personal financial goals.

Among the most frequently discussed retirement plan structures are the SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), and Cash Balance pension plan. Each option has different rules, contribution structures, and administrative considerations.

Understanding how these plans are designed and where they tend to fit within a broader financial strategy can help business owners evaluate which retirement planning approach may align with their business structure, income level, and long-term objectives.

The Role of Retirement Plans for Business Owners

Retirement plans serve two primary functions for business owners:

  1. Saving for the future through tax-advantaged investment accounts.
  2. Managing current taxes by allowing deductible contributions.

Plans such as SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s allow business owners to contribute significant amounts each year. In some cases, these limits are far higher than traditional IRA limits.1

More advanced plans, such as cash balance pensions, may allow even larger contributions depending on age, income, and plan design.2

The most appropriate option often depends on factors such as:

  • Business structure and profitability
  • Number of employees
  • Desired contribution levels
  • Administrative complexity the owner is willing to manage
SEP IRA: A Simple Retirement Plan for Business Owners

A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA is one of the easiest retirement plans for a small business to establish and maintain. These plans allow employers to make tax-deductible contributions to retirement accounts for themselves and eligible employees.

Key features

  • Contributions are made only by the employer, not employees.
  • Contributions can be up to 25% of compensation, subject to an annual maximum ($72,000 for 2026).3
  • Administrative requirements are minimal.

SEP IRAs are attractive for business owners who value simplicity. However, one important rule is that employers must contribute the same percentage of compensation to eligible employees as they do for themselves.4

For businesses with multiple employees, this requirement can make large contributions expensive.

Solo 401(k): Designed for Self-Employed Individuals

A Solo 401(k), also called an Individual 401(k), is designed specifically for business owners who have no employees other than a spouse.

This structure allows the business owner to contribute in two roles:

  • As the employee
  • As the employer

Because of this dual contribution structure, a Solo 401(k) often allows owners to contribute more at lower income levels compared with a SEP IRA.5

Key features

  • Employee salary deferrals up to annual limits (for example $24,500 in 2026).3
  • Combined contributions can reach $72,000 annually in 2026, with additional catch-up contributions for individuals age 50 or older.3

Some plans also allow features such as Roth contributions or plan loans, which are typically unavailable in SEP IRAs.3

Cash Balance Plans: High-Contribution Strategies for Established Businesses

For business owners seeking to contribute significantly more toward retirement, a Cash Balance pension plan may be worth exploring.

Cash balance plans are a type of defined benefit pension plan that combine features of traditional pensions with elements of defined contribution plans.

Key features

  • Contributions can often exceed $100,000 per year, and in some cases significantly more depending on age and income. 2
  • Contributions are typically tax-deductible for the business.
  • Benefits accumulate as a hypothetical account balance with annual credits.6

Because of their structure, cash balance plans are often used by high-income professionals or established business owners who want to accelerate retirement savings.

Choosing the Right Strategy

The most appropriate retirement plan for a business owner depends on several factors, including:

  • Business income and stability
  • Employee count
  • Long-term retirement savings goals
  • Tax planning strategies

Some business owners also use multiple retirement plans together, such as pairing a Solo 401(k) with a cash balance plan to increase retirement contributions and tax deductions.

Because the rules surrounding retirement plans can be complex, business owners often benefit from reviewing options with qualified tax and financial professionals.

If you are evaluating retirement plan options for your business, a conversation with a financial advisor can help clarify how different plans function and how they may fit within your broader financial strategy. An advisor can also work alongside your tax professional to review contribution structures, administrative requirements, and potential planning considerations based on your business structure and income.

If you would like to explore how retirement planning strategies such as SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, or cash balance plans may apply to your situation, we invite you to connect with our team for a conversation. Our goal is to help business owners better understand their options so they can make informed decisions about planning for the future.

  1. Sources

    1. https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/sep-ira-vs-solo-401k-which-is-better
    2. https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-plans/cash-balance-pension-plans-turbocharge-your-retirement
    3. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/financial-advisors/012716/solo-401k-vs-sep-which-best-biz-owners.asp
    4. https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/sep-ira/sep-ira-limits
    5. https://www.employeefiduciary.com/blog/solo-401k-vs.-sep-ira

     

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC., an (SEC) Registered Investment Advisor.

Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Trek 26-66

Categories
Financial Planning

Retirement Planning Strategies Every CPA Should Be Thinking About

Retirement Planning Strategies Every CPA Should Be Thinking About

For many small business clients, retirement planning is more than a compliance matter or employee benefit decision. It is a strategic lever that affects cash flow management, tax efficiency, succession readiness, and the owner’s personal wealth plan. CPAs are often at the center of these conversations, helping clients weigh trade-offs and ensure alignment with their overall financial strategy.

Why Retirement Plan Design Matters More Now

Shifts in tax policy, evolving workforce expectations, and the rise of hybrid plan designs are making retirement planning increasingly nuanced. High-income owners, in particular, are seeking solutions that allow them to accelerate retirement savings while balancing tax deductions and long-term business goals. For CPAs, this means that a general understanding of plan types might not be enough. Clients are looking for professionals who can anticipate complexities, coordinate with plan providers, and structure retirement plans that truly fit the business.

The Defined Benefit Cash Balance Advantage

Cash Balance Plans have grown rapidly in popularity among closely held businesses. While CPAs are generally familiar with the distinction between defined contribution and defined benefit structures, the real opportunity lies in understanding the circumstances where a Cash Balance Plan may be worth a closer look.

Key considerations include:

  • Tax strategy for high-income years: Cash Balance contributions may provide tax advantages, especially valuable when paired with profit fluctuations or liquidity events.
  • Owner succession and exit planning: Plans may help smooth the transition of ownership while maximizing the departing owner’s retirement benefits.
  • Multi-plan coordination: Small businesses who are adopting both 401(k) profit-sharing and Cash Balance structures, may require careful attention to compliance testing and contribution limits.

Navigating ERISA and Compliance Complexities:

ERISA and related federal regulations place significant fiduciary and reporting responsibilities on business owners. For CPAs advising small businesses, this means looking beyond plan selection and into the ongoing operational requirements, including nondiscrimination testing, minimum funding obligations, and participant communication standards. Missteps in these areas have the potential to be costly, making the CPA’s role as a proactive advisor invaluable.

Elevating Your Role as a Trusted Advisor

Business owners are increasingly looking to their CPAs not only for tax compliance, but also for strategic insight. The ability to connect retirement planning with broader business objectives — from reducing taxable income to preparing for ownership transitions — sets a CPA apart in the competitive advisory landscape.

If retirement plan design feels like a space where there’s more to uncover, you are not alone. Many CPAs recognize the opportunity but want a stronger framework for evaluating when to recommend certain plan types, how to collaborate with plan administrators, and how to bring retirement planning into strategic discussions with their business clients.

On October 29th, CPAs will gather for a dedicated Super CE Session focused on strategic retirement planning for small businesses. The session will explore strategies for aligning business structures, compliance obligations, and advanced plan designs, with special emphasis on Defined Benefit Cash Balance Plans. Join SFS and the CPA Alliance for lunch and the opportunity to earn 20 CPE credits.

Learn more and register here: CPA Event Registration – October 29th

*This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult their own professional advisors before making any decisions.

 

Disclosures:

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

The information provided here is a general summary of key provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill and is for informational purposes only. Individual eligibility for tax deductions or exemptions depends on your personal financial situation and may be subject to limitations, income thresholds, or future legislative changes. This summary does not constitute tax or financial advice. Please consult your tax advisor or financial professional to evaluate how these provisions may apply to your specific circumstances.

The potential financial impact of these provisions depends on individual circumstances. No outcome is guaranteed. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill may be amended or repealed by future legislation. Information is based on publicly available legislative summaries and independent third-party sources, including Congressional Budget Office estimates. Trek 25-313

Categories
Financial Planning

The Big Beautiful Bill and Key Tax Changes and Considerations for Retirees

The Big Beautiful Bill and Key Tax Changes and Considerations for Retirees

Signed into law in 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) introduces a range of changes that could impact retirees. Whether you’re already enjoying retirement or planning for it soon, understanding these legislative changes can help you evaluate your financial plan in light of both potential benefits and considerations. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the bill’s key points to help you understand how these changes may affect your retirement planning.

What is the "Big Beautiful Bill?"

Signed into law in 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) introduces a range of changes that could impact retirees. Whether you’re already enjoying retirement or planning for it soon, understanding these legislative changes can help you evaluate your financial plan in light of both potential benefits and considerations. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the bill’s key points to help you understand how these changes may affect your retirement planning.

Table sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

The information provided here is a general summary of key provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill and is for informational purposes only. Individual eligibility for tax deductions or exemptions depends on your personal financial situation and may be subject to limitations, income thresholds, or future legislative changes. This summary does not constitute tax or financial advice. Please consult your tax advisor or financial professional to evaluate how these provisions may apply to your specific circumstances.

The New “Senior Bonus Deduction”

The Big Beautiful Bill introduces the Senior Bonus Deduction, a special tax provision targeted specifically to retirees.

So, what exactly is it? Starting in 2026, individuals aged 65 and older may be eligible to claim this additional deduction on their federal income taxes. The deduction reduces taxable income by $6,000 for individuals, or $12,000 for married couples filing jointly. This provision applies for tax years 2026, 2027, and 2028.1

Why does this matter? For many retirees, income in retirement may come from a mix of Social Security benefits, retirement account withdrawals, and possibly part-time work. This deduction may help reduce the taxable portion of your retirement income, depending on your specific income sources and tax situation. By lowering taxable income, eligible retirees could owe less in federal taxes during retirement.

No Changes to How Social Security Is Taxed

Despite some expectations, the Big Beautiful Bill does not change how your Social Security benefits are taxed. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may still be taxable, depending on your other sources of income.2

Why does this matter? Many retirees hoped for relief from these taxes, but for now, it’s important to be aware of how other income sources can impact the taxation of these benefits.

Estate Planning Just Got More Flexible

If you’re thinking about legacy planning, the bill introduces a key update. Beginning in 2026, the law increases the federal estate, gift, and generation‑skipping transfer tax exemption to $15 million per person, or $30 million for married couples filing jointly (indexed for inflation).3

Why does this matter? A higher exemption amount may offer greater capacity for transferring assets through inheritance, gifts, or trusts without triggering federal estate taxes, depending on their individual estate size and financial situation.

Because the exemption is indexed for inflation and not currently set to expire, there’s no scheduled deadline requiring immediate action. However, like all tax laws, this provision could be changed through future legislation. 4

Potential Risks: Medicaid and Food Assistance

While the Big Beautiful Bill includes several tax benefits, it also reduces funding for key safety-net programs, which could impact access to healthcare and support services for some retirees.

Starting in 2026, the law calls for Medicaid cuts, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates amount to nearly $1 trillion over the next decade.1 These changes include:

  • Imposing work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks, starting for adults aged 19–64, including those approaching retirement age.
  • Reducing federal Medicaid reimbursement to states, which may impact services like long-term care, home health aides, and coverage in rural areas.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Get Trickier—Not Easier

While many retirees were hoping for more flexibility around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), the Big Beautiful Bill doesn’t deliver on that front. As of now, the RMD start age remains on the gradual path set by the SECURE 2.0 Act, which moves the starting point from age 73 to age 75 over the coming years. No further changes were made in the Big Beautiful Bill.

But what’s raising concern for financial planners is a new provision requiring the U.S. Treasury Department to study the imposition of RMDs on Roth IRAs and large 401(k) balances. While no changes have been made, this study suggests that future policy decisions may consider whether tax-deferred or tax-free accounts, such as Roth IRAs, could be subject to mandatory withdrawals.1

Why Proactive Planning Matters

Many provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill, including the Senior Bonus Deduction, are temporary, scheduled to end in 2028. This makes the years between 2026 and 2028 especially important for planning.

Reviewing your financial situation during this period may help you determine how these temporary provisions affect your personal strategy.

Topics to consider reviewing with a financial or tax professional:

  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
  • Roth IRA conversions
  • Estate plans
  • Overall tax strategy

Although some of these strategies can seem complex, you don’t need to navigate them alone. Working with a qualified financial or tax professional may help you evaluate how the Big Beautiful Bill’s provisions relate to your personal situation. 

Sources

  1. 7 Things Retirees Need To Know About the Big Beautiful Bill Act
  2. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/no-tax-on-social-security-not-quite-what-the-tax-megabill-really-means-for-seniors-df275369
  3. https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/whats-the-new-estate-tax-exemption
  4. https://natlawreview.com/article/one-big-beautiful-bill-estate-and-gift-tax-exclusion-and-generation-skipping

Disclosures:

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.

The information provided here is a general summary of key provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill and is for informational purposes only. Individual eligibility for tax deductions or exemptions depends on your personal financial situation and may be subject to limitations, income thresholds, or future legislative changes. This summary does not constitute tax or financial advice. Please consult your tax advisor or financial professional to evaluate how these provisions may apply to your specific circumstances.

The potential financial impact of these provisions depends on individual circumstances. No outcome is guaranteed. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill may be amended or repealed by future legislation. Information is based on publicly available legislative summaries and independent third-party sources, including Congressional Budget Office estimates. Trek 25-265