5 Tax Reasons to Start a 401(k)
Make tax time more rewarding
Most people get that 401(k)s are designed with big advantages over traditional IRAs
when it comes to retirement savings. Yet, few small business owners realize 401(k)
plans also offer tax advantages ranging from tax credits and deductions for their
business to protecting more of their individual hard earned money from taxes within
their own account. During these times, it has never been more cool or necessary
to spend less, save more, and build up reserves for when it's needed down the road.
1. Tax savings are 3.5 times greater than plan costs
In 2012,
you can contribute up to
$17,000
tax-deferred into a 401(k) plan ($22,500
if you are over 50). So let's suppose you are 45 years old, you contribute
$17,000
into your 401(k) and you employ 6 workers. If you are in the 25% tax bracket, you
just paid $4,250 less in taxes by contributing the maximum. With low-cost providers,
the on-going cost to have a 401(k) plan is no more than $1,200 for a company with
2-10 employees. If you subtract the cost of the plan from the tax advantages, that's
a $3,050 advantage in your favor. Plus, you just put
$17,000
(plus any match) to
work for your future. That's more than a pennywise business move for most.
Compared to a traditional IRA, it's a no-brainer.
401(k) advantages over traditional IRAs
|
|
401(k)
|
IRA
|
|
2012 contribution limit
|
$17,000
|
$5,000
|
|
Age 50+ catch-up amount
|
$5,500
|
$1,000
|
|
Roth income limit
|
None
|
$125K1
|
|
Penalty-free access, if needed
|
Yes, via a loan
|
No
|
2. The solo 401(k) bracket buster
Solo 401(k) buyers have it even better as the plan costs are much, much lower. Solo
plans are for those companies that have no employees, just owners and spouses. $15
a month is a common price ($180 a year) and it's easy to shelter up to
$50,0001
($55,500
if over 50) from taxes in a solo 401(k).2
In addition to your
$17,000
personal contribution, if you are a sole proprietor
(also some LLCs) or a partnership, you can contribute up to 20% of your net Schedule
C – another exciting IRS tax form – into a solo 401(k) plan up to the
limits for
2012.
It's 25% of wages if your company is a corporation. That's a great
shelter that might even drop you a tax bracket!
3. First time buyers receive $1,500 in tax credits
If you start a 401(k), and it's the first for your company, you can qualify for
a $500 tax credit for each of the first three years of your plan. That's $1,500
over the first three years to offset setup and administration charges for the maintenance
of your plan.
Here's how it works. Your business must have at least one employee, besides you
as the owner, who earns less than
$115,000
a year to qualify for a tax credit. The
tax credit is equal to 50% of administration and setup charges for your 401(k) with
a cap of $500. It's that simple. Thank you Uncle Sam!
4. A deductible match made in heaven
Giving an employee a 401(k) match is tax deductible for your business. It's another
nice way businesses are provided breaks to offer a plan and help keep your costs
low. While matching is optional, most small business owners with a fairly stable
revenue stream choose to do so for three reasons:
- A "safe harbor" ensures any employee including you the owner can give the maximum
to the plan
- By matching, you the owner benefit as well, since you are also an employee and you
receive the match tax-deferred
- Avoid the hassles of government discrimination testing
401(k) regulations ensure that plans serve employees beyond owners and highly compensated
employees. By offering a small match that meets the "safe harbor" requirements,
everyone is served well and it's deductible.
5. Retire tax-free: a Roth without limits!
If tax protection this year is not your primary concern or you are predicting steep
tax increases in the years to come, the Roth
401(k) option is something to consider as a way to retire tax-free. Unlike its popular
cousin the Roth IRA, there is no income limitation. Anyone in your 401(k) program
can put some, part, or all of their contributions into a Roth 401(k) after-tax.
Simply put, your Roth contributions are not taxed again.
One thing to know is that any and all company matching and profit-sharing is done
on a tax-deferred basis only. Company monies can not be given via Roth 401(k).
As you look for new ways to build reserves and keep taxes in check, starting a 401(k)
plan can help you along the way. To ensure maximum tax benefits, it pays to get
started sooner rather than later. The savings benefits might just last you a lifetime.
And remember, it's always wise to check with your tax advisor.
Want to learn more?
Read our guide, Lower Your Taxes with a 401(k).