Small Business Retirement Plan Selector

Answer a few questions about your business to see which retirement plan structures align with your inputs. The tool presents your top match, an alternative option, and common pitfalls to know about.

Education only. This tool presents plan options based on the inputs you provide. It does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Consult a licensed tax professional or third-party administrator before establishing a retirement plan. Contribution limits and formulas reflect current-year IRS guidance; verify with IRS Publication 560 or a tax professional before relying on them.

1Your Business

Do you have W-2 employees other than yourself and your spouse?

Solo operator, or just owner + spouse on payroll.

Yes

At least one non-spouse W-2 employee.

Please select an option.

How many full-time-equivalent workers are in the business, including you as the owner?

Count W-2 employees. If you are self-employed and do not receive W-2 wages from your own business, still include yourself as the owner for this framework.

Please enter a number between 1 and 500.

Should you, your spouse, or employees be able to defer pay into the plan?

Yes

Employees should be able to reduce their paychecks into a 401(k) or SIMPLE account.

Only the owner contributes. Employees are not asked to defer.

Please select an option.

How would you describe your revenue year over year?

Stable

Predictable income within roughly ±15% year to year.

Variable

Swings of 15-40%. Most years strong, some years light.

Highly variable

40%+ swings. Some years could be a loss.

Please select an option.

2Your Situation

Your age

Please enter an age between 18 and 80.

Your annual compensation

W-2 wages from your business, or net self-employment earnings after the SE tax deduction.

Please enter your annual compensation.

What's your target annual retirement contribution?

Under $20,000

Starting out, or staying conservative on contributions.

$20,000 - $70,000

Standard 401(k) range, owner-focused contributions.

$70,000 - $150,000

Maxing the 401(k) plus a layered profit-sharing or cash balance overlay.

Over $150,000

Aggressive deduction goals, typically a cash balance + 401(k) stack.

Please select an option.