How much can I contribute to a SEP IRA or solo 401(k)?
Estimate self-employed SEP IRA and solo 401(k) contribution limits for 2025, 2026, or 2027 planning using net profit, age, W-2 wages, and other plan deferrals. The calculator accounts for the deductible half of self-employment tax and current IRS retirement plan limits.
SEP IRA calculator
Quick answer
Self-employed retirement limits depend on adjusted net earnings, employee deferral limits, catch-up eligibility, employer contribution rules, and the defined contribution plan limit.
Also answers
- solo 401k contribution calculator
- self-employed retirement calculator
- SEP contribution limit
- solo 401k max contribution
Good fit when
- Freelancers
- Sole proprietors
- Owner-only businesses choosing SEP vs solo 401(k)
Have ready
- Net profit
- Age
- W-2 wages and other plan deferrals
Result you get
Estimated SEP IRA limit, solo 401(k) employee deferral, employer contribution, and total.
How this calculation works
- Estimates self-employment tax and the deductible half of SE tax.
- Uses adjusted net earnings as the self-employed plan compensation base.
- Estimates SEP IRA contribution at 20% of adjusted net earnings, subject to the annual limit.
- Estimates solo 401(k) employee deferral, employer contribution, and catch-up contribution.
- Reduces available employee deferral by deferrals already made to other plans.
Common mistakes and caveats
- Actual plan documents can impose lower limits.
- Common-law employees, controlled groups, and multiple businesses can change the limit.
- Roth catch-up and high-income catch-up rules may affect implementation.
Last updated & sources
Last updated June 22, 2026.
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