2026 Solo 401(k) contribution limits have been updated — Download the guide →
Solo 401(k) Plan Administration

A Retirement Plan
Built for the
Self-Employed

The Solo 401(k) is the most tax-advantaged retirement vehicle available to self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses. We provide IRS-compliant plan documentation, ongoing administration, and expert guidance — tailored to your situation. There is no setup fee and no termination fee on any of our plans.

IRS-Compliant Documentation
Serving Clients Since 2003

Request a Consultation

Complete this brief questionnaire and a plan specialist will follow up within one business day.

Step 1 of 3 — Contact Information
Step 2 of 3 — Business Profile
Step 3 of 3 — Preferences

Inquiry Received

Thank you, . A plan specialist will be in touch within one business day to discuss your Solo 401(k) options.

Your information is confidential and will not be shared with third parties.
$72,000
2026 Max Contribution
$80,000
Age 50–59 & 64+ (with catch-up)
$83,250
Ages 60–63 (enhanced catch-up)
$0
Setup Fee — All Plans
$0
Termination Fee — All Plans
20+
Years in Practice
24 hrs
Average Document Turnaround
CG

Craig Lewis Gillooly, Esq., J.D.

401kAdministrators.com · Carlsbad, CA

Mrs401k.com is operated by Craig Lewis Gillooly, an attorney licensed to practice in good standing in California and New York, specializing in qualified retirement plan documentation and administration. Our practice administers 401(k) plans of all sizes — from Solo 401(k) plans for owner-only businesses to full ERISA-governed plans for employers with employees. 401kAdministrators.com holds the historic distinction of being the very first company registered as a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) provider with the United States Department of Labor, providing the same quality of plan administration available to large corporations, accessible to businesses of every size.

Our Process

From Inquiry to Funded Plan

We handle the administrative complexity. Most clients receive IRS-approved plan documentation within 24 hours of completing their consultation.

1

Initial Inquiry

Complete our brief online questionnaire. We gather the information needed to tailor your plan documents to your specific business structure and goals.

2

Plan Preparation

Our specialists prepare your IRS-compliant Solo 401(k) plan documents — including the Plan Document, Adoption Agreement, and any applicable addenda.

3

Account Establishment

Open your plan account at a custodian of your choosing — Fidelity, Schwab, TD Ameritrade, or a self-directed custodian for alternative investments.

4

Ongoing Compliance

We provide annual Form 5500-EZ filing reminders, contribution limit updates, and compliance guidance as your plan balance grows.

Plan Features

What a Solo 401(k) Provides

Designed for owner-only businesses, the Solo 401(k) offers features unavailable in simpler plan types such as the SEP-IRA or SIMPLE IRA.

Maximum Contribution Limits

Contribute up to $72,000 in 2026 ($80,000 if age 50–59 or 64+; $83,250 for ages 60–63 under the SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up provision) — combining employee deferral and employer profit-sharing components.

Roth and Traditional Options

Elect pre-tax Traditional contributions, post-tax Roth contributions, or both. Mega Backdoor Roth conversions are available where permitted by the plan.

Alternative Investment Authority

A self-directed Solo 401(k) permits investment in real estate, private equity, precious metals, and other non-traditional asset classes not available at retail custodians.

Participant Loan Provisions

Borrow up to 50% of your vested account balance (maximum $50,000) without incurring early distribution penalties — a feature unavailable in SEP and SIMPLE IRAs.

Compliance Management

We provide annual reminders for Form 5500-EZ filing requirements (required when plan assets exceed $250,000), contribution deadlines, and regulatory updates. At no additional cost, clients receive access to our electronic Form 5500 filing software — fast, straightforward, and developed by an approved software provider recognized by the United States Department of Labor.

Spouse Participation

If a spouse earns compensation from the business, they may also participate in the plan — effectively doubling the household's annual contribution capacity.

Plan Comparison

How the Solo 401(k) Compares

The following table illustrates the key distinctions between the Solo 401(k) and other retirement plans commonly available to self-employed individuals.

Plan Type 2026 Annual Limit Roth Option Alt. Investments Loan Provision Catch-Up (50–59 / 60–63)
Solo 401(k) — Mrs401k $72,000 +$8,000 / +$11,250
SEP-IRA $70,000 Limited None
SIMPLE IRA $17,600 +$3,500
Traditional / Roth IRA $7,000 Limited +$1,000

* Contribution limits reflect IRS guidelines for 2026 and are subject to change. Eligibility for specific contribution amounts depends on net self-employment income. This table is for informational purposes only; consult a qualified tax professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Complimentary Resource

2026 Solo 401(k) Reference Guide

For those in the research phase, we have prepared a complimentary PDF covering the key information needed to evaluate a Solo 401(k) for your situation.

  • 2026 contribution limits and calculation methodology
  • Eligibility requirements and disqualifying conditions
  • Roth vs. Traditional contribution analysis
  • Form 5500-EZ filing thresholds and deadlines
  • Step-by-step plan establishment checklist

Request the Guide

Enter your email address and we will send the guide directly to your inbox. No further obligation.

We do not share your information with third parties.
Client Perspectives

What Clients Have Said

We have assisted independent professionals, consultants, business owners, and employers of all sizes in establishing and maintaining IRS-compliant 401(k) plans since 2003.

★★★★★
"I had been using a SEP-IRA for years. After transitioning to a Solo 401(k) through Mrs401k, I was able to shelter an additional $28,000 in income in the first year alone."
David K.
Independent Management Consultant — Dallas, Texas
★★★★★
"The process was straightforward. I submitted the questionnaire, received my plan documents within 24 hours, and the team was available to answer every question I had along the way."
Sarah M.
Freelance Creative Director — San Francisco, California
★★★★★
"They proactively reminded me about Form 5500-EZ filing requirements before I reached the $250,000 threshold. That level of attention to compliance is what distinguishes this practice."
Robert A., M.D.
Independent Physician — Miami, Florida
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often from self-employed professionals considering a Solo 401(k).

What is a Solo 401(k) plan?

A Solo 401(k) — also called an Individual 401(k) or Self-Employed 401(k) — is a qualified retirement plan designed for self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses. It allows contributions as both employee and employer, enabling total contributions up to $72,000 in 2026 ($80,000 if age 50–59 or 64+; $83,250 for ages 60–63 under the SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up provision).

How much can I contribute to a Solo 401(k) in 2026?

In 2026, you can contribute up to $72,000 — combining up to $24,500 as an employee deferral and up to 25% of net self-employment income as an employer profit-sharing contribution. If you are age 50–59 or 64 or older, the standard catch-up provision raises the total limit to $80,000. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, participants ages 60–63 are eligible for an enhanced catch-up contribution, raising the total limit to $83,250.

Who is eligible for a Solo 401(k)?

Any self-employed individual with no full-time W-2 employees other than a spouse is eligible. This includes sole proprietors, freelancers, independent contractors, single-member LLC owners, S-Corp owners, and partners in an owner-only partnership.

What is the difference between a Solo 401(k) and a SEP-IRA?

A Solo 401(k) allows higher contributions at lower income levels, offers a Roth option, and includes a loan provision — none of which are available in a SEP-IRA. At higher income levels both plans approach similar contribution ceilings, but the Solo 401(k) provides significantly more flexibility.

Do I need to file Form 5500 for my Solo 401(k)?

Yes, once your Solo 401(k) plan assets exceed $250,000, you are required to file Form 5500-EZ with the IRS annually. Mrs401k.com provides annual filing reminders and access to DOL-approved electronic Form 5500 filing software at no additional cost to clients.

Can I invest in real estate with a Solo 401(k)?

Yes. A self-directed Solo 401(k) allows investment in alternative assets including real estate, private equity, precious metals, cryptocurrency, and private lending — subject to IRS prohibited transaction rules. A self-directed custodian is required for these investments.

Can my spouse participate in my Solo 401(k)?

Yes. If your spouse earns compensation from the business, they may also participate in the Solo 401(k) plan — effectively doubling the household's annual contribution capacity, subject to each participant's individual earned income limits.

Does a Solo 401(k) satisfy California's CalSavers requirement?

A properly established Solo 401(k) qualifies as an exempt plan under California's CalSavers program, satisfying any CalSavers registration obligation. This exemption also provides significantly greater retirement savings potential than the CalSavers IRA alternative.

Get Started

Ready to Establish Your Plan?

Request a complimentary consultation. A plan specialist will review your situation and outline the appropriate plan structure, documentation requirements, and next steps. There is no setup fee and no termination fee on any of our 401(k) plans.

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