In: Accounting
Reggie is a self-employed taxpayer who turns 59 years old at the end of the year (2018). In 2018, his net Schedule C income was $300,000. This was his only source of income. This year, Reggie is considering setting up a retirement plan. What is the maximum amount he may contribute to the self-employed plan in each of the following situations?
a. He sets up a SEP IRA.
b. He sets up an individual 401(k).
Information Given -
Reggie is a self-employed taxpayer who turns 59 years old at the end of the year (2018).
In 2018, his net Schedule C income was $300000. This was his only source of income.
.
(a) -- He sets up a SEP IRA.
Answer -
As per U.S. Internal Revenue Service, for 2018, a Self-employed persons can contribute up to 20% of their Net self-employment earnings in a SEP IRA, not to exceed the maximum contribution limit of $55000.
In the given case, Reggie's contribution to SEP IRA is $55000.
Computed as follows:
A. |
20% of Net self-employment earnings - = (Net Schedule C income - Self employed tax deduction) * 20% = [$300000 - ($300000 * 92.35% * 15.3% * 50%)] * 20% = [$300000 - $21194.325] * 20% = $55761 |
$55761 |
B. | Maximum contribution limit to SEP IRA, as per U.S. Internal Revenue Service | $55000 |
Reggie's contribution to SEP IRA = Lesser of (A) or (B) |
$55000 | |
.
(b) -- He sets up an individual 401(k).
Answer -
As per U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Contributions to individual 401(k) is limited to the lesser of -
In the given case, Reggie's contribution to Individual 401(k) = $61000.
Computed as follows:
A. |
20% of Net self-employment earnings + $24500 - = [(Net Schedule C income - Self employed tax deduction) * 20%] + $24500 = [{$300000 - ($300000 * 92.35% * 15.3% * 50%)} * 20%] + $24500 = [($300000 - $21194.325) * 20%] + $24500 = $55761 + $24500 = $80261 |
$80261 |
B. | Maximum contribution limit to Individual 401(k), as per U.S. Internal Revenue Service | $61000 |
Reggie's contribution to Individual 401(k) = Lesser of (A) or (B) |
$61000 | |