SMALL BUSINESS RETIREMENT PLANS
Scalable Solutions for Growing Businesses
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand, Ascensus offers scalable IRA, Individual(k), and 401(k) plans built to support small businesses.
Plans designed to fit your budget
Options for businesses at every stage
Fast online setup and plan access
Minimal paperwork required
Ongoing support
From setup through administration
Compare retirement plan options
Retirement plans don't have to be a one-size-fits-all. Use the chart below to compare key features of each plan.
Key Features | Individual(k) | SIMPLE IRA | SEP IRA | 401(k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ideal for | Self-employed or owner-only businesses (with no employees other than a spouse) looking to maximize retirement savings. | Small businesses (with less than 100 employees) looking for an easy, affordable way to start offering retirement benefits. | Small businesses (of any size) and self-employed owners that want maximum flexibility year to year. | Growing small businesses (with up to 75 employees) that want flexibility, higher savings potential, and room to scale—with or without an advisor. |
Eligible employees | Age 21+ with 1 year of service (2 years if 100% vested) | Earned $5,000+ in 2 of the last 3 years | Age 21+ and earned $600+ in 3 of the last 5 years | Age 21+ with 1 year of service (2 years if 100% vested) |
Employee contributions | Up to $24,500 | Up to $17,000 | No | Up to $24,500 |
Catch-up contributions (60-63) | $11,250 | $5,250 | N/A | $11,250 |
Roth contributions | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Employer contributions | Flexible, up to 25% of compensations1 | Mandatory contribution: generally, a 100% match on deferrals up to 3% of compensation OR a 2% contribution to all eligible employees2 | Flexible, up to 25% of compensation1 | Flexible, up to 25% of compensation1 (optional cross-tested profit sharing formula available) |
Loans | Yes, if plan allows | No | No | Yes, if plan allows |
Plan Overview |
An Ascensus retirement specialist can help you explore your options and walk through next steps.
Powering small business retirement savings
Named 2026 Retirement Leader of the Year1, Ascensus helps small businesses offer cost-effective retirement plans that are easier to set up, simpler to manage, and built to grow alongside your business.
45+
years of experience
254,000+
retirement plans served2
16+ million
savers served2
1Source: With Intelligence. With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards. February 2026. https://awards.withintelligence.com/mutualfundandetfawards/en/page/2026-winners
2as of 03/31/2026
Ready to take the next step?
An Ascensus retirement specialist can answer your questions and walk you through plan features and pricing. Complete the form, and our team will reach out within one business day.
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