INDIVIDUAL(K)™ PLANS

A 401(k) built for owner-only businesses

Designed for self-employed business owners and sole proprietors, Individual(k) plans combine high contribution limits and tax advantages to maximize retirement savings, while keeping setup and administration simple.

Speak with a retirement specialist

Benefits of an Individual(k)

Individual(k) offers:

High contribution limits compared to IRAs
Tax advantages
Loan and Roth options
Low-cost setup
Simplified administration
Rollovers for account consolidation
Flexibility in investment platform
Support from a dedicated team

A faster, easier way to open an Individual(k)

Take a look at how our digital onboarding experience simplifies the process, making it more convenient from start to finish.

Explore the basics and beyond

Learn how Individual(k) plans work, who can participate, and what to consider when choosing a retirement plan.

Everything self-employed business owners need to know about Individual(k) plans

Can My Spouse Participate in My Individual 401(k) Plan?

Is my business too small to offer a 401(k) plan?

Is an Individual(k) right for you?

Individual(k), also known as Solo 401(k), plans can offer big benefits to small businesses. Owners can contribute as both the employee and the employer, maximizing savings potential under one plan.

An Individual(k) is ideal for:

Owner-only businesses

Partnerships

C and S corporations

Owner-only businesses This includes businesses where the only employees are the owner or the owner and spouse.

Partnerships Eligible partnerships have no employees other than the partners or partners and their spouses.

C and S corporations Eligible corporations must have a single shareholder. The only employees allowed are the shareholder or the shareholder and spouse.

Ascensus Individual(k) plan options

Key Features
	Essentials Individual(k) Ideal for individuals and financial advisors who want a set investment lineup managed for them and immediate access to plan information Download Essentials I(k) Overview > Try Ascensus Essentials	Essentials Individual(k) - Open Architecture Ideal for individuals who prefer to have control over their account and immediate access to plan information Download Open Architecture Overview > Try Open Architecture	Essentials Individual(k) - Balance Forward Ideal for individuals who prefer to work with a financial advisor to select and oversee investments and transactions Download Balance Forward Overview > Try Balance Forward
Recordkeeping and administration	✓	✓	✓
Contribution, loan, and distribution processing	✓	✓	✓
Onboarding support	✓	✓	✓
Automated account access	✓	✓	Provided by broker dealer
Investment options	3(38) investment manager and fiduciary	Open architecture	Open architecture/opened through broker dealer
Participant statements	Delivered quarterly	Delivered quarterly	Delivered annually
READYSAVE® app	✓	✓	Not applicable

Getting started is simple

Ready to put an Individual(k) plan to work for your business? Complete the form below and take the first step toward easy-to-manage, tax-smart retirement savings.

First Name *

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Last Name *

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Business Name

Advisor First Name

Advisor Phone Number

Name of Firm

Advisor Last Name

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1Ascensus data as of December 31, 2024

2PLANSPONSOR. 2024 Defined Contribution (DC) Survey. February 2025.

3With Intelligence. With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards. June 2024.

4PLANADVISER. 2023 Retirement Plan Adviser Survey. March 2024.

5JD Power 2024 U.S. Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study. September 2024.

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