Simple Retirement Options for Small Businesses
SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are designed for small businesses that want a straightforward way to offer retirement benefits—without complex plan requirements or ongoing administrative demands.
Quick setup
Get started without paperwork overload.
Easy to manage
No annual IRS filing required.
Flexible plan structure
Designed to fit how your business operates.
Two easy options, one smart decision
SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are built for ease and designed for different business needs. The key difference comes down to contributions and employee participation.
SEP IRA
Designed for: Owner-only businesses or businesses of all sizes with variable income
Employer-only contributions you control year to year
Easy to manage and maintain
Works well if income fluctuates
SIMPLE IRA
Designed for: Small teams (up to 100 employees)
Employees save directly through payroll with a required employer contribution
Predictable, straightforward rules
Simple alternative to a 401(k)
The details that matter: Fees, features, and flexibility
Are you working with a financial advisor?
SEP and SIMPLE IRA pricing
Designed for small businesses working with a financial advisor to establish a SEP or SIMPLE IRA.
*Fees are shown in annual terms but are deducted quarterly, assessed on the first $100,000 of assets.
As of 05/01/2026
Pricing subject to change.
SEP and SIMPLE IRA
$10 quarterly account holder fee
Employer fees
Employer base fee | $0
SEP IRA | SIMPLE IRA | |
|---|---|---|
Who contributes | Employer only | Employee and employer |
May be ideal for | Owner-only or businesses of any size with fluctuating income | Small teams (up to 100 employees) |
Flexibility | You decide how much to contribute each year | Match or fixed employer contribution |
Ongoing administration | Minimal | Minimal |
IRS annual filing | Not required | Not required |
SEP and SIMPLE IRA featuring Vanguard Investments pricing
Designed for small businesses that want an easy, cost-effective way to open a SEP or SIMPLE IRA directly with Ascensus.
*Fees are shown in annual terms but are deducted quarterly, assessed on the first $100,000 of assets.
As of 05/01/2026
Pricing subject to change.
Employer Base Fee
$0 /month
Employee fees
Quarterly Recordkeeping | $20/participant
Annual Custodial and Trading* | 0.03%
SEP IRA featuring Vanguard Investments | SIMPLE IRA featuring Vanguard Investments | |
|---|---|---|
Who contributes | Employer only | Employee + employer |
May be ideal for | Owner-only or businesses of any size with fluctuating income | Small teams (up to 100 employees) |
Flexibility | You decide how much to contribute each year | Match or fixed employer contribution |
Ongoing administration | Minimal | Minimal |
IRS annual filing | Not required | Not required |
SEP and SIMPLE IRA pricing
Designed for small businesses working with a financial advisor to establish a SEP or SIMPLE IRA.
*Fees are shown in annual terms but are deducted quarterly, assessed on the first $100,000 of assets.
As of 05/01/2026
Pricing subject to change.
SEP and SIMPLE IRA
$10 quarterly account holder fee
Employer fees
Employer base fee | $0
SEP IRA | SIMPLE IRA | |
|---|---|---|
Who contributes | Employer only | Employee and employer |
May be ideal for | Owner-only or businesses of any size with fluctuating income | Small teams (up to 100 employees) |
Flexibility | You decide how much to contribute each year | Match or fixed employer contribution |
Ongoing administration | Minimal | Minimal |
IRS annual filing | Not required | Not required |
SEP and SIMPLE IRA featuring Vanguard Investments pricing
Designed for small businesses that want an easy, cost-effective way to open a SEP or SIMPLE IRA directly with Ascensus.
*Fees are shown in annual terms but are deducted quarterly, assessed on the first $100,000 of assets.
As of 05/01/2026
Pricing subject to change.
Employer Base Fee
$0 /month
Employee fees
Quarterly Recordkeeping | $20/participant
Annual Custodial and Trading* | 0.03%
SEP IRA featuring Vanguard Investments | SIMPLE IRA featuring Vanguard Investments | |
|---|---|---|
Who contributes | Employer only | Employee + employer |
May be ideal for | Owner-only or businesses of any size with fluctuating income | Small teams (up to 100 employees) |
Flexibility | You decide how much to contribute each year | Match or fixed employer contribution |
Ongoing administration | Minimal | Minimal |
IRS annual filing | Not required | Not required |
Trusted by small businesses nationwide
Named 2026 Retirement Leader of the Year1, Ascensus supports small businesses with retirement plans designed to be easy today and sustainable as you grow.
45+
years of experience
254,000+
retirement plans served
16+ million
savers served2
Getting started is simple
Share a few details about your business, and we’ll help you explore retirement plan options that fit your business size, structure, and goals.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 833-893-3233 to connect with a specialist.
1Source: With Intelligence. With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards. February 2026. https://awards.withintelligence.com/mutualfundandetfawards/en/page/2026-winners
2as of 3/31/2026