A 401(k) for Owner-Only Businesses
Built to support the way your business operates, a solo(k) has all the key 401(k) features you want—without extra complexity.
Two ways to contribute
Employer + employee
Higher limits
Compared to IRAs1
Flexible tax options
Pre-tax or Roth2
Is a Solo(k) right for your business?
An Individual(k), also known as a solo 401(k), is built for businesses with no employees, with the exception of an owner and their spouse. That includes3:
Sole proprietors with no employees
Partnerships where only partners and their spouses are employed
C or S corporations with one owner and no employees other than a spouse
Transparent pricing
Straightforward pricing—with no asset‑based fees or hidden costs.
Individual(k) also known as solo(k)
$425 annual fee
One-time setup fee
$125
+$150 per each additional participant
The owner-only advantage
More flexibility, less complexity. Individual(k) plans are designed around how owner-only businesses operate to give you control.
Include your spouse
If your spouse works in the business, they may also be eligible to participate.
More savings potential
Adjust how much you contribute each year based on business income and cash flow, within IRS limits.
Simplified administration
Avoid many of the testing and administrative requirements of larger plans with employees.
Access funds if needed
Borrow from your retirement savings for short‑term needs, without taking a taxable withdrawal.
Built for your business
Quick setup
Online setup takes just minutes. Most plans are ready to accept funds in about 2.5 days.4
Transparent pricing
Clear, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
Mobile access
Secure mobile-friendly access to your retirement account anytime, anywhere.
Flexible investing
Investment options designed to match your strategy and long-term goals.
Backed by a retirement partner you can trust
Named 2026 Retirement Leader of the Year5 Ascensus helps small businesses offer cost-effective retirement plans that are easy to set up, simple to manage, and designed to support business owners at every stage.
45+
years of experience
254,000+
retirement plans served
16+ million
savers served
Talk through your Individual(k) options
Complete the form, and we’ll help confirm whether an Individual(k) is right for your business and walk you through the next steps.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 833-893-3233 to connect with a specialist.
1 Based on earning income and applicable contribution rules.
2 As permitted under the plan.
3 In general, a solo(k) is for businesses without full-time employees. The plan may still be viable if employees are union workers, non-resident aliens, or under age 21. Long-term, part-time employees must be allowed to make salary deferrals to the plan if they satisfied the plan’s minimum age requirement and 500 hours of service in three consecutive 12–month periods. If a business employs a non-excludable common-law employee (other than the owner's spouse), the plan generally may no longer qualify as a one-participant plan and additional ERISA coverage, reporting, and nondiscrimination requirements may apply.
4 Timing may vary based on plan design elections
5 Source: With Intelligence. With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards. February 2026. https://awards.withintelligence.com/mutualfundandetfawards/en/page/2026-winners
Before adopting any plan, you should carefully consider all of the benefits, risks, and costs associated with a plan. Information regarding retirement plans is general and is not intended as legal or tax advice. Retirement plans are complex, and the federal and state laws or regulations on which they are based vary for each type of plan and are subject to change. In addition, some products, investment vehicles, and services may not be available or appropriate in all workplace retirement plans. Plan sponsors and plan administrators should seek the advice of legal counsel or a tax professional to address their specific situations.