INDIVIDUAL 401(k) PLANS
Individual(k) Plans for Self‑Employed Business Owners
For owner‑only businesses, an Ascensus Essentials Individual 401(k) offers a simple way to save for retirement while keeping control over how and when you contribute.
Designed for self‑employed individuals and businesses with no employees other than a spouse1 . It offers the savings power of a traditional 401(k), without the complexity of a larger plan.
Why choose an Ascensus Individual(k)?
With an Individual(k), you can contribute as both the employee and the employer, helping you potentially save more while keeping plan management straightforward.
Key features of an Individual(k)
This owner-only plan includes many of the same features found in larger 401(k) plans, without the added administrative burden.
Contribute as both employee and employer
Higher savings potential than many other small business plans
Pre‑tax and Roth contribution options
Easy online plan setup and account access
Simplified plan administration
Rollover options
Support for required filings and updates
Individual(k) plan design options
Ascensus offers three Individual(k) plan design options, so you can choose the setup that best fits how you want to manage your plan.
Essentials Individual(k)
$365 annual fee
+$48 per each additional participant
One-time setup fee
$100
Annual custodial and trading fee 0.07%2
Annual investment fiduciary fee 0.25%3
Essentials Individual(k) - Open Architecture
$425 annual fee
+$150 per each additional participant
One-time setup fee
$100
Annual custodial and trading fee 0.07%2
Essentials Individual(k) - Balance Forward
$425 annual fee
+$150 per each additional participant
One-time setup fee
$125
As of 7/14/26 Pricing is subject to change. Excludes investment expenses.
Compare Individual(k) plan features
Essentials Individual(k) | Essentials Individual(k) - Open Architecture | Essentials Individual(k) - Balance Forward | |
|---|---|---|---|
Key Features | Investment lineup is managed for you. | You choose and manage investments directly. | You work with an advisor to oversee investments. |
Recordkeeping and administration | x | x | x |
Contribution, loan, and distribution processing | x | x | x |
Onboarding support | x | x | x |
Online account access | x | x | Provided by broker dealer |
READYSAVE™ app | x | x | Not applicable |
How to set up an Ascensus Essentials Individual(k)
Our retirement specialists can help you determine if an Individual(k) plan is the right fit for your business.
Complete the form or call 833-893-3233. For existing plan service, call 833-892-8878.
You may also be interested in
Ascensus Essentials Individual(k) featuring Vanguard Investments
Ascensus Essentials Individual(k) with American Funds
Ascensus Essentials 401(k) with Raymond James
1 In general, Individual(k) is for businesses without full-time employees. The plan may still be viable if employees are union workers, non-resident aliens, under age 21, or working fewer than 1,000 hours per year.
2 Investment fiduciary services are offered through Newport Group Consulting, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.
3 Fees are shown in annual terms but are deducted monthly.
For fee-based and level-commission plans: Any plan investment option that does not pay to Ascensus annually at least 0.25% (25 basis points) of the average daily net asset value of shares invested in the investment option, Ascensus will debit from participants invested in that investment option a fee equal to the difference between the amount that the investment option pays to Ascensus and 0.25%. Ascensus will debit this fee quarterly. This fee will be capped at $62.50 per participant per calendar quarter or a total of $250 per participant per calendar year.
Ascensus, LLC provides administrative and recordkeeping services. It is not a broker-dealer or investment advisor and does not provide tax, legal or accounting services.
Disclaimer: 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.