SMALL BUSINESS RETIREMENT PLANS
Compare SIMPLE IRA Options at Ascensus
If you've decided a SIMPLE IRA may be a good fit for your business, the next step is choosing how to set up and manage the plan. Compare Ascensus SIMPLE IRA options and find the right path for your business.
A SIMPLE solution for small businesses
SIMPLE IRAs offer straightforward retirement benefits without the administrative burden of larger workplace plans.
Streamlined
Simplified structure and lower administrative lift than many larger plans.
Accessible
Quick setup so you can start funding the plan in just a few days.
Valuable
Employer contributions help support participation and overall satisfaction.
Choosing the right SIMPLE IRA option
Compare available Ascensus SIMPLE IRA options to determine if you need advisor support or a more independent digital setup experience.
Ascensus Essentials SIMPLE IRA | SIMPLE IRA featuring Vanguard investments |
|---|---|
Work with a financial professional to establish the plan and guide key decisions.
| Use a streamlined digital experience to establish your SIMPLE IRA with Vanguard funds.
|
Not sure which SIMPLE IRA option is right for your business?
Key considerations when comparing SIMPLE IRA options
Choosing a SIMPLE IRA provider comes down to the experience you want for setup, investments, administration, and ongoing support. These questions can help you make a more confident decision.
Are you working with an advisor?
An advisor-supported plan like the Ascensus Essentials SIMPLE IRA may be a better fit if you prefer professional guidance.
Want to set things up yourself?
A SIMPLE IRA that offers an online setup, like the SIMPLE IRA featuring Vanguard investments, might be a more direct path.
How much support do you want?
If you think you’ll need help selecting and managing an investment approach, consider a path that includes advisor guidance.
What about employer contributions?
Remember that a SIMPLE IRA includes required employer contributions and allows employees to make elective contributions.
Is payroll saving important?
With either provider path, employees can contribute through payroll while receiving employer contributions.
Will you want ongoing support?
An advisor can answer questions about contributions, manage investments, and outline next steps as your business evolves.
Top questions about SIMPLE IRAs
As an employer, you can choose a SIMPLE IRA setup path based on how much support you want, whether you work with a financial advisor, and how directly you want to manage the plan.
Choose a SIMPLE IRA provider by evaluating the setup experience, investment approach, level of support, employee experience, and how the provider helps you move from decision to implementation.
Look for a SIMPLE IRA plan that offers clear setup steps, straightforward administration, employee payroll contribution support, and a provider path that matches how involved you want to be.
A SIMPLE IRA allows employees to contribute and requires employer contributions. A SEP IRA is generally funded only by employer contributions. If you're still evaluating options, compare SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs side by side to determine which may be a better fit for your business.
There is no single best SIMPLE IRA option for every small business. The right choice depends on your preferred setup path, approach to contribution, investment needs, and level of support.
A SIMPLE IRA is generally available to businesses with 100 or fewer employees that do not sponsor another retirement plan. If you're exploring retirement plan options, review the eligibility requirements to determine whether a SIMPLE IRA may be a fit for your business.
Why partner with Ascensus?
#1
Named Retirement Leader of the Year
With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards1
#3
Overall customer satisfaction
JD Power Retirement Plan Digital Experience2
4.8
READYSAVE® app, rated 4.8 stars
Makes it easier for participants to manage savings3
Ready to establish your SIMPLE IRA?
An Ascensus retirement specialist can answer any questions and walk you through plan features, pricing, and next steps. Complete the form, and our team of experts will be in touch.
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Learn how making contributions earlier in the year may offer more benefits to small business owners.
See all small business plans
Not sure which plan is right for you? Explore and compare plans that are tailored to fit your small business needs.
1Source: With Intelligence. With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards. February 2026. https://awards.withintelligence.com/mutualfundandetfawards/en/page/2026-winners
2Source: JD Power. 2025 U.S. Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study. September 2025.
3Source: App store rating as of April 2026. Based on user reviews from the Apple App Store® and Google Play™. Ratings may change over time and may not be representative of all user experiences. Apple and Google Play are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Before adopting any plan, consider the associated benefits, risks, and costs. Retirement plans are complex and subject to varying legal and regulatory requirements that may change. Certain products, investment vehicles, and services may not be available or appropriate for all workplace retirement plans. Plan sponsors should consult their own advisors to evaluate their specific circumstances.