Type of Deduction:
Above-the-line tax deduction (you don't need to itemize). The deduction reduces the income tax, but does not reduce the self-employment tax.Basics of Self-Employed Retirement Plans:
If you have self-employment income, then you can take a tax deduction for contributions you make to a SEP, SIMPLE, or solo 401(k) retirement plan. You can set up the retirement plan with a financial institution of your choice. Each plan has different deadlines and funding limits. If you are a sole proprietor, you'll need an Employer Identification Number to set up the plan.SEP-IRAs:
SEP-IRAs can be established and funded as late as October 15th for the previous year, provided that the taxpayer filed an extension. The maximum contribution is 20% of the person's net self-employed income, with a maximum dollar limit of $46,000 for 2008. "Net self-employment income" means self-employed income minus one-half of the self-employment tax. More about SEP-IRAs.SIMPLE IRAs:
Simple IRAs can also be funded as late as October 15th (with an extension), but the plan needs to be established by the taxpayer no later than October 1st of the tax year for which the contributions will apply. SIMPLE plans consist of a salary deferral portion with a maximum of $10,500 for 2008, plus a matching contribution of up to 3% (but not to exceed $4,600 for 2008). Taxpayers age 50 or older can defer up to $20,000 for 2008. More about SIMPLE IRAs.Solo 401(k) Plans:
Solo 401(k) plans combine a deferral portion with a matching portion. The maximum elective deferral is $15,500 for 2008 (or $20,500 if age 50 or older). The maximum matching portion is 20% of net self-employment income. The total of both the deferral and the matching cannot exceed $46,000 (for 2008). Solo 401(k) plans need to be set up by December 31st, but contributions can be made as late as October 15th of the following year with an extension. More about solo 401(k) plans.Qualifications to Take the Deduction:
You must have self-employment income. Self-employment income for the purpose of this deduction means net profits from a Schedule C or Schedule F, self-employed income from a partnership, or wages as a shareholder-employee in an S-corporation. Additionally, you must set up and fund a qualified retirement plan by the required deadline.Where to Claim Deduction:
You must use the worksheets found in IRS Publication 560 for figuring your allowable tax deduction for SEP, SIMPLE, and 401(k) contributions. The allowable deduction is then reported on your Form 1040 Line 29. S-Corporations report SEP contributions on the corporation's Form 1120S.Explanation from the IRS:
"SEP, SIMPLE, and qualified plans offer you and your employees a tax-favored way to save for retirement. You can deduct contributions you make to the plan for your employees. If you are a sole proprietor, you can deduct contributions you make to the plan for yourself. You can also deduct trustees' fees if contributions to the plan do not cover them. Earnings on the contributions are generally tax free until you or your employees receive distributions from the plan." (from IRS Publication 560)Relevant Tax Laws:
The deduction for SEP, SIMPLE, and other retirement plans is found in Internal Revenue Code Section 62(a)(6) and Section 404.By William Perez, About.com
