Compare Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA Contribution Limits & Solve Optimal S-Corp W-2 Salary
compare_solo_401k_vs_sep_iraUse this tool whenever a self-employed business owner, freelancer, 1099 contractor, LLC, or S-Corporation owner asks to compare a Solo 401(k) against a SEP IRA, calculate maximum 2026 employee + employer contributions ($72,000 base / $80,000 age 50+ / $83,250 ages 60-63), solve for the lowest S-Corp W-2 salary that maxes out retirement contributions ($190,000 vs. $288,000), or evaluate Sec. 199A QBI deduction and Backdoor Roth Reverse Rollover effects.
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| age | No | Business owner's age (unlocks $8,000 catch-up at 50+ and $11,250 super catch-up at ages 60-63). | |
| comp | Yes | Annual S-Corp W-2 salary or Schedule C net business profit in USD. | |
| entity | No | Business entity structure: 'scorp' (W-2 wages) or 'soleprop' (Schedule C net self-employment profit). | scorp |
| filing | No | Federal tax filing status. | mfj |
| k1Dist | No | Additional S-Corp K-1 shareholder distribution in USD (for S-Corp QBI modeling). | |
| existingIraBalance | No | Existing pre-tax Traditional/SEP IRA balance in USD (for Backdoor Roth Reverse Rollover check). |