Solo 401k Calculator
Self-employed with no employees? See the most you could put into a solo 401k this year, as both the employee and the business.
What we noticed
Year by year
How this calculator works
A solo 401k lets you contribute twice: once as the employee, up to the normal limit, and once as the business, as a share of your earnings. That is why the total can be much higher than a regular 401k.
For a sole proprietor, the business share is 20% of net earnings after taking off half of your self-employment tax. For an S corporation owner, it is up to 25% of your W-2 pay from the company.
The two together are capped each year, and catch-up amounts for age 50 and over are added on top.
2026 solo 401k numbers
| Employee contribution limit | $24,500 |
|---|---|
| Catch-up, age 50 and over | + $8,000 |
| Catch-up, ages 60 to 63 | + $11,250 |
| Overall cap (employee plus business, without catch-up) | $72,000 |
| Business share: sole proprietor | 20% of net earnings after half of self-employment tax |
| Business share: S corporation | Up to 25% of W-2 pay |
| Most pay that can be counted | $360,000 |
Frequently asked questions
Who can open a solo 401k?
A self-employed person or a business owner with no employees other than a spouse. It is also called an individual or one-participant 401k.
How much can I put into a solo 401k?
In 2026 the most is $72,000, or more with catch-up if you are 50 or older. It is built from an employee part up to $24,500 plus a business part based on your earnings.
Is a solo 401k better than a SEP IRA?
It often lets you save more at lower income, because of the employee part. It has a bit more paperwork. A tax professional can help you choose.
When must I make the contributions?
The employee part is generally chosen by the end of the year. The business part can usually be paid up to your tax filing deadline, including extensions.