
Maximizing your retirement savings is a top priority, and the Wells Fargo Solo 401k can be a game-changer.
With the Wells Fargo Solo 401k, you can contribute up to $57,000 in 2022, plus an additional $6,500 if you're 50 or older.
This plan allows you to catch up on your retirement savings and potentially reduce your taxes, giving you more money to invest in your future.
The flexibility of the Wells Fargo Solo 401k plan also means you can borrow from your account if needed, with a maximum loan amount of up to 50% of your account balance, up to $50,000.
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What Is a Solo 401(k) Plan?
A solo 401(k) plan is a self-directed retirement account for self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, or small business owners with no employees.
These accounts are also known as solo-k, one-participant k, or uni-k, and are designed to help self-employed individuals save for retirement.
Business owners with full-time employees are not eligible for this type of account, which means you must be solo in your business to qualify.
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A solo 401(k) can be either traditional, with tax-deferred contributions or Roth, with after-tax contributions.
These accounts function similarly to the standard employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, but they allow self-employed individuals to make more significant contributions since they function as both the employee and employer with regard to their solo 401(k).
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Contribution Limits
The Solo 401(k) plan has generous contribution limits, making it an attractive option for small business owners and self-employed individuals.
For 2024, the maximum annual contribution limit is $69,000, which includes a combination of salary deferral and profit sharing contributions. This limit applies to the lesser of 25% of compensation or $69,000.
If you're 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $30,500 to the salary deferral limit, making the total limit $99,500.
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How to Maximize Your 401(k)
A solo 401(k) plan is a great tool for self-employed individuals to save for retirement. To make the most of your solo 401(k), you should maximize your contributions.
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Finding a stable and steady amount to contribute to your monthly retirement savings will help you build for your financial future and potentially reduce income tax burdens in the years leading up to retirement. It's essential to strike a balance between your retirement savings and other financial goals.
You can contribute significantly more to a solo 401(k) compared to an IRA, making it an attractive option for self-employed individuals. A solo 401(k) can be either traditional, with tax-deferred contributions or Roth, with after-tax contributions.
To maximize your contributions, consider the following steps:
- Maximize your contributions: Finding a stable and steady amount to contribute to your monthly retirement savings will help you build for your financial future and potentially reduce income tax burdens in the years leading up to retirement.
- Diversify your portfolio: Try not to invest in just one asset class, but use the various investment options available to balance out your portfolio.
- Monitor your plan and adjust accordingly: Review your investment performance regularly to make adjustments where necessary.
With a Roth solo 401(k) sub-account, you can make Roth type contributions without any income restrictions. This is a significant advantage over traditional IRAs, where high-income earners are disallowed from contributing.
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Annual Contribution Limits
Annual contribution limits for solo 401(k) plans are quite generous, especially for self-employed individuals and small business owners.
The maximum annual contribution limit is $69,000 in 2024, which is the lesser of 25% of compensation or $69,000. This limit includes both salary deferral and profit sharing contributions.
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You can also make a salary deferral contribution of up to the lesser of 100% of compensation or $23,000 in 2024, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution if you're 50 or older.
Additionally, as your own employer, you can make a profit sharing contribution of up to 25% of your net self-employment income, up to a combined maximum of $69,000 in 2024.
Here are the annual contribution limits for solo 401(k) plans in 2024:
For those over 50, the total combination of salary deferral and profit sharing contributions may not exceed $76,500 in 2024.
It's also worth noting that the IRS website can help you calculate your contribution limits, as the calculations can be a bit complex.
Wells Fargo Solo 401(k) Features
The Wells Fargo Solo 401(k) offers a loan feature, allowing participants to borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of the account value, whichever is less, at a low interest rate of 5.50% as of August 30, 2022.
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This loan feature provides flexibility and can be used for any purpose, including paying personal debt or funding a business. You can borrow up to $50,000 from your Solo 401(k) account.
A Solo 401(k) plan is a self-directed retirement account for self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, or small business owners with no employees. It's a great tool for reducing taxable income while saving for retirement.
To make the most of your Solo 401(k), it's essential to maximize your contributions. This means finding a stable and steady amount to contribute to your monthly retirement savings, which can help you build for your financial future and reduce income tax burdens in the years leading up to retirement.
Diversifying your portfolio is also crucial. Try not to invest in just one asset class, but use the various investment options available to balance out your portfolio. If you're unsure, speak to a financial advisor to help you create the right asset allocation.
Here are some key benefits of the Wells Fargo Solo 401(k) plan:
- Loan feature available up to $50,000 or 50% of the account value
- Low interest rate of 5.50% as of August 30, 2022
- Self-directed retirement account for self-employed individuals and small business owners
- Reduces taxable income while saving for retirement
Compliance and Distribution
Compliance and Distribution is a crucial aspect of your Wells Fargo Solo 401k plan. You'll need to be aware of the various forms and deadlines to avoid any penalties or fines.
Form 5500 EZ FAQs provide guidance on the necessary documentation, but it's essential to note that Controlled Groups have specific requirements. Solo 401k Distributions are also subject to certain triggers, such as age or separation from service.
Here are some key deadlines to keep in mind:
- Solo 401k Deadlines: Be sure to file Form 5500 by July 31st of each year.
- Contribution Deadlines: Contributions for the previous tax year must be made by the tax filing deadline, typically April 15th.
- Reporting Contributions: Ensure you're reporting contributions accurately to avoid any discrepancies.
Beneficiary Distributions and Solo 401k In-Kind Distributions also require careful consideration. It's essential to understand the rules surrounding Hardship Distributions and RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) to avoid any penalties.
Loan Feature
With a Solo 401(k) Plan, you can borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of the account value (whichever is less) for any purpose.
This loan feature offers a flexible way to access funds, whether it's to pay personal debt or fund a business.
The interest rate for this loan is set at the lowest interest rate, which is Prime, and as of August 30, 2022, that rate is 5.50%.
This low interest rate makes borrowing from your Solo 401(k) Plan an attractive option for those in need of quick access to funds.
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Compliance, Contribution, Distribution
Compliance, Contribution, and Distribution can be a complex and overwhelming aspect of Solo 401k plans. The IRS requires plan administrators to file Form 5500 EZ annually.
Form 5500 EZ FAQs provide guidance on the filing process and requirements. Controlled Group rules can affect the plan's compliance and contribution limits.
Solo 401k Distributions are subject to specific rules and triggers, including those related to hardship distributions. Hardship distributions can be made for certain expenses, such as medical bills or education costs.
Solo 401k In-Kind Distribution rules allow for the transfer of assets without cashing them out. Solo 401k RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) rules apply to account holders who are 72 or older.
Beneficiary Distributions are made to beneficiaries after the account holder's death. Solo 401k Deadlines are critical to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Here are some key deadlines to keep in mind:
- 2023 Solo 401k Contributions
- 2024 Solo 401k Contributions
- 2023 Contrib. to IRA & Solo 401k
- 2024 Contrib. to IRA & Solo 401k
- Contribution Deadlines
Prohibited Transactions can have severe consequences, including penalties and even plan disqualification. It's essential to understand the rules and guidelines to avoid these risks.
Comparison and Overview

The Wells Fargo Solo 401k is a great option for self-employed individuals and small business owners who want to save for retirement. It offers high contribution limits, with a maximum annual contribution limit of $57,000 in 2022.
One of the key benefits of the Wells Fargo Solo 401k is its flexibility. It allows you to contribute up to 25% of your net earnings from self-employment, in addition to the $19,500 annual contribution limit for employees.
With the Wells Fargo Solo 401k, you can also borrow up to 50% of your plan balance, up to a maximum of $50,000. This can be a helpful feature if you need access to cash for business purposes or personal expenses.
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IRA Financial Group vs. Wells Fargo
IRA Financial Group offers self-directed IRA solutions, allowing investors to hold alternative assets like real estate and cryptocurrencies, whereas Wells Fargo primarily offers traditional IRA and retirement account services.
Wells Fargo has a large network of physical branches and customer service centers, with over 5,000 locations across the US.
IRA Financial Group's self-directed IRA solutions can be managed online, providing 24/7 access to account information and investment tracking.
Wells Fargo's traditional IRA services often come with higher fees compared to IRA Financial Group's self-directed options.
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Course Overview

This course is valid up to December 31st, 2024 for CFP Professionals, and it's advisable to complete it before that to process the credit on time.
The course is also valid for CPP and FPC Professionals, with the same deadline to get the credit on time.
The Solo 401(k) plan is a powerful solution for self-employed individuals seeking to maximize their retirement savings while optimizing business deductions.
It often provides the highest savings potential for self-employed individuals.
The IRS refers to it as an "on-participant" plan, which provides a unique opportunity for owner-only employers to benefit from substantial contributions and tax advantages.
This online CPE course will cover the key aspects of the Solo 401(k), including eligibility criteria, contribution limits, and essential steps for maintaining a compliant plan.
Ruiz has become well-known in the industry for his ability to help financial advisers understand how to create selling opportunities by building their retirement plan expertise and staying on top of legislative and regulatory developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Solo 401k on my own?
You can open a Solo 401(k) on your own if you're self-employed or have a small business with no employees other than a spouse, regardless of your full-time or part-time income. Eligibility requirements must still be met, but solo ownership is possible.
What company took over Wells Fargo's 401k?
Principal Financial Group acquired Wells Fargo's Institutional Retirement and Trust business, taking over administrative services for the 401(k) Plan. This transfer occurred on July 1, 2019.
What are the downsides of a Solo 401k?
Setting up and managing a Solo 401k can be more intensive, requiring additional paperwork and potentially higher fees. If your account balance exceeds $250,000, you'll need to file a special form with the IRS each year
Sources
- https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/retirement/individual-401k/
- https://www.irafinancialgroup.com/learn-more/solo-401k/ira-financial-group-self-directed-solo-401k-plan-with-wells-fargo/
- https://www.mysolo401k.net/solo-401k/how-to-deposit-a-rollover-check-into-the-wells-fargo-bank-account-for-your-self-directed-solo-401k-plan/
- https://my-cpe.com/courses/understanding-solo-401k-plans-1716310619
- https://www.hicapitalize.com/resources/solo-401k/
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