SIMPLE IRAs: A Powerful Savings Tool for the Small Business Owner

In today’s competitive landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for small businesses. One increasingly important factor? Offering robust retirement savings options. Traditional 401(k) plans can be complex and costly to set up, leaving many small businesses lacking a way to help their employees build a secure future. Enter the SIMPLE IRA, a streamlined and cost-effective alternative that simplifies retirement savings for both employers and employees. Let us explore the reasons why small businesses should consider implementing it for the benefit of their workforce.

How Does a Simple IRA Work?

A SIMPLE IRA is a retirement savings plan designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. The acronym “SIMPLE” stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees, and its primary goal is to provide a simplified and accessible way for employers to offer retirement benefits to their workers.

Establishing a Simple IRA Plan

One of the most significant advantages of a SIMPLE IRA is its simplicity in administration. Unlike more complex retirement plans like the 401k, the SIMPLE IRA does not require extensive paperwork or administrative burdens. This makes it an ideal choice for small businesses with limited resources.

Contribution Limits for Simple IRAs

Employees of small employers can make SIMPLE IRA contributions up to $16,000 in 2024 through salary reduction. For those who are age 50 and older, they are eligible for a $3,500 catch-up contribution. Contributions grow tax-deferred until withdrawn in retirement.

Benefits of a Simple IRA for Small Business

• Enhanced Employee Retention and Recruitment: Providing retirement savings options attracts and retains talent, boosting morale and engagement.

• Reduced Tax Burden: Employer contributions are tax-deductible as business expenses.

• Simplified Compliance: Compared to 401(k) plans, SIMPLE IRAs have minimal reporting requirements, saving time and money.

Disadvantages of a Simple IRA

• Business Size Restriction: Only businesses with 100 or fewer employees are eligible.

• Limited Features: Compared to other plans, SIMPLE IRAs may offer fewer options, such as loans and Roth alternatives.

• Matching Requirement: Employers must choose between matching employee contributions or making nonelective contributions to all eligible employees.

• Account Participation Requirements: a participant of the SIMPLE plan must keep their funds in the account for 2 years. If not, they may face a 15% tax penalty. Some exceptions to the rule apply.

Tax Penalty Exceptions

You could avoid the tax penalty if you meet one of the following requirements.

• You are over the age of 59 1/2.

• Paying for medical insurance while unemployed.

• Qualified higher educational expenses.

• Disabled.

• Beneficiary of a deceased SIMPLE IRA owner. 

Why Should Small Business Owners Consider Simple IRA Accounts?

While the main benefit of any retirement plan is savings for the owners, there are numerous other benefits as well.  Employees value access to retirement savings options, and offering a plan helps improve employee retention and recruitment.  Contributions made to the plan are tax-deferred.

Participating in a Simple IRA as a Business Owner

There are many benefits to using the SIMPLE IRA as a retirement account for small business owners.  It has less documentation and compliance requirements, less IRA reporting, and it can be flexible on employee contributions. 

Employer Contributions to a Simple IRA

Employers can elect from two different types of employer match:

• 2% non-elective contributions: The employer agrees to provide 2% of the employee’s compensation into the SIMPLE IRA provided that the employee had over $5,000 in income for the current year and two prior years.
• 3% matching contribution: Employer will match up to 3% of the employee’s pay if they contribute to the plan.  The same $5,000 income requirement applies.

Comparing SIMPLE IRAs with Other Retirement Plans

Comparison of SIMPLE IRA with SEP IRAs

Choosing between SEP and SIMPLE IRAs depends on your contribution preference. SEP IRA lets you contribute more, but only the employer contributes to the individual retirement plan.  Additionally, the employer is not required to contribute every year, but when they do, the contribution percentage needs to be the same for employers and employees. 

SIMPLE IRAs could involve both employer and employee contributions, so the employer can request the employee to contribute before they match. However, it has lower contribution limits. 

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans: SIMPLE IRA vs. 401k

401k plans require more administrative documentation and possible IRA tax reporting requirements. However, it has the ability for a much higher contribution amount, able to select pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) savings for the employee, and even the ability to borrow against the account if allowed. 

SIMPLE vs Traditional IRA or Roth IRA

Although these three accounts are all IRAs. They are not the same.  Traditional IRAs & Roth IRAs are pure individual accounts with separate contribution requirements and limitations. When you contribute to a SIMPLE IRA, the funds go into an employer sponsor account. So, if you work for multiple employers, each offering its own plan (401k, another SIMPLE IRA, etc), you need to ensure you do not exceed the total contribution limits set by the IRS.