2026 Solo 401(k) Basics (Course Id 2812)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is designed for solopreneurs, self-employed individuals, small business owners, financial advisors, and anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  This course explains how to set up, maintain, and optimize a Solo 401(k) plan, helping participants understand contribution strategies, eligibility, compliance requirements, and advanced tax-saving opportunities.
• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  The knowledge can be used to maximize retirement savings, implement tax-efficient contribution strategies, manage Solo 401(k) plans properly, and advise clients on retirement planning decisions.
• Why is this course important to a CPA, Accountant, or IRS Enrolled Agent?
  This course is important because it provides practical guidance on retirement plan rules, tax advantages, contribution limits, and compliance requirements, enabling professionals to better support clients and ensure proper tax treatment of Solo 401(k) plans.
• When is this course relevant or timely?
  This course is relevant for 2026 and beyond, especially with evolving retirement regulations, contribution strategies like Roth options, and ongoing compliance requirements such as Form 5500-EZ filings and SECURE 2.0 updates.
• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  This course is completed as a QAS self-study text-based program, followed by a final exam that must be passed with a minimum score of 70% to earn CPE and IRS credits.

This course covers the essentials of setting up, maintaining, and optimizing a Solo 401(k), a retirement plan tailored for self-employed individuals and business owners without full-time employees. It’s designed to empower solopreneurs, small business owners, and financial advisors with the knowledge to maximize retirement savings through a Solo 401(k) plan.

The course begins with an introduction to the benefits of Solo 401(k) plans, including high contribution limits, tax advantages, and flexibility in investment options.  Participants will learn about the eligibility requirements, plan types (brokerage vs. self-directed), and the steps to set up a plan.

Key topics include the various types of contributions—traditional pre-tax, Roth, after-tax, and catch-up contributions—and their respective limits.  Learn how to navigate the dual roles of "employee" and "employer" to maximize your contributions. The course also explores advanced strategies like Roth conversions and the "Mega Backdoor Roth" for maximizing tax-free growth. 

Participants will gain insights into maintaining their Solo 401(k), including restating plan documents, managing investments, processing loans, and filing required tax forms like Form 5500-EZ. The course also addresses important considerations for distributions, rollovers, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and the handling of plan assets upon the participant's death. 

With practical examples, detailed explanations, and expert insights, this course equips participants with the tools to make informed decisions about their retirement planning. Whether you're a solopreneur seeking to optimize your financial future or a business advisor guiding clients, this course provides actionable strategies to leverage the unique benefits of Solo 401(k) plans. 

NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 2812

Course Learning Objectives

• Recall the different types of solo 401(k) plans.
• Identify the eligibility requirements of a solo 401(k).
• Recognize solo 401(k) contribution limits.
• Recall key solo 401(k) deadlines.
• Identify solo 401(k) plan maintenance requirements.

Chapter 1 - 2026 Solo 401(k) Basics

Solo 401(k) Basics and Benefits

Setting Up a Solo 401(k)

Contributions and Limits

From Rules to Examples

Retirement Savings Contributions Credit ("Saver's Credit")

Contribution Limit Examples

Review Questions #1

The Roth 401(k)

Maintenance

Distributions and Rollovers

Key Takeaways

Review Questions #2

Glossary