SEP IRA
Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP IRAs) help self-employed individuals and small-business owners get access to a tax-deferred benefit when saving for retirement.
Who is eligible |
Self-employed individuals or small-business owners, primarily those with only a few employees.2 Must be a sole proprietor, a business owner, in a partnership, or earn self-employment income by providing a service. |
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Tax benefits |
Earnings are tax-deferred and contributions are tax-deductible. |
Who contributes |
Funded by employer contributions. |
Contribution
amounts |
Must be made by the employer and can vary each year between 0% and 25% of compensation (maximum $66,000 for 2023 and $69,000 for 2024). Each eligible employee must receive the same percentage. |
Withdrawals |
10% early withdrawal penalty may apply for withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ if no exceptions apply. Penalty-free withdrawals for qualifying first-time home purchase and certain college expenses. Required minimum distributions starting at age 73. Request a withdrawal |
Investment
options |
A wide range of mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs, and more, depending on the investment type selected. |
Administrative
responsibilities |
Employee notification of employer's contribution. Employers must fill out and retain Form 5305 SEP (PDF) in their records. No plan tax filings with IRS. Each employee must open an individual SEP IRA account. As an example, for a sole proprietor April 15 would typically be the deadline to establish and fund a SEP for the prior tax year. If an extension was filed a sole proprietor can establish and fund a SEP IRA by October 15. For more information please see Maintaining your plan. |
Deadlines |
SEP IRAs must be established and funded by your tax filing deadline plus applicable extensions. |
How to make
contributions |
You may generally deposit checks by mail, through mobile deposit, online via a Bill pay service, via EFT, or call us for assistance. Always be sure to include your account number with your contributions. Please review the terms and conditions for the investment type that you select for more information on which features are available. Learn more |
2. Open a SEP IRA
As hands-on or hands-off as you're looking for, we've got you covered when it comes to choosing a SEP IRA.
Select your own investments
Manage your own portfolio using our free planning tools.6
- No minimum to open an account—invest with as little as $11
- Choose from a broad range of investment options, including those designed for retirement such as target date funds
Investments personalized for you
Fidelity Go® is one of several managed account services that can help you with both financial planning and investing.
- No minimum to open an account—invest with as little as $103
- $0 advisory fee for balances under $25K (0.35% for balances of $25K+)4
- Designed for investing goals of 3+ years
Other ways to invest with our help
Explore the many ways you can invest with Fidelity (PDF)
Work with a Fidelity advisor
Consider Fidelity® Wealth Services for your planning and investment management needs. Minimum investment is $50,000 for access to a team of advisors or $500,000 for a dedicated advisor.5
FAQs
1. Contribute to account
You can use the Small Business Retirement Plan Contribution Calculator to calculate your annual contributions.
Contribution methods depend on the business structure, and include:
- Mobile check deposit through Fidelity mobile app (account owner must log in to the app)
- Electronic funds transfer (ETF) from a personal bank account (generally used solely for the business.)
- On Fidelity.com from an individual account (generally used solely for the business)
- By BillPay from a business bank account
- By phone through a representative from a corporate account, and other accounts depending on business structure (certain limits apply)
- By wire
2. Transfer existing SEP IRA accounts to Fidelity
Transfer of assets
A transfer of assets (TOA) is when you transfer all or part of an account from one financial firm to another without selling your holdings. Transfers can occur only from like accounts i.e. a SEP IRA held elsewhere to a SEP IRA held at Fidelity.
Before you get started
Download a digital statement from your current firm so you can refer to important account information. You may need to upload a copy of this to complete the transfer process.
How long does a TOA take?
Typically, 3–5 business days depending on your current firm’s rules and the type of accounts and investments you’re transferring2.
3. Roll over old workplace retirement accounts to Fidelity
If you have an old workplace retirement account such as a 401(k), you may have the option to roll it over into an IRA. Be sure to consult with a tax advisor before making a change to your retirement plan. If you decide to roll over assets, here are the steps:
Step 1: Open a SEP IRA
You can easily open a Fidelity SEP IRA online.
Note: To preserve all options to roll that money in the future into another retirement plan it may be more appropriate to roll the assets into a Rollover IRA that will not receive contributions.
Step 2: Contact your old retirement plan provider
Is your old retirement plan with Fidelity?
If so, you can do the entire rollover through your NetBenefits® account. You don't need any additional paperwork, and the money can be directly transferred.
Is your old retirement plan with a different provider?
If so, they will need to start the rollover process, so you'll need to either call them or initiate the process online. They may need some paperwork, such as a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Fidelity, or their own paperwork completed and signed by you or a Fidelity representative. If you have multiple accounts or employers, you may need more than one LOA.
Here are some questions to ask when you contact them.
Step 3: Deposit your money into your Fidelity account
You can have the rollover check sent directly to us to deposit into your account, or you can deposit it yourself.
Ways to roll over funds to Fidelity:
- Wire directly – When sending a direct rollover from an employer plan to a retirement account, include code DRC. Wire instructions.
- Mobile check deposit – If a check is sent to you, you can use the Fidelity Investments app for your mobile check deposit.
- Regular mail – Fidelity Management Trust Company, PO Box 770001, Cincinnati, OH 45277-0037.
- Overnight mail – Fidelity Management Trust Company, 100 Crosby Parkway KC1H, Covington, KY 41015-0037
- Bring to a Fidelity investor center – Find an investor center.
Please note: If a rollover check is made payable directly to you, you must deposit the money into your SEP IRA within 60 days of receiving the check to avoid income taxes and a possible early withdrawal penalty.
Need to speak with a Fidelity rollover specialist?
If you have questions or if you have shares of company stock call the number below to speak with a Fidelity rollover specialist.
800-343-3548
FAQs
The list below of your responsibilities as a retirement plan sponsor does not necessarily cover all of your responsibilities. You may want to consult the IRS or a qualified tax advisor if you have additional questions.
Helpful resources
1. SEP IRA Return of Excess Contribution Request (PDF)
2. IRS 10990-R and 5498 Instructions (PDF)
3. What We Offer
4. IRS SEP IRA
5. IRS SEP IRA fix-it guide
6. Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS)
7. IRS SEP IRA FAQs
8. Retirement plans for small business (PDF)
9. Small Business Retirement Plan Contribution Calculator
More resources for your small business
Self-employed
Know your options for old accounts.
An HSA for your small business
See why a Fidelity HSA® makes sense for small businesses and their employees.
Benefits basics for self-employed workers
A guide to health coverage, life insurance, and retirement plans.
Have more questions?
Call 800-544-5373 and say "Small Business Retirement"