SEP IRA is a plan that allows you to set aside tax-deductible dollars for retirement. For employers, SEPs are a simple way to establish a pension plan for employees without many restrictions that apply to other qualified plans and without mountains of paperwork.
Here, however, we will discuss how an IRA in September could help to save more for retirement if you have income from self-employment outside of your work or your business. Businessthe owners are both "employers" and "employees." For this discussion it is assumed that you are the only employee.
Note: If you are involved in a business with partners or employees, the contribution rate required is the same for all employees who have more than 21 years, he worked in the company, in at least three of the last five years and at least $ 450 ( 2006). Other techniques can be applied.
Rules
1. You can contribute up to 25% of your salary,Max This maximum is indexed for 2006 was $ 44,000 and $ 45,000 for 2007.
2. Assuming that the tax IRA in September of the year is the calendar year, contributions may be submitted until April 15 next year, when the tax is due.
3. You can help until you are 70 1 / 2, but no further.
4. Withdrawals before 59 years 1 / 2 are subject to early distribution penalty tax of 10% with no exceptions apply.
5. You must begin takingmoney (RMD) at age 70 1 / 2.
Benefits
1. ARI September are simple. SEPS are essentially large IRA. There is very little documentation.
2. They are flexible. You can vary the amount to be paid each year from zero up to the limit of 'years the maximum contribution.
3. The total contribution limit is indexed, allowing more to be paid each year.
4. employer contributions are not subject to FICA (Social Security), FUTA (Federalunemployment) or withholding tax on income.
5. As an employee in September of your IRA, you can make deductible contributions as well. These contributions are the same contribution limits traditional IRAs. For 2006 and 2007 is $ 4,000. If you are aged 50 years or more, you can add another $ 1,000. However, if you make too much money, the maximum contribution is reduced or eliminated.
6. You can be a participant in a qualified plan (eg,401 (k)) at work and still be able to contribute to your IRA in September depending on outside income. Again, this is a function of your income and subject to the phasing of the rules below.
Suppression rules
1. First, these rules apply if you are a participant in another qualified plan. Note that with an IRA in September starts in this category.
2. Your income and your tax filing status to determine the phase-out. Technically, this is "modified gross income (the Magi) isgross income with certain adjustments. See your accountant.
3. If you file a joint tax return and have a MAGI of $ 75,000 or less (2006), you can contribute the full employee: $ 4,000 or $ 5,000 if they are 50 years or more. If your MAGI is more than $ 85,000, no contribution can be made. A partial contribution formula determines the maximum allowed contribution for incomes between $ 75,000 and $ 85,000.
4. If you file a single tax return, you can do a full in SeptemberEmployee IRA contribution if MAGI is $ 50,000 (2006) or less and no payment of compensation of $ 60,000 (2006) or more. Again, for incomes between these numbers, a formula determines a partial contribution limit.
5. If you are married and have a separate declaration, the beginning of the phase-out to an income of zero. The gross income of $ 10,000 or more does not help.
These benefits and IRA rules in September are based on my understanding and can not be used as taxadvice. The right plan depends on your goals, income, status as a tax return and participation in another qualified plan. It would be better to sit down with your accountant and financial planner and deal on all the options.