Retirement plan administration and related financial services, with a focus on recordkeeping and compliance support. Ameritas Retirement Plans work... - [BPAS](https://planprovider.pro/provider/bpas) - Utica, NY Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are the core of BPAS’s work for employer-sponsored plans. The firm handles day-to-day plan operati... - [Canada Life](https://planprovider.pro/provider/canada-life) - Toronto, ON Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are a core part of Canada Life’s group business, with participant advice available alongside group... - [Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company](https://planprovider.pro/provider/desjardins-financial-security-life-assurance-company) - Lévis, QC Third-Party Administrator
Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company is an insurance and retirement savings administrator that runs recordkeeping and participant a... - [Fidelity Investments](https://planprovider.pro/provider/fidelity-investments) - Boston, MA Third-Party Administrator
Provides retirement plan administration and recordkeeping for employer-sponsored plans. Fidelity Investments is a multinational financial services ... - [Manulife Financial Corporation](https://planprovider.pro/provider/manulife-financial-corporation) - Toronto, ON Third-Party Administrator
Manulife Financial Corporation is a retirement plan administrator that handles recordkeeping and participant advice for employer-sponsored plans. F... - [Milliman](https://planprovider.pro/provider/milliman) - Seattle, WA Third-Party Administrator
Recordkeeping and retirement plan administration are core services at this independent actuarial and consulting firm. Founded in 1947, it works wit... - [NWPS](https://planprovider.pro/provider/nwps) - Seattle, WA Third-Party Administrator
Independent retirement plan recordkeeping and administration is the focus at NWPS, an administrator that handles day-to-day plan operations for emp... - [Open Access Ltd.](https://planprovider.pro/provider/open-access-ltd) - Toronto, ON Third-Party Administrator
Focused on group retirement plans and pension administration, Open Access Ltd. handles the day-to-day work behind employer-sponsored plans, from se... - [Paychex](https://planprovider.pro/provider/paychex) - Rochester, NY Third-Party Administrator
Payroll, HR, and retirement plan administration are handled by Paychex, which provides recordkeeping services for employer-sponsored plans. The com... - [Sharebuilder 401k](https://planprovider.pro/provider/sharebuilder-401k) - Seattle, WA Third-Party Administrator
ShareBuilder 401k is a retirement plan administrator and recordkeeper focused on 401(k) plans for small and mid-sized businesses, including self-em... - [Sun Life Financial](https://planprovider.pro/provider/sun-life-financial) - Toronto, ON Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are a core part of what Sun Life Financial does for workplace plans, alongside participant advice ... - [Wealthsimple](https://planprovider.pro/provider/wealthsimple) - Toronto, ON Third-Party Administrator
Wealthsimple is an online investment and savings platform that runs workplace group savings plans for Canadian employers. Through Wealthsimple for ... - [Employee Fiduciary](https://planprovider.pro/provider/employee-fiduciary) - Mobile, AL Third-Party Administrator
401(k) administration and recordkeeping for small businesses, with a focus on keeping plan costs straightforward. Employee Fiduciary handles day-to... - [Common Wealth](https://planprovider.pro/provider/common-wealth) - Toronto, ON Third-Party Administrator
A retirement plan administrator founded in 2015, Common Wealth runs a digital platform for workplace retirement plans. The firm works with employer... - [Empire Life Investments Ltd.](https://planprovider.pro/provider/empire-life-investments-ltd) - Kingston, ON Third-Party Administrator
Empire Life Investments Ltd. is a retirement plan administrator that provides recordkeeping and fiduciary audit support for employer-sponsored reti... - [Human Interest](https://planprovider.pro/provider/human-interest-inc) - San Francisco, CA Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan administration is the core of Human Interest’s business, with recordkeeping and compliance support for employers that offer 401(k) ... - [Corebridge Financial](https://planprovider.pro/provider/corebridge-financial) - Houston, TX Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan administration is a core part of Corebridge Financial’s business, alongside life insurance and asset management. The firm provides ... - [Principal Financial Group, Inc.](https://planprovider.pro/provider/principal-financial-group-inc) - Des Moines, IA Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are a core part of this long-running financial services company’s business, with support for plan ... # Solo 401(k) Providers for Self-Employed Individuals For self-employed individuals and small business owners with no full-time employees other than a spouse, the Solo 401(k)—also known as a One-Participant 401(k)—offers one of the most powerful retirement savings opportunities available. Unlike standard employer-sponsored plans that are subject to complex testing and heavy administrative burdens, the Solo 401(k) is designed to be streamlined and cost-effective while maximizing contribution potential. Finding the right provider is the first step toward unlocking these benefits. Whether you are a freelancer, a consultant, or a real estate professional, selecting a partner who understands the nuances of [small business 401k](/small-business-401k) regulations is essential for securing your financial future. ## Understanding the Solo 401(k) Advantage The primary appeal of the Solo 401(k) lies in its high contribution limits. Because you act as both the employee and the employer, you can make contributions in two capacities: - **Employee Elective Deferrals:** You can contribute up to 100% of your earned income up to the annual limit ($23,000 for 2024), plus catch-up contributions if you are age 50 or older. - **Employer Non-Elective Contributions:** As the employer, you can contribute an additional percentage of your compensation, up to a combined total limit ($69,000 for 2024, not including catch-up contributions). This dual-contribution structure often allows business owners to save significantly more than they could in a SEP IRA or a traditional IRA. For detailed limits and rules, refer to the [IRS One-Participant 401(k) Plans guide](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/one-participant-401k-plans). ## Eligibility Requirements for One-Participant Plans The Solo 401(k) is strictly limited to business owners who do not have any common-law employees. If you hire a full-time employee who meets eligibility requirements (typically age 21 and having worked more than 1,000 hours in a year), you generally cannot maintain a Solo 401(k) and must convert to a traditional plan. In that scenario, you would need to explore broader [401k plans](/retirement-plans/401k) that accommodate staff testing and compliance. However, there is an exception for your spouse. If your spouse earns income from the business, they can also participate in the plan, effectively doubling the household's potential tax-advantaged savings. ## Reporting Requirements and Form 5500-EZ One of the major benefits of a Solo 401(k) is the reduced administrative burden. Unlike larger plans that require annual testing and comprehensive reporting, a One-Participant plan is generally exempt from filing with the DOL or IRS until the plan's total assets exceed $250,000 at the end of the plan year. Once your plan assets cross this threshold, you must file **Form 5500-EZ** annually. It is critical to stay on top of this requirement, as late filings can result in significant penalties. If you are unsure about your reporting obligations, reviewing our guide on [Form 5500](/blog/what-is-form-5500) or consulting with qualified [plan advisors](/plan-advisors) can help ensure you remain compliant. ## Choosing the Right Solo 401(k) Provider When evaluating [retirement plan providers](/retirement-plans) for a Solo 401(k), you typically have two categories to choose from: "Free" Brokerage Providers and Specialized Document Providers. - **Brokerage Providers:** Large financial institutions often offer Solo 401(k) plans with no setup or maintenance fees. These are excellent for straightforward investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. However, they may not offer Roth options or participant loans. - **Specialized Document Providers:** These firms charge setup and annual fees but offer a more robust plan document. This "open architecture" structure often allows for alternative investments (like real estate or crypto), participant loans, and Mega Backdoor Roth strategies. ## Investment Flexibility and Control For many self-employed individuals, the ability to control investment choices is a deciding factor. While a standard plan might limit you to a specific menu of mutual funds, a self-directed Solo 401(k) can allow you to invest in a broader array of assets. If you are considering alternative assets, ensure your chosen provider acts as a passive custodian or provides a plan document that supports "checkbook control." Whether you are looking to maximize tax deductions today or build a tax-free nest egg for tomorrow, comparing providers is essential. Browse our directory to find administrators and [plan advisors](/plan-advisors) who specialize in helping solopreneurs navigate these powerful retirement vehicles. [View full interactive listing on PlanProvider.Pro](https://planprovider.pro/solo-k-plans) © 2026 PlanProvider.Pro