Farmer 401(K) contributions are going up!

Ken Hargreaves, CFP®, AIF®, AWMA®, CRPC®
The IRS has recently released 401(K) contributions for 2023, and there is good news for farmers! As expected, contribution amounts are increasing across the board, improving our heartlands’ workers’ ability to fund their retirement and maintain their hard-earned lifestyle throughout their twilight years. Let’s take a look at the hard numbers.

The Solo 401(K) Plan

Many farms operate under a Schedule F 1040 sole proprietorship with special tax deductions and credits. If that’s the case, the farmer can put into the Solo 401(K). A Solo 401(K) has more significant contribution amounts than other retirement plans, but starting in 2023, it will allow even more outstanding contributions.
Demo Image
Solo 401(K) Contributions
2022 Limits
2023 Limits
<50
>50
<50
>50
$61,000
$67,500
$66,000
$73,500
In the table above, contribution limits are up by $4,000. Catch-up contributions for those over 50 are increased by $1,000. Aside from high contribution limits, the Solo 401(K) has other unique benefits, such as covering a spouse if they work on the farm. You can contribute pre- or post-tax dollars.
If you choose pre-tax dollars, you can deduct those funds from your annual tax obligations, but you must pay taxes on any withdrawals. If you select post-tax dollars, this is a Roth variant. The funds grow tax-free to and through retirement. Any withdrawals you take are also tax-free as long as you abide by the guidelines set forth by the IRA.
Unfortunately, only a sole proprietorship without payroll workers (excluding a spouse) can utilize a Solo 401(K).

The Traditional 401(K) Plan

For farmers who employ farmhands, you may want to look into a traditional 401(K) plan, which allows you to match employee contributions. Looking out for your workers’ futures is an excellent way to attract and retain loyal, hardworking farmhands. And in 2023, this will be even easier to do with higher 401(K) contributions.
Demo Image
401(K) Employee Contributions
2022 Limits
2023 Limits
<50
>50
<50
>50
$20,500
$27,000
$22,500
$30,000
Here we’re seeing nearly a 10% increase in contribution amounts, nearly double the previous year’s rise. If you are over 50 years old, you can put an additional $3,000 into your 401(K).
If you match 4% of your employee’s contributions to their 401(K) plan, they will be getting a huge benefit that is difficult to pass up or let go of since it is essentially ‘free’ money for them. You can also opt for a Roth variant in your 401(K) retirement plan.

SIMPLE Retirement Plan

Next up to bat is the SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) plan that requires a 3% employer match or a 2% non-elective match (2% of the employee’s annual salary). It is available only to small businesses that employ fewer than 100 workers. Its cost-effectiveness with low set-up fees and yearly maintenance costs is where it shines.
Demo Image
SIMPLE Plan Employee Contributions
2022 Limits
2023 Limits
<50
>50
<50
>50
$14,000
$17,000
$15,500
$19,000
Farmers or farmhands under 50 can save an extra $1,500, while older workers can put in $3,500 instead of only $3,000 under a SIMPLE retirement plan.
What retirement plan is best for you, your family, and your farmhands? Reach out today for a consultation.
Disclosures

Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author/presenter as of the date of publication and are subject to change and do not constitute personalized investment advice.

A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any investment strategy. WealthGen Advisors does not represent, warranty, or imply that the services or methods of analysis employed by the Firm can or will predict future results, successfully identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate clients from losses due to market corrections or declines. Investments are subject to market risks and potential loss of principal invested, and all investment strategies likewise have the potential for profit or loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Please note: While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we are not Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The information in this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as tax advice. It is crucial to consult with a CPA or tax professional to discuss you

Author

  • Ken Hargreaves, CFP®, AIF®, AWMA®, CRPC®

    A Florida native, and full-time Sarasota resident, Ken founded WealthGen Advisors, LLC after spending more than fourteen years in the financial advisory industry. Ken holds multiple industry designations, as well as a master's degree in Financial Planning. Prior to founding WealthGen Advisors, Ken spent almost a decade in New York and then Texas as Vice President at The Capital Group, a $2T global investment manager serving institutional clients and pension funds.

    View all posts

Join Our Newsletter

We send updates regularly. Get notified when new resources and financial insights are available.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Latest Posts

Latest Video

Play Video

What are the 5 Key Steps to Financial Preparedness?

Free Resources

Our Blog

Insightful articles that reflect our low-cost, "stay the course" investment philosophy.

Our Videos

Free videos that cover complex topics in an easy-to-digest explainer style.

Choose your advisor

Ken Hargreaves - Wealth ManagerKen Hargreaves - Wealth Manager

Ken Hargreaves
CFP®, AIF®, AWMA®, CRPC®

Founder, Wealth Manager
Shane Klemcke - Wealth ManagerShane Klemcke - Wealth Manager

Shane Klemcke
CRPC®

Wealth Manager