SEP-IRA Max Contribution on $150,000 Freelance Income
A freelancer earning $150,000 can contribute $37,500 to a SEP-IRA, dramatically reducing taxable income in a high-earning year.
How to use this tool
- Enter your eligible compensation (W-2 wages or net self-employment income).
- Set your contribution rate, up to the 25% maximum.
- Read your allowed contribution after the IRS caps are applied.
- Compare the uncapped figure to see when a limit reduces your contribution.
High-income freelancers and independent contractors can use the SEP-IRA to defer significant taxes while building retirement wealth.
Frequently asked questions
- How much can I contribute to a SEP-IRA?
- Up to 25% of compensation, capped at $69,000 for 2024. Compensation counted is itself capped at $345,000, so the dollar limit binds at higher incomes.
- Why is my effective rate below 25%?
- Once your compensation exceeds about $276,000, the $69,000 dollar cap kicks in before the full 25% is reached, so the contribution as a share of total pay drops below 25%.
- Is the SEP-IRA contribution tax-deductible?
- Yes. SEP-IRA contributions are made by the employer and are tax-deductible business expenses; the funds grow tax-deferred until withdrawal in retirement.
- Does this work for the self-employed?
- This tool models the capped-compensation case. Unincorporated self-employed filers use a roughly 20% effective rate on net income after the self-employment-tax deduction; consult IRS Publication 560.