SIMPLE IRA
For Small Businesses with fewer than 100 employees¹
What Is a SIMPLE IRA?
A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA offers a convenient way to save for retirement. The plan is easy to manage and offers tax benefits for small businesses.
What Are the Benefits?
Low set-up costs compared to other plans
Employer contributions are a deductible business expense
Easy management; less paperwork
Employer sets employee eligibility based on business needs
What Type of Employer Can Open This Plan?
• Employers of any business type with no more than 100 employees that earned $5,000 or more in the previous calendar year.
• Employers who do not maintain another retirement plan in the same year as a SIMPLE IRA.
Who Contributes to the Plan?
• Employers
Match employee salary deferrals dollar for dollar up to 3% of the employee's compensation or a flat 2%² of each eligible employee's compensation.
• Employees
Payroll deductions up to $16,000* and always 100% vested.
Employees age 50+ can contribute additional catch-up contributions of up to $3,500.*
What Investment Options Are Available?
You choose which funds are available for you and your employees from a variety of mutual funds. Or consider a pre-diversified portfolio built by our professionals. It's a convenient way to choose based on when you'll need the money or the risk level that fits your goal. And it takes the guesswork out of picking investments.
What Are the Other Plan Benefits?
Retirement education and tools to help you and your employees plan for retirement, or one-on-one guidance from a consultant upon request.
Convenient services based on how you want to work with us, including online access to track investments and make changes.
Secure Plan Sponsor Access online tool for convenient plan management.
Review Other Options
Compare plans and benefits to find the one that best fits your business.
Things to Know Before You Get Started
Deadline to Establish
Plan must be established by October 1 of the year it becomes effective.
Employer Responsibilities
Distribute Model Notification to Eligible Employees annually.
Distribute Summary Plan Description to eligible employees annually.
Participant Custodial Fees³
$25 annually per plan
Waived if investments are over a certain threshold.
For details, refer to the Service Options for Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans flyer.
SIMPLE IRAs
With American Century Investments
Product and services to fit the needs of you and your employees, plus the ability to invest in others.
Get Support and Guidance
Education and tools—plus guidance upon request—can help you and any employees plan for retirement. It starts with helping you choose the right plan.
Find Investment Opportunities
You and your employees can build a diversified portfolio that aligns with your risk comfort level, time horizon and retirement goals.
Make an Impact
When you invest with us, you can also invest in the future of others. Together we can become a powerful force for good.
Establish the Plan
Complete the Plan Paperwork
Complete the 5305-SIMPLE Form and create a copy. You will retain the original for your records and send the copy to us.
Mail copy to:
American Century Investments
PO Box 419385
Kansas City, MO 64141-6385
Or FAX to 1-888-327-1997
Inform Your Employees
Distribute your completed 5305-SIMPLE form to all eligible employees. The form includes a Model Notification to Eligible Employees section, which lets them know about the plan and how much you plan to contribute.
Direct employees to complete the online SIMPLE Application to open their account.
Also, have them complete a Salary Reduction Agreement. Keep the agreement for your records, and do not return to us.
Contribute to the Plan
Sign up for Plan Sponsor Access to submit contributions electronically through our secure website. Contact us at 1-800-345-3533 to get a username and password.
Or complete the Purchase Guidelines to submit contribution instructions.
Limits listed are for 2024. The IRS sets limits annually.
For purposes of determining the 100-employee limitation, all employees employed at any time during the calendar year are taken into account, regardless of whether they are eligible to participate.
Contributions may only be based on the first $345,000 of compensation, as adjusted.
Additional employer responsibilities apply.
This material has been prepared for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal or tax advice.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: American Century Companies, Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax advice. Accordingly, any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, in connection with the promotion, marketing or recommendation by anyone unaffiliated with American Century Companies, Inc. of any of the matters addressed herein or for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for more detailed information or for advice regarding your individual situation.
You could lose money by investing in a mutual fund, even if through your employer's plan or an IRA. An investment in a mutual fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Taxes are deferred until withdrawal if the requirements are met. A 10% penalty may be imposed for withdrawal prior to reaching age 59½.
If withdrawals are made within the first two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA, the penalty increases to 25%.
Diversification does not assure a profit nor does it protect against loss of principal.