Solo 401(k) Contribution Calculator (2026)
Calculate your maximum Solo 401(k) contributions for 2026: employee deferrals, age-based catch-up and employer profit-sharing, all within the $72,000 cap. 100% in your browser.
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2026 Solo 401(k) Contribution
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Your Numbers
Your Schedule C net profit after all business expenses.
Your 2026 Limits
Maximum 2026 total (with catch-up)
Filing status: single
$38187.05
Employee elective deferral
2026 limit: $24,500
$24500.00
Catch-up contribution
No catch-up below 50
$0.00
Employer profit-sharing
20% of net earnings after deferral
$13687.05
Total before catch-up
Limited to $72,000 in 2026
$38187.05
Elect employee deferrals before December 31, 2026; employer profit-sharing can follow by your 2026 filing deadline.
This calculator provides estimation only. All results are for reference purposes only and do not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for official financial decisions.
Solo 401(k) Contributions for Freelancers in 2026
The Highest-Ceiling Plan for a One-Person Business
A Solo 401(k) (also called an individual 401(k)) lets a freelancer with no employees act as both employee and employer. In 2026 you can defer up to $24,500 of earned income as the employee and add employer profit-sharing on top, for a combined total as high as $72,000—plus catch-up if you are 50 or older.
Employee Deferrals and Catch-Up in 2026
The 2026 elective deferral limit is $24,500. If you are 50 or older, an $8,000 catch-up applies—raised to $11,250 if you are 60, 61, 62 or 63. Catch-up contributions sit above the $72,000 regular cap, so older freelancers can put away $80,000 or more in a single year.
Employer Profit-Sharing Completse the Picture
On top of your deferrals you can make an employer profit-sharing contribution of up to 25% of compensation—20% of net earnings for a self-employed owner after the half-SE-tax adjustment. The calculator balances deferral and profit-sharing so their combined total respects the $72,000 limit.
Timing Matters at Year-End
Employee deferrals for the 2026 plan year must be elected by December 31, 2026, which is why Q4 planning matters. Employer profit-sharing can follow later, up to your 2026 filing deadline including extensions. Confirm the exact contribution deadlines with your plan custodian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about using this calculator.