Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

Hope is a self-employed taxpayer who turns 54 years old at the end of the year (

ID: 2447562 • Letter: H

Question

Hope is a self-employed taxpayer who turns 54 years old at the end of the year (2015). In 2015, her net Schedule C income was $120,000. This was her only source of income. This year, Hope is considering setting up a retirement plan. What is the maximum amount Hope may contribute to the self-employed plan in each of the following situations? Hope is a self-employed taxpayer who turns 54 years old at the end of the year (2015). In 2015, her net Schedule C income was $120,000. This was her only source of income. This year, Hope is considering setting up a retirement plan. What is the maximum amount Hope may contribute to the self-employed plan in each of the following situations?

maximum contribution?

b. She sets up an individual 401(k).

Explanation / Answer

Answer: $44,164.

Contributions to individual 401(k)s are limited to the lesser of $53,000 or 20% of net earnings from self employment plus $16,500. However, if the taxpayer is 50 years old or greater as of the end of the year, the taxpayer may contribute an additional $5,500. Therefore, the maximum amount Hope may contribute is $44,164 ($22,164 + $22,000). The contribution may not exceed net earnings from self-employment.