Data & Research February 22, 2012

More Than Half of Small-Business Owners May Not Have Optimal Retirement Plans

Fifty-three percent of U.S. small-business owners many not have the retirement plan that best fits their needs.
Reported by

According to a survey from Fidelity Investments, when asked a series of basic questions about their retirement plan features and benefits, small-business owner respondents on average only answered 66% correctly. For example:

•  Half who use a self-employed 401(k) did not know the maximum annual employer contribution allowed for this plan;

•  Nearly two-thirds (60%) with SIMPLE IRAs were not aware that employer tax filing is not required; and

•  More than half (55%) using an SEP IRA did not know that the plan is funded solely by employer contributions.

In addition to uncovering a knowledge gap among respondents who currently have a retirement plan, 100 small-business owners who do not have a retirement savings plan were surveyed. The top reason (34%) cited for not having a retirement plan is the perception that it is too expensive.

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