The ERISA consultants at the Retirement Learning Center Resource regularly receive calls from financial advisors on a broad array of technical topics related to IRAs, qualified retirement plans and other types of retirement savings plans. We bring Case of the Week to you to highlight the most relevant topics affecting your business.
A recent call with a financial advisor from Oklahoma is representative of a common inquiry related to deducting retirement plan contributions. The advisor asked:
“Tax season has me wondering how sole proprietors deduct contributions they make to their qualified retirement plans?”
Highlights of the Discussion
Unincorporated business owners, such as sole proprietors, farmers and partnerships, are among the IRS’s list of “pass through” business entities. Why are they called “pass through” entities? Because the profits of these firms directly pass through the businesses to their owners, and are taxed on the owners’ individual income tax returns.
Special rules apply for how such businesses report and deduct contributions to their retirement plans for themselves and their employees. The following table provides a general, informational summary of annual tax reporting requirements for unincorporated business owners who make retirement plan contributions. The table is based on the instructions to the filing forms noted. IRS Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Businesses provides additional information. Please consult a tax advisor for specific guidance.
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Tax Reporting of Deductible Retirement Plan Contributions for Unincorporated Businesses |
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Type of Employer |
Contributions for Common Law Employees |
Contributions for the Business Owner |
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Sole proprietorship |
Line 19 of 2018 Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business(attachment to IRS Form 1040)
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Line 28 of 2018 Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income,(attachment to IRS Form 1040)
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Farmers |
Line 23 of 2018 Schedule F,Profit or Loss From Farming, (attachment to IRS Form 1040)
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Line 28 of 2018 Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income, (attachment to IRS Form 1040)
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Partnership |
Line 18 of 2018 Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income
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Box 13 of Schedule K-1 Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. (attachment to Form 1065)
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Any information provided is for informational purposes only. It cannot be used for the purposes of avoiding penalties and taxes. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.
©2019, Retirement Learning Center, LLC. Used with permission.
