SEP IRA Simple IRA
  When should the plan be set up? A SEP IRA can be set up any time up to the due date of the employer's return, including extensions. A Simple IRA can be set up any time between January 1st and October 1st of the calendar year.
  What is the last date for a contribution? The SEP IRA contribution must be made by the due date of the employer's return. The due date for a Simple IRA contribution is the following:
  • Matching or non-elective contributions: Due date of employer's return, including extensions
  • Salary reduction contributions: 30 days after the end of the month for which the contributions are to be made
  What is the maximum contribution? The maximum contribution for a SEP IRA is the smaller of 25% of the participant's compensation or $70,000 for 2025 ($69,000 for 2024).

A contribution to a Simple IRA is as follows:

  • Employee Contribution: Employers can elect to either match the employee’s salary reduction contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of pay or pay a 2% non-elective contribution for each eligible employee, regardless of whether the employee contributes to their SIMPLE IRA. Employers can switch between these options each year provided certain requirements are met. **Beginning in 2024, employers with 26 to 100 employees who allow for the increased salary deferral and catch-up limits (see below) must make a 4% dollar-for-dollar match or a 3% non-elective contribution.
  • Employer Contribution: Employees can elect to contribute up to 100% of compensation up to a maximum of $16,500 in 2025 ($16,000 in 2024)** through salary reduction and, for those age 50 and older, an additional $3,500 (for 2024 and 2025).*** **Beginning in 2024, employers with 25 or fewer employees who earned at least $5,000 in compensation during the previous year must allow an employee salary deferral contribution limit of $17,600 (for 2024 and 2025) plus an additional catch-up contribution of $3,850 (for 2024 and 2025). Employers with 26 to 100 employees who earned at least $5,000 in compensation during the previous year can choose whether they wish to allow for the increased deferral and catch-up limits. If the increased limits are permitted, the employer must notify all eligible employees (by a certain deadline) and document the increase, accordingly. ***Beginning in 2025, employees who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 during the year are permitted to an increased catch-up contribution of $5,250.
  What is the maximum deduction? The maximum deduction for a SEP IRA is 25% of a participant's compensation. The maximum deduction for a Simple IRA is the same as the maximum contribution.
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