What is the maximum I can contribute to a Solo 401(k) in 2026?

A Solo 401(k) lets you wear two hats. As the employee, you can defer up to the IRS elective-deferral limit (the IRS raises this annually via cost-of-living adjustments). As the employer, your business can contribute up to 25% of your compensation (roughly 20% of net self-employment income after the SE-tax deduction). Combined, the two pieces can reach the overall defined-contribution cap the IRS sets each year, plus catch-up contributions if you are 50 or older. Because the employee deferral doesn't depend on profit, a Solo 401(k) usually lets a modest earner save far more than a SEP-IRA. The IRS publishes exact figures each year on irs.gov. Estimate your own number with the Self-Employed Hub at wealthserene.com/tools/self-employed-hub.