Solo 401(k)

The modern 401(k) for the self-employed

Easy to start and seamless to manage — Guideline’s Solo 401(k) is purpose-built to meet the needs of solopreneurs, contractors, consultants, and freelancers.

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50K+
businesses1
1M+
savers2
$15B+
Invested for retirement3
fast company logo
Innovation by Design Award 20244
Fernando M.Mercado Design Build Studio
Our experience with Guideline has been top-notch — user friendly interface, easy setup, friendly staff, and low fee.Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.
  • High contribution limit
  • Tax-free growth
  • Lump sum contribution option

Meet the Solo 401(k)

A Solo 401(k) — or Solo(k) — can be a great way for self-employed individuals to save for the future while potentially saving on taxes. In fact, in 2025 you could put away up to $70,000 and $7,500 in catch-up contributions.5
A low-cost, high value Solo 401(k)
$49/month and a low 0.15% annual asset based fee.6 Talk to a specialist

What's included

Get a flexible, affordable 401(k) that helps meet your needs and more. Open a Guideline Solo 401(k) today.
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  • Recordkeeping
  • Investment management
  • Payroll integration
  • Fiduciary responsibility options
  • Low-cost investments
  • Third-party custodial services
  • Mobile app

Invest in your future

With an intuitive dashboard and an award-winning mobile app4, it’s simple to get started, track your progress, and access resources – anytime, anywhere.
  • Easy account setup, via web or mobile app
  • Recommended investment portfolio
  • Retirement education and live support
Any graphs or charts depicted are illustrative, for educational purposes only, and not intended to be investment advice. Investing involves risk and investments may lose value.
Mockup of iPhone 15 with Guideline iOS mobile app.
Mockup of iPhone 15 with Guideline iOS mobile app.

Trusted by 2,000+ solopreneurs, contractors, and freelancers

  • Hand outsebtretch with two coins floating above it with a USD $ sign. Simple icon.

    Low fees

    Our managed portfolio fees are 6x lower than the industry average.7
  • All in one experience

    All-in-one experience

    We’ll handle recordkeeping, investments, government filings, and more.
  • Two hands shaking simple icon.

    Consultative support

    With a 93% customer satisfaction rating, you can get the care you need.8

  • Flexible plans

    Easily add employees without the headache of switching providers.
Open a Solo 401(k) in today
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  • 1
    As of May 2024
  • 2
    Total number of Savers, both active and non-active, that have participated in Guideline products from 2016-2024.
  • 3
    As of August 2024
  • 4

    2024 Fast Company Innovation by Design Award Winner for Guideline's mobile application in the Mid-Size business category.

  • 5
    May be adjusted annually to account for IRS cost-of-living adjustments. Learn more
  • 6

    Investment advisory services for Guideline’s 401(k) product (when 3(38) fiduciary services are appointed) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. An assumed annual account fee of 0.15% is applied to assets under management and is deducted on a monthly basis. It’s calculated at 1/12 of the annual stated rate (0.15%) based on the account balance on the last day of each month. Alternative account fee pricing is available, ranging from 0.15% to 0.35%. Contact Sales at hello@guideline.com to learn more about exclusive pricing options available in Enterprise tier. See the Form ADV 2A Brochure for more information regarding this fee.

  • 7
    This information is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be taken as investment or tax advice. Consult a qualified tax and financial advisor to determine the appropriate investment strategy for you. The average investment expense of plan assets for 401(k) plans with 25 participants and $250,000 in assets is 1.37% of assets, according to the 24th Edition of the 401k Averages Book, with data updated through September 30, 2023, and is inclusive of investment management fees, fund expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, sub-transfer agent fees, contract charges, wrap and advisor fees or any other asset based charges. Investment advisory services for Guideline’s 401(k) product (when 3(38) fiduciary services are appointed) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The managed portfolios have blended expense ratios ranging from 0.067% to 0.069% of assets under management. When combined with an assumed account fee of 0.15% charged by Guideline Investments, LLC, the estimated total AUM fees for one of the managed portfolios can be under 0.22%. Alternative account fee pricing is available ranging from 0.15% to 0.35%. Contact Sales at hello@guideline.com to learn more about exclusive pricing options available in the Enterprise tier. See the Form ADV 2A Brochure for more information regarding fees. Expense ratios for custom portfolios will vary. These expense ratios are subject to change by and paid to the fund(s).View full fund lineup.
  • 8
    Guideline’s average plan sponsor satisfaction score (CSAT) based on feedback received from 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023.
  • This information is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It shouldn’t be used as a substitute for specific tax, legal and/or financial advice that considers all relevant facts and circumstances. Investing involves risk and investments may lose value. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. You should consult a qualified financial adviser or tax professional before relying on this information.

Guideline.com is owned and operated by Guideline, Inc. This website contains content from Guideline, Inc. and its affiliates, each a separate entity with different regulatory marketing requirements and standards. References to "our" or "we" on this website refer solely to Guideline RK, LLC unless otherwise specifically stated.

The information in this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, recommendation, investment advice, legal or tax advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. By using this website, you agree to Guideline, Inc.’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use. Neither Guideline, Inc. nor its subsidiaries, are responsible for information provided by third parties. Information included herein from third parties is believed to be reliable however Guideline, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of that information.

Guideline, Inc. is a technology company that provides an integrated platform to companies who seek to work with 1) Guideline RK, LLC ("Guideline") and/or 2) Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"), both of which are wholly owned by Guideline Holdings, LLC. Guideline Holdings, LLC is wholly owned by Guideline, Inc. Neither Guideline, Inc. nor Guideline Holdings, LLC or Guideline RK, LLC is involved in securities activities and is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. Neither Guideline, Inc., nor any of its affiliates, is a bank.

Investment advisory services for Guideline’s 401(k) (when 3(38) fiduciary services are selected) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. For more information regarding fees and services, see Guideline Investments, LLC’s ADV 2A Brochure and Form CRS. References throughout this website to investment advisory services including but not limited to: investments offered, portfolios, managed portfolios, investment philosophy, assets under management (AUM), annual account fees expressed as a percentage of AUM, suitability questionnaire, 3(38) investment advisory management fiduciary services, robo-advisory services, and investment advice, unless otherwise specifically stated, are services provided by Guideline Investments, LLC. Investing involves risk and may lose money, including loss of principal. Investing is not guaranteed and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. The investment options offered by Guideline Investments, LLC are not FDIC insured.

Recordkeeping services for Guideline’s 401(k) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline RK, LLC. 3(16) plan administration services are also offered by Guideline RK, LLC and only made available to clients who utilize an eligible payroll provider. For more information on Guideline’s pricing, see here. Guideline uses a third-party to provide custodial services. Custodial fees are paid by Guideline.

Any graphs, charts, and other visual aids (collectively referred to as "image(s)") are provided for information purposes only. None of these images can of themselves be used to make investment decisions. No representation is made that these will assist any person in making investment decisions and no image can capture all factors and variables required in making such decisions.

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