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The Global Insight

What is the purpose of a Keogh plan?

Author

John Hall

Updated on February 18, 2026

Keogh plans are tax-deferred pension plans—either defined-benefit or defined-contribution—used for retirement purposes by either self-employed individuals or unincorporated businesses, while independent contractors cannot use a Keogh plan.

Is a Keogh the same as a solo 401k?

A Keogh is similar to a 401(k), but the annual contribution limits are higher. Some examples are the Simplified Employee Pensions (SEP-IRAs), individual or solo 401(k)s, or Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLE plans).

What is the difference between Keogh and SEP IRA?

A Keogh account is available to self-employed persons or unincorporated businesses. Maximum contributions are the same as those established for SEP accounts. Keogh plans are more complex than a SEP. They require a formal written plan and filing regular reports.

Can I borrow from my Keogh plan?

Borrowing is not available for traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEPs, or SIMPLE IRAs. However, if you participate in a qualified retirement plan through your job or self-employment, such as 401(k), profit-sharing, or Keogh plan, you might be able to borrow some of the funds in your account.

Can you roll a Keogh into an IRA?

The IRS generally treats self-employed people as employees for rollover purposes. Therefore, if you want to convert your Keogh plan to an IRA, you can roll over all or part of your eligible Keogh plan into a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA or a Simplified Employee Pension plan.

Can you rollover a Keogh into a SEP IRA?

With a direct rollover, you transfer the funds or assets directly from your Keogh account to your traditional IRA or SEP-IRA tax-free, or to your Roth IRA. You can transfer all of the funds, or you can leave some of them in the Keogh account.

What is the maximum contribution to a Keogh plan?

Keogh Plan Contribution Limits 2020 You can contribute up to 25% of compensation or $57,000. If you have a money purchase plan, you contribute the fixed percentage of your income every year. The contribution amount will come from the IRS formula.

Can my wife and I both max out 401k?

How can Married Couples Max Out Their 401(k)? If you and your spouse are both working and the employer provides a 401(k), you can contribute up to the IRS limits. For 2021, each spouse can contribute up to $19,500, which amounts to $39,000 annually for both spouses.

Can you still set up a Keogh plan?

While Keogh plans still exist today, they’re mainly used by highly compensated individuals because they offer high contribution limits. Unfortunately, the administrative burden of operating them can be substantial. Keogh plans can only be used by self-employed individuals and unincorporated businesses.

What is another name for Keogh Plan?

What is another word for Keogh plan?

IRAretirement plan
Roth IRAself-funded retirement plan
tax-free savings accountindividual retirement account

Do Keogh plans still exist?

Can you have a Keogh and an IRA?

Can You Have Both a Keogh Plan and an IRA? Keogh plans can be established in addition to IRA accounts, but since a Keogh plan is a qualified plan, your contributions to your IRA account may not be fully deductible.

What is another name for Keogh plan?