Small Business Retirement Plans: Picking the Best Plan for Your Client

Author: Greg White

Choosing the right retirement plan for small business clients is critical for tax savings and long-term financial security. This course dives into the most popular retirement plan options—SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k)s, and defined benefit plans—helping you confidently guide clients toward the best fit for their unique needs. You’ll learn how to maximize deductions, minimize payroll tax implications, and leverage new retirement plan credits. Whether your clients want flexibility, rapid savings accumulation, or tax efficiency, this course equips you with practical strategies to deliver exceptional value. Join us and gain the insights you need to become the go-to advisor for small business retirement planning.

Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2028 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card

Publication Date: January 2026

Topics Covered

• Which clients are best suited for each of the following plans
• SEP-IRAs
• SIMPLE IRAs
• 401(k)s
• Traditional and Roth IRAs
• Defined benefit plans
• What are the payroll tax consequences of choosing each type of plan?
• Which plans provide the greatest flexibility?
• Which plan can provide the quickest accumulation of retirement savings?

Learning Objectives

• Identify the best type of retirement plan for small business owners, based on the underlying facts
• Identify the payroll tax ramifications of different retirement plans
• Recognize how to compute the maximum available deduction for each type of plan
• Identify up to what percent of compensation are allowed with respect to SEP IRAS
• Identify the IRS notice that relates to a retirement plan credit

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None