How to borrow money from your Solo 401(k)

Solo 401(k)’s most touted feature is its uniquely large annual contribution limits ($49k – $108k). A lesser known feature may be just as useful for some: participant loans.

What is a participant loan?

A Solo 401(k) participant can borrow up to either $50,000 or 50% of their account value with the following terms:

  • To be repaid over an amortization schedule of 5 years or less
  • Regular payments no less frequently than quarterly
  • At a reasonable rate of interest… generally interpreted as prime rate + 1%

Such a loan may only be made in accordance with the Solo 401(k) plan documents. While most plan documents disallow this type of loan, the Unlimited® 401k offered by my company does allow it.

Under what conditions is this allowed?

Any. As long as the plan documents allow for it & the proper loan documents are prepared and executed, a participant loan can be made for any reason.

When is this useful?

This can be useful when [Read more...]