Can Influencers Open a Solo 401k?

Earning income as an influencer often means working without the safety net of traditional employer benefits. If your platform brings in money from brand deals, sponsorships, affiliate links, or digital products, and you operate independently, a Solo 401k might be one of the most effective ways to save for retirement.

This type of retirement plan is designed for individuals who run their own businesses without full-time employees. It offers high contribution limits, flexible investment choices, and tax advantages that can grow with your income.

Here’s what creators need to know.

📌 Also Read: How to Set Up A Solo 401k Plan

Who Qualifies for a Solo 401k?

A Solo 401k, sometimes called a one-participant 401k, is available to self-employed individuals who do not have full-time employees other than a spouse. If you operate your own content business, you likely meet the criteria.

✅ You Must Earn Self-Employment Income

Revenue from YouTube ads, sponsored content, merchandise, and subscription platforms qualifies as self-employment income.

Sole proprietors typically report this on Schedule C. Those using an S corporation must pay themselves a reasonable salary and report W-2 wages.

✅ You Must Not Employ Full-Time Staff

The IRS defines “full-time” as working over 1,000 hours per year. A spouse helping with video editing, community management, or administration is allowed.

✅ Any Standard Business Structure Works

Sole proprietors, LLCs, S corps, and partnerships can all open a Solo 401k. The key requirement is that you don’t have any eligible full-time employees.

📝 Note: Hiring a full-time assistant or editor down the road would require switching to a full 401k plan that includes employee participation.

📌 Also Read: Important Forms for Solo 401k Owners

What to Prepare Before Opening a Plan

To start a Solo 401k, you’ll need a few things in order:

✅ Clear Income Records
Track your net earnings (after business expenses) or salary if you’re incorporated. Your contribution limits are based on this amount.

✅ Spousal Involvement
If your spouse is involved in the business, they can also contribute to the plan under their own account.

✅ Proper Business Setup
You don’t need to form an LLC or corporation, but you must operate a legitimate business and file the correct tax forms.

Why Solo 401ks Work for Influencers

Content creators with growing platforms often look for retirement options that match their income potential. The Solo 401k is one of the few plans that scales with your business.

High Contribution Limits in 2025

You can contribute both as the business owner and as your own employee:

✅ Employee contributions: Up to $23,500
✅ Age 50 or older: Add $7,500 in catch-up contributions
✅ Ages 60–63: Eligible for an additional $11,250
✅ Employer contribution: Up to 25% of compensation
✅ Total potential contribution: $70,000 (or up to $81,250 with catch-ups)

📝 Note: The exact limit depends on your income and business type.

Choose Traditional or Roth Contributions

Many providers allow you to split between both types.

Flexible Investment Options

You can typically invest in mutual funds, index funds, stocks, and more. Some platforms even allow access to private investments, but you’ll need to stay within IRS guidelines to avoid prohibited transactions.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Here’s what to expect as both the plan participant and administrator:

Benefits

Responsibilities

📝 Tip: A qualified tax or financial advisor can help you stay compliant and get the most value out of your plan.

📌 Also Read: Solo 401k Vs SEP IRA

Final Thoughts: Is a Solo 401k a Good Fit for Influencers?

A Solo 401k can be a powerful retirement savings tool for influencers, creators, and other self-employed professionals. With high contribution limits, investment flexibility, and tax advantages, it could be a smart way to build long-term financial security as your platform grows.

Evaluate your business structure, track your income carefully, and speak with a professional if needed before setting up your account.

📌 Want to explore more ways to manage money as a creator? Read:

---

Disclaimer:

The Carry Learning Center is operated by The Vibes Company Inc. (“Vibes”) and contains generalized educational content about personal finance topics. While Vibes provides educational content and technology services, all investment advisory services discussed on this website are provided exclusively through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carry Advisors LLC (“Carry Advisors”), an SEC registered investment adviser. The information contained on the Carry Learning Center should not be construed as personalized investment advice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or engage in a particular investment, accounting, tax or legal strategy. Vibes is not providing tax, legal, accounting, or investment advice. You should consult with qualified tax, legal, accounting, and investment professionals regarding your specific situation.

The accounts, strategies and/or investments discussed in this material may not be suitable for all investors. All investments involve the risk of loss, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment growth or profit is never a guarantee. All statements and opinions included on the Carry Learning Center are intended to be current as of the date of publication but are subject to change without notice.

To access investment advisory services through Carry Advisors, you must be a client of Vibes on an eligible membership plan. For more information about Carry Advisors’ investment advisory services, please see our Form [ADV Part 2A] (https://files.adviserinfo.sec.gov/IAPD/Content/Common/crd_iapd_Brochure.aspx?BRCHR_VRSN_ID=916200) brochure and [Form CRS] (https://reports.adviserinfo.sec.gov/crs/crs_323620.pdf) or through the SEC’s website at [www.adviserinfo.sec.gov] (http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/).