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The Solo 401k Handbook

The Solo 401k Handbook

Learn how self-employed professionals can contribute more, reduce taxes,* and invest with greater control– using one of the most powerful retirement plans available. Download the free guide, updated for 2025.

**Solo 401(k) eligibility and contribution limits depend on IRS rules. Tax benefits depend on your individual situation. Not all business owners or side-income earners qualify. 2025 limits ($70,000 or $77,500 with catch-up) depend on income and plan design. Plan administrators—not Carry—are responsible for compliance. Carry does not provide tax advice, consult a tax advisor.

Yes, Solo 401k assets are protected from creditors during bankruptcy. If you were to file for bankruptcy, whether in Chapter 7 or 13, your Solo 401k assets have unlimited protection under federal law. In 2005, The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) was passed that excluded tax-qualified retirement plans (like a 401k and Solo 401k) from being included in bankruptcy proceedings. 

Under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the funds in your retirement plan legally belong to the plan administrator, and only belong to you once you withdraw them as income. Your plan administrator cannot release the funds in your account to anyone else but you.

Solo 401k funds in transit from a rollover are also protected

BAPCPA also protects funds in transit from your Solo 401k to another retirement plan, like an IRA. If you had closed your Solo 401k and your assets were withdrawn, the law protects funds in transit as long as they’re being rolled over to another retirement plan. 

What if I withdraw the funds?

If you withdraw the funds to your personal bank account, the funds would lose protection and become accessible by creditors.

Is there a limit on how much is protected?

There is generally no cap on the value of protected assets within your account. Even if you had millions of dollars in your Solo 401k, and you owe money, creditors cannot access funds in your ERISA-qualifed plan.

Exceptions

There are some instances where your Solo 401k funds may not be protected from creditors.

  • If you’re found guilty of a crime and go to prison, your Solo 401k assets may be seized to pay the prison for costs.
  • If the creditor is a former spouse, your Solo 401k assets can be seized if you owe child support, alimony, or if you are going through a divorce and they are entitled to a portion of the account assets.
  • If the creditor is the IRS, your Solo 401k assets can be seized to settle a tax debt, if you’re eligible to take distributions from your plan in the first place. The IRS cannot override plan regulations if you’re not eligible for distributions due to age or other plan restrictions. Additionally, only the IRS can access your funds to settle a tax debt, state and local governments cannot access your solo 401k assets.