Solo 401k Reporting Hinges On Certain Factors

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Last Updated January 5, 2026

Reporting for the Solo 401(k) plan depends on the factors listed below. Please review these factors and let me us know if you fall under any of them.

Question:

When do I need to make my Solo 401(k) Contributions?

Answer:

Contributions to a Solo 401k plan must be made by your business tax return due date including timely filed business tax return extension.

Tax Year 2025: For example, for tax year 2025 both the employee and employer solo 401k contributions as well as voluntary after-tax contributions can be made in 2026 by the business tax return due date including extension. See the following chart.

Year 2026 Solo 401k Contribution Deadlines

For more information: Click Here

Question:

When does a Form 5500-EZ need to be completed?

Answer:

If your solo 401k plan market value (all solo 401k fund sources are included when determining the market value threshold) is greater than $250,000 as of December 31, 2025 a Form 5500-EZ is due to the IRS by July 31, 2026. A Form 5500-EZ reports the total yearly value of the Solo 401k plan for the self-employed business owner; however, filing is only required once the plan’s total assets exceed $250,000. Since we don’t have access to your funds, you are responsible for timely notifying us if you would like assistance preparing the Form 5500-EZ. For more information, please visit the following link and read our FAQ page on Form 5500-EZ: Click Here

Question:

When do I need a Form 1099-R?

Answer:

Solo 401k Distributions:

Anytime a plan participant or beneficiary takes a distribution including a required minimum distribution (RMD) from his or her self-directed solo 401k, IRS reporting requirements apply. Also, participant loan default distributions are reportable on a Form 1099-R.

Roth Solo 401k Conversions:

1099-R reporting also applies to in-plan Roth 401k conversions as well as conversions from the solo 401k to a Roth IRA. Payers must send a Form 1099-R, Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc., to the IRS and to the individual receiving the distribution. The form is due to the IRS by February 28. Again, Since we don’t have access to your funds, it is your responsibility to let us know. For more information please see the following link: Click Here

NOTE: Please let us know by December 31 if you took any distributions and/or processed conversions so that we can timely issue the Form 1099-R. Requests received after 12/31 will need to be processed by your tax preparer.

Question:

If I transferred a former employer 401k or IRA to my self-directed solo 401k does any reporting apply?

Answer:

When you transfer funds to a solo 401k plan from a former employer plan such as a 403(b), 457(b), 401k, TSP, DBP, etc., or IRAs such as SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and Traditional IRAs, the institution where the funds were transferred from will issue a Form 1099-R. Make sure the Form 1099-R has a code “G” in box 7. A code “G” communicates to the IRS that the transfer to the solo 401k was non-taxable.

Question:

Do I report solo 401k contributions to you?

Answer:

No, as solo 401k contributions are deposited to the solo 401k bank or brokerage accounts which is how they are tracked. You then report them on your business and personal tax return. Click here to learn more.

Question:

When are Solo 401k IRS Required Plan Updates needed?

Answer:

As the solo 401k plan provider, we are responsible for updating the plan for any required IRS changes. The next update is the SECURE 2.0 Act Amendment due by 12/31/2026.

Tax Exemption QUESTION

When we set up the Solo 401k for my business, a trust was also created. What filing requirements are the for the trust? Do we need to file to request a tax exemption status for the trust?

For filing requirements that apply to a solo 401k plan, see the post above. There is no requirement to file for a request for tax exemption status for a Solo 401k as a solo 401k is a qualified plan also known as a retirement trust. 401k plans including solo 401k plans for the self-employed are afforded tax shelter status until distributions commence–usually at retirement age.