Having a current employer’s 401k plan and a Solo 401k plan

Does my current employer’s 401k plan have any effect on my Solo 401k plan? Will my contribution limit be affected?

The employee contribution maximum is per person, not per plan.

In other words, your ability to make the maximum employee contribution to your Solo 401k is affected by the employee contribution you have made to your current employer's 401k plan.

For example, if you under the age of 50:

• Your employee contribution maximum is $23,500 for 2025
• If you contribute $10,000 to your current employer’s 401k plan for 2025, then
• You can only contribute up to $13,500 to your Solo 401k plan as an employee contribution

If you have reached the employee contribution maximum in your current employer's 401k plan, you will not be able to make an additional, employee contribution to your Solo 401k. 

Note that your Solo 401k also allows you to make employer contributions. You can make an employer contribution to your Solo 401k even if you have reached the maximum employee contribution limit.

Contributions Guide