Benefits help for a sole propietor
originally posted: 11/22/2006 reposted: 8/1/2011
Q: I scanned your website www.freedombenefits.net and was wondering which small business benefit plans are available to a sole proprietor and his wife (me) who is a part-time employee (20 hours/week). We have no other employees and will never have other employees.
A: The federal tax laws governing employee benefit plans make a distinction between owner/employees and common law (non-owner) employees. To further complicate the issue, owners of C corporations and principals of non-taxable entities are treated as employees while the owners and their spouses of S corporations, LLCs, and partners as self-employed individuals. For this reason, the benefit plans recommended for sole proprietors are often different than for other types of businesses.
The biggest area of difference is the coverage for uninsured health care expenses. Sole proprietors cover these most effectively through a health savings account. Other businesses prefer to use a health reimbursement arrangement. It may sound trivial at first glance, but this tax issue has significant impact on sole proprietors. Benefits for sole proprietors are best developed on a case-by-case basis to fit exactly the needs of the individual. The availability of health insurance, for example, is a key issue that varies widely from one person to the next. In any event, the goal is the same: to pay for as many of the owner's expenses as possible on a tax-free basis.
Freedom Benefits Association provides low cost personal professional help in developing these benefits that best fit your situation. Service can be ordered online and a telephone consultation can usually be scheduled within one business day. After discussing your situation with the adviser you will have a much better understanding of the most efficient approach for your business