Self-Employed · Freelancers · 1099
Arkansas Solo 401(k) Calculator 2026
Your exact contribution limit and combined federal + Arkansas state tax savings. Free, no sign-up.
Arkansas state tax
4.4% State Rate
2026 max contribution
$70,000
Est. total savings*
$11,088
Deadline to open
Dec 31, 2026
*Based on $42,000 contribution at 22% federal + 4.4% state rate
Your 2026 retirement plan
Fill in your situation and click Calculate →
Solo 401(k) Tax Savings in Arkansas
Arkansas levies a 4.4% state income tax. Your Solo 401(k) contributions reduce both your federal and Arkansas taxable income, boosting your total tax savings beyond the federal benefit alone.
At 4.4% Arkansas income tax plus 22% federal, a $42,000 Solo 401(k) contribution saves approximately $11,088 in combined taxes — $9,240 federal and $1,848 state. That's a 26.4% combined tax savings rate on every dollar contributed.
How to open a Solo 401(k) as a Arkansas freelancer
- Get an EIN — free at IRS.gov, takes 5 minutes. Required even as a sole proprietor.
- Choose a provider — Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard offer free Solo 401(k) plans with no annual fees.
- Open by December 31 — the account must exist before year-end for contributions to count for that tax year.
- Fund by your filing deadline — April 15, 2027, or October 15 with an extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a self-employed Arkansas resident contribute in 2026?
The 2026 Solo 401(k) limit is $70,000 ($77,500 with catch-up for those 50+). Your exact maximum depends on your net self-employment income after the SE tax deduction. Use the calculator above for your specific number.
Does Arkansas tax Solo 401(k) contributions?
Arkansas follows the federal treatment. Traditional (pre-tax) contributions reduce your Arkansas taxable income at the 4.4% state rate, providing savings at both the federal and state level.
Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA — which is better for Arkansas freelancers?
For most Arkansas self-employed professionals earning under $280,000, a Solo 401(k) allows larger contributions than a SEP-IRA — especially at income under $120,000. Both receive the same Arkansas state tax treatment on contributions.
When is the Solo 401(k) deadline for Arkansas residents?
The account must be open by December 31, 2026. Employee deferrals are elected by year-end. Employer contributions can be made up to your tax filing deadline — April 15, 2027, or October 15 with an extension.
Solo 401(k) guides by state
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