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Gig Economy & Freelance

Solo 401(k) for Uber / DoorDash / Instacart Drivers

Full-time gig drivers set up Solo 401(k) — defer $23K + 25% profit-share, potentially $50K+/yr into retirement tax-deferred.

Overview

Any self-employed gig worker with no non-spouse employees can open a Solo 401(k) at Vanguard/Fidelity/Schwab/E*Trade for $0 setup. Contribute (1) elective deferral up to $23K (2024, +$7,500 if 50+), (2) employer profit-share up to 25% of net SE income. A full-time driver netting $60K after mileage can defer $23K + $12K = $35K, dropping AGI to $25K — often into 0–12% bracket. Roth Solo 401(k) option available. Blows the SEP-IRA out of the water at moderate income levels.

Best fit
Full-time rideshare / delivery driversFreelance consultants / creators1099 side-hustlers with W-2 day job
Estimated impact
$5K–$15K/yr federal tax + tax-deferred growth

Click Generate advisory deep dive for mechanics, IRC citations, a step-by-step execution plan, a worked numeric example on your profile, costs, risks, and this-week actions.

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