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Retirement stacking: the solo marketer's $70k-a-year shelter
The short answer
A profitable solo marketer can shelter more than most executives: Solo 401(k) (deferral $24,500 + employer ~20–25%), HSA ($4,400/$8,750), backdoor Roth ($7,500), and — with the right plan document — the mega backdoor on top. Stacked in the right order for your bracket, that is commonly $60,000–$85,000+ per year growing tax-advantaged, with the side benefit of defending your QBI deduction near the thresholds.
The stack, in order
- Solo 401(k) employer layer: the cheapest big deduction — a percentage of what you already earn.
- Deferral: $24,500 (2026), traditional vs Roth by bracket.
- HSA: triple-advantaged; do not spend it.
- Backdoor Roth: $7,500, pro-rata cleared.
- Mega backdoor: after-tax to the $72,000 ceiling if your document allows.
Solo marketer, $220k profit, S-corp $95k salary (2026, illustrative)
Frequently asked questions
What is retirement stacking?
Layering every tax-advantaged account your situation allows — Solo 401(k) deferral, employer contribution, HSA, backdoor Roth, sometimes mega backdoor — in the right order for your bracket.
What is the right order?
A common high-earner sequence: employer layer and deferral in the Solo 401(k), HSA to the max, backdoor Roth, then after-tax/mega-backdoor if the plan allows. Bracket and cash flow adjust the order.
How much can one solo marketer shelter in 2026?
With strong profit: $24,500 deferral + ~20–25% employer layer + $4,400–$8,750 HSA + $7,500 backdoor Roth — commonly $60,000–$85,000+ before the mega backdoor.
Does this hurt my QBI deduction?
Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce QBI but also reduce taxable income — near the SSTB thresholds that trade is usually strongly positive. It is one combined calculation.
Profitable and under-sheltered?
We design the stack, the plan documents, and the monthly automation — one engagement, compounding for decades.
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