There are three basic steps in setting up a SEP.

1. You must execute a formal written agreement to provide benefits to all eligible employees.
2. You must give each eligible employee certain information about the SEP.
3. A SEP-IRA must be set up by or for each eligible employee.

Many financial institutions will help you set up a SEP.

Formal written agreement. You must execute a formal written agreement to provide benefits to all eligible employees under a SEP. You can satisfy the written agreement requirement by adopting an IRS model SEP using Form 5305-SEP. However, see When not to use Form 5305-SEP, later.

If you adopt an IRS model SEP using Form 5305-SEP, no prior IRS approval or determination letter is required. Keep the original form. Do not file it with the IRS. Also, using Form 5305-SEP will usually relieve you from filing annual retirement plan information returns with the IRS and the Department of Labor. See the Form 5305-SEP instructions for details.

When not to use Form 5305-SEP. You cannot use Form 5305-SEP if any of the following apply.

1. You currently maintain any other qualified retirement plan. This does not prevent you from maintaining another SEP.
2. You have any eligible employees for whom IRAs have not been set up.
3. You use the services of leased employees (as described in chapter 1).
4. You are a member of any of the following unless all eligible employees of all the members of these groups, trades, or businesses participate under the SEP.
1. An affiliated service group described in section 414(m).
2. A controlled group of corporations described in section 414(b).
3. Trades or businesses under common control described in section 414(c).
5. You do not pay the cost of the SEP contributions.

Information you must give to employees. You must give each eligible employee a copy of Form 5305-SEP, its instructions, and the other information listed in the Form 5305-SEP instructions. An IRS model SEP is not considered adopted until you give each employee this information.

Setting up the employee's SEP-IRA. A SEP-IRA must be set up by or for each eligible employee. SEP-IRAs can be set up with banks, insurance companies, or other qualified financial institutions. You send SEP contributions to the financial institution where the SEP-IRA is maintained.

Deadline for setting up a SEP. You can set up a SEP for a year as late as the due date (including extensions) of your income tax return for that year.

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