Putting your spouse on payroll for real work unlocks a second set of retirement limits for your household. This shows what it could add — and the payroll tax it costs — for your net tax savings.
Your spouse's numbers
What you'd contribute
Net tax savings $0
This pension figure is an illustration based on your spouse's age and pay — an estimate of what a plan could allow, not a final number. It also assumes roughly $3,000/yr in plan fees (actuary + admin), which is often lower when your spouse joins a plan you already have. A licensed actuary designs the plan and certifies the exact contribution and cost.
⚠️ Because your spouse runs their own business with a retirement plan, the IRS may treat their business and yours as a single "controlled group" — which can mean their plan and any plan you set up here must share one combined set of limits, not two. Have a CPA or actuary confirm how the plans combine before acting on this.
Educational only — not tax, legal, or financial advice. ScanMyTaxes is a software tool, not a tax preparer or advisor, and does not prepare or file returns. Every figure here is an estimate based on the information you enter; results are not guaranteed and depend on your specific situation. Confirm all strategies, eligibility, and numbers with your own qualified tax professional before acting. Using this tool does not create a client relationship.