Business Owners Can Include Social Security in Retirement Planning

Business Owners Can Include Social Security in Retirement Planning

- in Blogs, Social Security, Work & Retirement

Social Security & You
By Brandon P. Smith, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Most business owners are hyper-focused on growing their business and legacy. But at some point, they must consider a plan for retirement. That’s why it’s important for business owners to begin thinking about how Social Security fits into their retirement planning. Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker, including business owners.

Since there are specific rules for business owners, they should speak with a financial advisor or accountant before applying.  One of the biggest mistakes business owners make—aside from starting retirement planning too late—is not having a plan at all.  This is where an expert can give sound advice on how to navigate retirement. 

Business owners can visit ssa.gov/prepare/plan-retirement to determine eligibility for retirement benefits as well as get a benefit estimate.  Our publication, If You Are Self-Employed, at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10022.pdf, provides important information about Social Security taxes for business owners as well as how to report earnings.  Don’t delay; start your retirement planning today.

About the author

Brandon P. Smith is the author of Northeast Ohio Thrive’s Social Security & You blog. He is a Social Security public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, based in Cleveland. A Cleveland native, he joined the SSA in 2003. He is the primary contact for media relations, outreach, and presentations for the agency in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, and Geauga counties. In addition to other communications awards, Brandon received a Deputy Commissioner Citation from Social Security’s Office of Communication in 2015 for his outstanding public affairs support of the agency’s national communication initiatives.

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