Cash Balance Plans for Business Owners & High‑Income Professionals

Advanced retirement strategies for small business owners

Elevate your retirement strategy while lowering your tax bill.

For business owners, partners, and high‑income professionals, a cash balance plan can be a game‑changer. This advanced retirement strategy allows for substantially higher tax‑deductible contributions than a 401(k) alone, helping you fast‑track retirement savings while meaningfully reducing your annual tax burden. At Eight Peaks Wealth Management, we specialize in integrating cash balance plans into a cohesive wealth management strategy that aligns with your investments, business goals, and long‑term financial independence.

What Is a Cash Balance Plan?

A cash balance plan is a specialized defined benefit plan that combines features of a pension with the portability and account clarity of a defined contribution plan.
Key differences:

  • Contributions are determined by a set formula, often based on age, compensation, and desired retirement target.

  • Annual limits far exceed those of 401(k) or IRA plans — often reaching $100,000 to $300,000 in deductible contributions for owners.

  • Plan assets grow tax‑deferred and can be rolled into an IRA when the plan ends.

Who Can Benefit Most

  • Professional service firms (medical, legal, engineering)

  • Successful entrepreneurs with steady business income

  • Partnerships wanting both tax efficiency and a high‑value employee benefit

Why High‑Earners Love This Strategy

  • Bigger Tax Breaks – Reduce taxable income by six figures annually.

  • Accelerated Wealth Building – Perfect for late‑career catch‑up contributions.

  • Integrates with 401(k) – Layer both plans for maximum savings.

  • Flexible Investments – Options for conservative or growth‑oriented portfolios.

Our Approach

  1. Evaluate – Review your business, tax position, and retirement goals.

  2. Design – Structure the plan to optimize contributions and tax benefits.

  3. Integrate – Align investments and funding with your broader wealth plan.

  4. Manage – Coordinate with TPAs and CPAs to ensure compliance and performance.

Considerations Before You Start

  • Best for owners with consistent profits and stable cash flow.

  • Typically maintained for at least 3–5 years.

  • Requires annual funding commitments and professional administration.

  • Administrative and compliance costs are higher than a stand‑alone 401(k).

Get Started

If you’re ready to cut taxes and grow your retirement wealth faster, it’s time to explore a cash balance plan.


Book Your Strategy Session →