What is a Keogh Plan ?

A Keogh plan is a tax deferred pension plan available to self-employed individuals or unincorporated businesses for retirement purposes. A Keogh plan can be set up as either a defined-benefit or defined-contribution plan. Contributions are generally tax deductible up to 25% of annual income with a limit of $51,000 ($50,000 in 2012). Keogh plan types include money-purchase plans (used by high-income earners), defined-benefit plans (which have high annual minimums) and profit-sharing plans (which offer annual flexibility based on profits). As with other qualified retirement accounts, funds can be accessed as early as age 59.5 and withdrawals must begin by age 70.5.