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system
as an employer, how do i start a 401k or traditional ira plan?
user
ok, so first of all, employers don't set up iras.  ira stands for individual retirement account.  you can set up a personal ira for yourself, but not for employees.  if that is what you're after, then just set one up for yourself - no special rules there for self employment. as far as setting up a 401(k), i'd suggest checking with benefits management companies.  if you're small, you probably don't have an hr department, so managing a 401(k) yourself would likely be overly burdensome.  outsourcing this to a company which handles hr for you (maybe running payroll, etc. also), would be the best option.  barring that, i'd try calling a large financial institution (schwab, fidelity, etc.) for clear guidance.
assistant