Generally, you can deduct the contributions you make each year to each employee's SEP-IRA. If you are self-employed, you can deduct the contributions you make each year to your own SEP-IRA.

A SEP is a written plan that allows you to make contributions toward your own retirement (if you are self-employed) and your employees' retirement without getting involved in a more complex qualified plan.

Under a SEP, you make the contributions to a traditional individual retirement arrangement (called a SEP-IRA) set up by or for each eligible employee. A SEP-IRA is owned and controlled by the employee, and you make contributions to the financial institution where the SEP-IRA is maintained.

SEP-IRAs are set up for, at a minimum, each eligible employee. An eligible employee is an individual who meets all the following requirements.

• Has reached age 21.
• Has worked for you in at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Has received at least $500 in compensation from you in 2011. This amount remains the same in 2012.

See IRS Pub. 560 for details.