keogh plan
LowTechnical (Finance/Law), Formal
Definition
Meaning
A type of tax-deferred retirement savings plan for self-employed individuals and unincorporated businesses in the United States.
A defined-contribution retirement plan allowing contributions to be deducted from taxable income, with taxes deferred until withdrawal. Named after U.S. Congressman Eugene James Keogh. Functionally similar to a 401(k) for the self-employed.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a proper noun (capitalized). It refers to a specific legal/financial instrument. It is historical, as it was largely superseded by other retirement vehicles like the Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA, though existing plans may still operate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively American, referring to a U.S. Internal Revenue Code provision. It has no direct equivalent or common usage in British English.
Connotations
In the US: Technical, historical (re: retirement planning), possibly associated with older financial advisors or long-standing clients.
Frequency
Rare in general discourse. Used primarily by financial advisors, accountants, tax attorneys, and individuals with such plans. Frequency has declined significantly since the 1990s.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: Person/Company] + [Verb: established/maintained/funded] + a Keogh planThe Keogh plan + [Verb: allows/provides/defers] + [Object: contributions/benefits]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The consultant discussed whether her client should maintain his existing Keogh plan or roll it into a newer Solo 401(k).
Academic
The paper traced the evolution of retirement vehicles for the self-employed, from the Keogh Act of 1962 to modern alternatives.
Everyday
My accountant mentioned my old Keogh plan from when I had my own business.
Technical
For the 1985 tax year, his Keogh plan contribution was limited to 15% of earned income or $30,000, whichever was less.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- The firm helped him **Keogh-plan** his retirement strategy. (rare, informal)
adjective
American English
- He reviewed the **Keogh-plan** provisions in the tax code.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A Keogh plan is for people who work for themselves.
- Some self-employed Americans save for retirement using a Keogh plan.
- Although less common now, a Keogh plan still offers tax advantages for certain business owners.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: KEOGH = 'Keep Earnings On Hold for Growth'—a mnemonic for its tax-deferred growth feature for the self-employed.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN IS A CONTAINER (for deferred taxation and future income).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. It is a named U.S. law, not a generic 'план Кеога'. Use descriptive translation: 'пенсионный план для самозанятых (США)' or the calque 'план Кио' with explanation.
- Do not confuse with 'KEO' (a brand) or 'keg' (бочка).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'Keough', 'Keog', 'Koegh'.
- Incorrect capitalization: 'keogh plan'.
- Using it as a generic term for any retirement plan.
Practice
Quiz
What is a Keogh plan primarily associated with?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
New Keogh plans can no longer be established. They were effectively replaced by plans like the Solo 401(k) and SEP IRA after changes in tax law, though existing plans may continue.
Self-employed individuals, unincorporated business owners, and their employees were eligible to participate in a Keogh plan.
The main benefit was tax deferral: contributions were tax-deductible, and investment growth was not taxed until funds were withdrawn in retirement.
Keogh plans typically allowed for much higher annual contribution limits than traditional or Roth IRAs, making them suitable for high-earning self-employed individuals.