{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/qualified-retirement-plan","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/qualified-retirement-plan","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"qualified-retirement-plan","term":"Qualified Retirement Plan","group":"Your money in the deal","definition":"An employer-sponsored retirement plan, like a 401(k), 403(b), or pension, that meets specific IRS requirements for tax-deferred growth. These funds can sometimes be used to finance a business.","what_it_means":"Funds from your Qualified Retirement Plan can be a significant source for your equity injection. If you're considering using these funds, explore options like a Rollover as Business Startup Plan (ROBS) or a direct withdrawal (which usually incurs penalties). Discuss the implications with your financial advisor and lender, as the SBA has specific seasoning of funds requirements.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/qualified-retirement-plan","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"rollover-as-business-startup-plan","term":"Rollover as Business Startup Plan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/rollover-as-business-startup-plan"},{"slug":"equity-injection","term":"Equity injection","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/equity-injection"},{"slug":"seasoning-of-funds","term":"Seasoning of Funds","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/seasoning-of-funds"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Can funds from a retirement account, like a 401(k), be used for my equity injection if rolled into a new C-corp via a ROBS plan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-funds-from-a-retirement-account-like-a-401-k-be-used-for-my-equity-injection-if-rolled"},{"question":"What documentation proves U.S. citizenship or Qualified Alien status for owners?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-documentation-proves-u-s-citizenship-or-qualified-alien-status-for-owners"},{"question":"Can a Qualified Alien without permanent residency obtain an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/can-a-qualified-alien-without-permanent-residency-obtain-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"Can I get pre-qualified for an SBA 7(a) loan before identifying a specific business to acquire?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-i-get-pre-qualified-for-an-sba-7-a-loan-before-identifying-a-specific-business-to-acqu"},{"question":"What specific documentation is required to verify citizenship or qualified non-citizen status for 7(a) loan applicants?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-specific-documentation-is-required-to-verify-citizenship-or-qualified-non-citizen-sta"},{"question":"If I use retirement account funds for equity, what are the rules?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/if-i-use-retirement-account-funds-for-equity-what-are-the-rules"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Qualified Retirement Plan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/qualified-retirement-plan","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}