A simplified employee pension (SEP) allows small businesses and self-employed individuals to create a retirement plan without becoming involved with the fuss and flotsam of a more complex qualified plan.

Several Web sites offer a variety of information on how an SEP works. Among them:

¢ 401kHelpCenter.com (www.401khelpcenter.com/SEP_plans.html) discusses SEP structures, advantages and frequently asked questions.

¢ InvestorGuide.com (www.investorguide.com/iguretirepension.html) offers a brief overview about SEP contributions, eligibility and taxes.

¢ Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov/publications/p560/ch02.html) provides the nuts and bolts of SEP programs and tax considerations.