529 College Savings

529 College Savings Facts:

  • After-tax money grows tax free (think of Roth IRA contributions)
  • Money used for qualifying withdrawals will not be taxed
    • Qualifying withdrawals include: traditional 4-year universities, graduate school, community college, trade school, etc.
  • Non-qualifying withdrawals will be taxed and incur a 10% penalty
    • The initial principle investment was made with after tax dollars so that portion will never be taxed or penalized
  • Withdrawals can be made up to the amount equal to scholarships received
    • No penalty is paid, however you will be taxed on the growth of the investment
      • The initial principle investment was made with after tax dollars so that portion will never be taxed or penalized
  • Beneficiaries can be changed
  • Your state does not matter
    • You can contribute to any state’s 529 plan regardless of your state residence
    • You can use your 529 plan to pay for school in any state regardless of which state’s 529 plan you invested in