Everything You Need to Know About 529s

published 29 January 2007

If you are thinking about opening a 529 college savings account, now is the time to do it. Sure, most plans now let you invest any time during the year. But the sooner your money is in an account, the sooner it starts to earn tax-free returns. Plus, recent changes to the law make 529 plans more attractive than ever.

These state-sponsored savings accounts offer people an easy way to save for college. Most states have a variety of investment options, require little money to open an account and have high -- or no -- contribution limits.

Today, 31 states plus the District of Columbia offer residents a tax deduction or credit for contributing to their state's own 529 plan. Kansas, Maine and Pennsylvania even let residents take the deduction for out-of-state 529s as well. Several states, such as Indiana, just started offering write-offs. See 529 Plan FAQs below to find out if your state allows you to deduct contributions. Check out the other stories below, too, to learn more about this tax-advantaged way to save for college.