529 Plans
Trusted insights, analysis and guides from the expert team at Kiplinger.
Sometimes also called qualified tuition programs, 529 plans take their name from a section in the IRS' Code and are administered by individual states and some private financial institutions. Their main advantage: 529 investments grow free from federal or state tax. While originally conceived as a way to save for college, 529 plan funds can now go to a wider array of programs and institutions. There are no age limits for recipients and money can be held in the plans indefinitely. If you'd like to know more about whether a 529 plan is right for you, the different rules and how to set one up, our guides and features should give you all the information you need.
Latest
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529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans 529 plans offer convenience and potential tax savings when putting money aside for education. That said, there are still a range of rules you’ll need to know (and follow).
By Elaine Silvestrini Last updated
529 Plans -
529 Plans: A Powerful Way to Tackle Rising Education Costs
Contributions to 529 plans grow tax-free and are not taxed when they are used to pay for qualified educational expenses for the beneficiary.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA Published
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Three Reasons You Need to Use a 529 Plan (and Two Reasons You Don't)
Tax benefits and a Roth IRA feature make 529 college savings plans attractive, but they're not a one-size-fits-all option.
By Shane W. Cummings, CFP®, AIF® Last updated
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Tax Tips for Transferring Excess 529 Plan Funds to Roth IRAs: The Tax Letter
The Tax Letter 529 plans can help blunt the cost of paying for college. But if you want to use leftover funds there are some tax tips to bear in mind.
By Joy Taylor Published
The Tax Letter -
529s: No Longer the Ho-Hum Investing Device for College
Changes to the plans allow for the savings to be rolled into a Roth IRA, as long as certain rules are met, if a child decides not to pursue their education.
By Neale Godfrey, Financial Literacy Expert Published
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529 Plans: Give the Gift of Education (and Compounding)
As the cost of college tuition skyrockets, parents and grandparents can take advantage of tax-efficient 529 plans and higher limits on gift and estate taxes.
By Mel Casey, CFA®, CAIA Published
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529 Plan Contribution Deadlines
529 Plans Many states have year-end deadlines for making 529 college savings plan contributions.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
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Have Leftover 529 Funds? Expert Strategies for Unused Balances
Excess 529 funds represent both a challenge and an opportunity, and knowing your options is essential.
By Marguerita Cheng Published
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Using a 529 Plan? Here’s What to Keep in Mind
As the school year progresses, ensure you’re using the money for qualified expenses and keeping track of documentation. Taxes and options for unused funds are also considerations.
By Julie Virta, CFP®, CFA, CTFA Published