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.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
We've got answers to your frequently asked questions about 529 plans.
Because of new rules, it's better to invest the bulk of your college savings in a 529 plan.
The New Math of Paying for College
Changes to the law give 529 and prepaid-tuition plans a boost and diminish the advantages of custodial accounts.
One of the best things about 529 accounts is that you can get started with a minimal investment.
Find the Best 529 Plan for You
Use our tool to find out about the options in your state or to compare plans.
Here's what to do with your 529 college fund when your child gets a free ride.
-
529 Plans: A Powerful Way to Tackle Rising Education CostsContributions to 529 plans grow tax-free and are not taxed when they are used to pay for qualified educational expenses for the beneficiary.
-
Tax Tips for Transferring Excess 529 Plan Funds to Roth IRAs: The Tax LetterThe 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.
-
529s: No Longer the Ho-Hum Investing Device for CollegeChanges 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.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
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.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
