May 29th marks the nationwide celebration of 529 Day, an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of 529 college savings plans.
As higher education costs continue to soar, many parents find themselves faced with the nagging question, “Will I have enough money to pay for my child’s college education?”
Consider that the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 school year according to U.S. News and World Report is:
Worse, from the 2008 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings to the current 2022 edition, in-state tuition prices among public National Universities grew by almost 79%.
One often overlooked savings option is a state-sponsored 529 plan. These plans offer great tax benefits, while allowing you to contribute substantially higher sums than other savings alternatives. 529 plans generally come in two forms. The first form – prepaid tuition programs – allows participants to lock in tuition rates at eligible state colleges or universities with a lump-sum investment or monthly installment payments. In some states, a portion of the contract value may also be applied to private or out-of-state schools. The second form – college savings programs – allows contributions to vary. The full value of the account can be applied at any accredited institution of higher education nationwide. Since 529 plans operate under individual state laws, costs and details vary by state.
Some states allow you to set aside over $500,000 per beneficiary (with no income limitations or age restrictions), compared to $2,000 annually per beneficiary for a Coverdell Education Savings Account (formerly known as an education IRA).
Although contributions are not deductible, earnings in a 529 plan grow federal tax-free and are not taxed when the money is taken out to pay for college. Often times, the 529 account must be open for at least 12 months before any money can be withdrawn, so read the fine print. Further, various states may also offer their own tax breaks.
One unique feature of 529 plans is that they allow you to move up to $15,000 out of your estate ($30,000 per couple) annually, per beneficiary. Further, current law allows each account owner to pay up to five years of contributions upfront without triggering gift taxes. That means a couple can contribute up to $150,000 per beneficiary in one move. The donor generally retains control of the account and may be assessed a penalty for “nonqualified” withdrawals.
Professional Management. 529 plans offer a “hands-off” savings approach: Funds invested in the plan are professionally managed.
Penalty for Refunds. You will be subject to a federal 10% penalty on the earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal. In addition, the earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are taxed at your tax rate and not the student’s. However, you may be able to avoid a nonqualified withdrawal by rolling over the account to a new beneficiary.
Effect on Financial Aid. Any investment may affect a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Earnings withdrawn from a 529 plan are treated as income to the child and will show up on the following year’s financial aid application. Thus, you may want to reserve 529 funds for use in a student’s later years.
Keep in mind, there is no guarantee that any investment portfolio will achieve its investment goals. The value of your 529 account will fluctuate as the value of the mutual fund shares in which it invests fluctuates, so that your investment, when it is withdrawn, may be worth more or less than its original cost. Also, be aware that out-of-state plans may have in-state income tax ramifications.
For more complete information on 529 plans, contact your financial advisor.
Partner, Financial Planner
Mike enjoys getting to know and understand his clients and their needs. Mike guides clients through the financial planning process to help them identify their goals and create a plan to achieve them. His expertise is working with folks nearing retirement and young couples looking to save for retirement and plan for their children’s education. Mike retired from the Air Force in 2014 and went back to school as a non-traditional student at the University of Northern Iowa. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Mike is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, XY Planning Network and Fee Only Network.
