One way to plan for your children’s college education is through a 529 plan, which is an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution. The name 529 comes from section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, which created these types of savings plans in 1996. Although your contributions are not deductible on your federal tax return, your investment receives tax-deferred treatment and qualified distributions to pay for the beneficiaries’ college costs come out federally tax-free.

Non-qualified withdrawals are subject to state income tax and a 10% penalty. College savings plans offered by each state differ significantly in features and benefits. The optimal plan for each investor depends on his or her individual objectives and circumstances. In comparing plans, each investor should consider each plan’s investment options, fees and state tax implications.
State tax deductions vary by the state of issuance. Plan assets are professionally managed either by the state Treasurer’s office or by an outside investment company hired as the program manager. But you have some control over how your investment is managed. You may be able to change to a different option in a 529 savings program every year, although plan restrictions may apply. Everyone is eligible to take advantage of a 529 plan and the amounts you can put in are substantial.

The availability of tax or other benefits may be conditioned on meeting certain requirements. 529 plans are subject to enrollment, maintenance, administrative and management fees and expenses. Per beneficiary plans can vary greatly and care should be given to fully understand your 529 plan before you invest.

Let us help you decide which 529 plan is right for you. Give us a call today.

To find out more about how to use videos like this to attract your ideal client through digital marketing on the internet, click here