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
-
529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans 529 plans offer considerable 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: 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
-
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
529 Plans -
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
-
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
-
Three Reasons You Need to Use a 529 Plan (and Two Reasons You Don't)
Tax benefits and a new 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® Published
-
529 Plans Get a Boost With Tax-Free Rollovers to Roth IRAs
You’ll soon be able to roll over funds from your 529 plan into a Roth IRA, thanks to recent legislation.
By Erin Bendig Published
-
When Choosing Funds for Your College 529 Plan, Don’t Make This Mistake
529 Plans Age-based funds make sense for some retirement savers, but they rarely make sense for college savers, in my opinion. Here’s why.
By Michael Aloi, CFP® Last updated
529 Plans -
College 529 Savings Plans: What You Need to Know
529 Plans Do you know how much you’re able to contribute or what the funds could be used to pay for? Check out the nitty-gritty details of this formidable college savings tool.
By Michael Aloi, CFP® Published
529 Plans