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 Funds and a Roth IRA: How to Use One to Jumpstart the Other
Want to boost your retirement savings? You can roll over unused funds from your 529 plan into a Roth IRA, tax-free, as long as certain conditions are met.
By Erin Bendig
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Best 529 Plans of 2025
Check out the best 529 plans of 2025 and find the best plan for your child or grandchild’s college savings.
By Erin Bendig
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Money for Your Kids? Three Ways Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Your Child's Finances
Tax Tips The Trump tax bill could help your child with future education and homebuying costs. Here’s how.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Tips -
Can Homeschoolers Save on Expenses With 529 Plans?
Savings Accounts A new so-called 'home school tax break' could change how you save for your child's homeschool education. Find out how.
By Kate Schubel
Savings Accounts -
Coverdell ESAs vs. 529 Plans: Which Should You Choose?
Savings Accounts These savings accounts can offer tax benefits for school and retirement expenses. Here’s how.
By Kate Schubel
Savings Accounts -
529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans 529 plans offer convenience and potential tax benefits when saving for education. That said, there are still a range of rules you’ll need to know (and follow).
By Elaine Silvestrini
529 Plans -
Ask the Editor: Reader Questions on 529 plans
In our latest Ask the Editor round-up, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers questions related to 529 plans.
By Joy Taylor
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Recently, 529s hit a new milestone — over half a trillion dollars is being saved in 529 plans across the country.
Recently, 529s hit a new milestone with over half a trillion dollars being saved in plans across the country. Why are 529 plans so popular?
By Erin Bendig
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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