President Trump's tax package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed the House in May and the Senate this past week. On July 4th, Trump signed the bill into law, with some provisions taking effect immediately. However, the exact timeline for 529 expansions may depend on guidance from the Treasury and IRS.
Among its key proposals is an expansion of 529 education savings plans created to help families save for future education expenses. Not just a college savings vehicle, 529 plans can also be useful estate planning and retirement savings tools.
With a 529 plan, contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education costs are also tax-free. Considering the cost of college, a little help now could go a long way in planning for your child’s education.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.
A 4-year college degree at a public in-state school costs approximately $120,000 (including tuition, books, supplies, dorm room, and other expenses). On average, a college student graduates with about $39,000 in student loan debt. And that’s just the average. Multiply that amount by the number of students attending college (about 43 million), and you get about $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt as of early 2025, per the U.S. Department of Education. Yikes.
Good news — your 529 savings plans just got a sweet upgrade.
Bad news — the new law limits financing options, making it harder for student borrowers to manage their debt.
Read: Trump Targets Student Loan Forgiveness: Here’s How Taxes and Repayment Could Soon Change
Enhanced 529 plans
Enhancements to 529 plans under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act call for a significant expansion of 529 plan benefits and include a brand-new Kids' Savings Program called the MAGA account, withdrawal limit increases and the expansion of qualified expenses.
Read: Should You Start a Trump Account For Your Child?
Increased K-12 Withdrawal Limit
The OBBBA expands the definition of qualifying education expenses for 529 withdrawals. Currently, families can withdraw up to $10,000 per year for elementary or secondary education. The law expands the maximum limit to $20,000.
Expanded K-12 Qualified Expenses
The law expands the definition of "qualified expenses" for K-12 education to include non-tuition costs such as:
- Curriculum materials
- Fees for nationally standardized tests
- Books and other instructional materials
- Dual-enrollment fees for college courses taken in high school
- Online educational materials
- Tutoring or educational classes outside the home
- Specialized strategies designed to support students with disabilities
On top of that, you can tap your 529 for these costs without federal tax worries. At the same time, any expansion of K-12 benefits may require new legislation on a state-by-state basis, as not all states currently consider K-12 expenses as qualified expenses for tax purposes.
Additional qualified higher education expenses
The new law allows tax-free withdrawals for a wider workforce, on-the-job training, and continuing education programs. This includes tuition, miscellaneous fees, books, exam costs and supplies for programs listed under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
- Programs that appear on a state or federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act list
- Programs listed in the VA’s WEAMS database
- Programs that prepare students for industry-recognized licensing exams
- Continuing education fees that may be required to keep a credential active
Fixed ABLE-account flexibility
The three Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) provisions, currently set to expire at the end of 2025, will become permanent. The law makes it possible to roll over funds tax-free from 529 plans to ABLE accounts, along with the "ABLE-to-Work" contribution limit and the Saver’s Credit for ABLE contributions.
A brand-new “MAGA” kids’ account in 2026
While not a 529 plan, the Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement (MAGA) program can also be used for saving for your child's education. Under the terms of the OBBBA, funding of up to $5,000 per year is allowed. Contributions can come from a parent or guardian for a child under 8, and any gains would be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate when used for higher education, a first-home purchase, or starting a small business.
The law also calls for a one-time contribution of $1,000 from the federal government to the accounts of children who are U.S. citizens at birth born between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2029. At least one parent must provide a valid Social Security number.
Parents and relatives can contribute up to $5,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) to the account, with funds growing tax-deferred until the child reaches age 18.
Funds can be used for higher education, small business startup costs, or first-time homebuyer expenses, with withdrawals taxed at the long-term capital gains rate for qualified expenses. Non-qualified withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income with penalties.
Any unused funds could be withdrawn for any reason after age 30. The first withdrawal would be at age 18 (up to 50% of the balance). Earlier withdrawals for non-qualified expenses would be taxed at ordinary income rates.
What 529 rules stay the same
Although the new law expands how you can use 529 money, many of the current rules remain the same.
- No change to federal 529 contribution rules
- Lifetime caps on contributions remain state-specific
- Earnings in 529 plans continue to grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
- State-specific tax deductions or credits for 529 contributions remain unaffected by the bill. (States may need to enact legislation to align with the expanded federal definition of qualified K-12 expenses for state tax purposes).
- The existing provision allows tax-free rollovers from 529 plans to Roth IRAs, up to a lifetime limit of $35,000 (subject to annual Roth contribution limits).
- Withdrawals for non-qualified expenses continue to incur ordinary income tax, plus a 10% penalty on earnings.
Proposed timeline
President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" was signed into law on July 4, 2025, during a ceremony at the White House. However, the various provisions within the bill take effect at different times.
MAGA accounts are now open, and the federally funded $1,000 newborn deposits will begin on January 1, 2026.
Why you should have a 529
It doesn’t matter if your child is a teen or a toddler; it’s never too soon to start saving for college with a 529 plan — just make sure you’ve paid down or paid off your debt, set up an emergency fund, and are saving for your retirement first.
If you’re already using a 529, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act only sweetened the deal. A college education follows your kids for life, just make sure the cost of funding doesn't take a toll on your finances for the rest of your life.
Related Content
-
3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your BudgetThree steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
-
How to Keep Your Charitable Giving Momentum Going All YearInstead of treating charity like a year-end rush for tax breaks, consider using smart tools like DAFs and recurring grants for maximum impact all the year.
-
Uber Takes Aim at the Bottom Lines of Billboard LawyersUber has filed lawsuits and proposed a ballot initiative, in California, to curb settlements it claims are falsely inflated by some personal injury lawyers.
-
3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your Budget
Three steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
-
Giving Tuesday Is Just the Start: An Expert Guide to Keeping Your Charitable Giving Momentum Going All Year
Instead of treating charity like a year-end rush for tax breaks, consider using smart tools like DAFs and recurring grants for maximum impact all the year.
-
Uber Takes Aim at the Bottom Lines of Billboard Personal Injury Lawyers
Uber has filed lawsuits and proposed a ballot initiative, in California, to curb settlements it claims are falsely inflated by some personal injury lawyers.
-
6 Jimmy Buffett Lyrics Every Retiree Should Live ByNo, it's not just Parrotheads who can learn something from the legendary rocker.
-
11 Cities With the Cheapest Groceries in the USIf you live in one of these 11 cities, you're paying less than the rest of the country to keep your fridge stocked.
-
A Financial Adviser's Health Journey Shows How the 'Pink Tax' Costs WomenFact: Women pay significantly more for health care over their lifetimes. But there are some things we can do to protect our health and our financial security.
-
Giving Tuesday 2025: 'Every Small Act Makes a Major Difference'GivingTuesday encourages generosity in any form, from donating to charity to helping your neighbors.
-
How to Position Your Portfolio for Lower Interest RatesThe Federal Reserve is far from done with its rate-cutting regime. This is how investors can prepare.
