Advantages of Investing for Retirement in a 529
529s have no contribution limits, thus you can stuff as much money into one (or multiple plans) as you want. Individual states have contribution limits, but you can name yourself beneficiary of the 529 and use multiple state plans. In addition, there is no income limit.
Likewise, what else can a 529 be used for?
Money saved in a 529 plan can be used to pay tuition and fees associated with college or graduate school. … While investors can use 529 funds to pay for a college’s room and board fees, housing arrangements off campus also count.
Also to know is, what if there is money leftover in a 529 plan?
If you withdraw the money that is left over in your 529 account and don’t use it to pay for the beneficiary’s qualified higher education expenses, you’ll have to pay a 10% federal penalty tax on the earnings portion of the withdrawal (a state penalty may apply as well).
Can a grandparent contribute to a 529 plan and claim a tax deduction?
Yes, grandparents can claim the deduction for contributing to a 529 if they live in one of the 34 states that offer a state income tax deduction for 529 college-savings plan contributions. … In Utah and Virginia, the owner of a 529 account can also deduct the contributions other people make to the account.
What are the best 529 plans 2019?
Here are five of the top 529 plans:
- Ohio’s 529 plan, CollegeAdvantage.
- New York’s 529 plan, Direct Plan.
- Wisconsin’s 529 plan, Edvest.
- West Virginia’s plan, Smart 529 WV Direct College Savings Plan.
- California’s plan, ScholarShare 529.
Can 529 money be used for food?
Money from a 529 account can be used for major post-secondary education costs such as: Required tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment. Certain room and board expenses, which may include food purchased directly through the college or university (for the stipulations of off-campus living — see below)
How much can you put in 529 per year?
The Gift Tax
This includes 529 Savings Plan contributions. In 2018, an individual can give an annual gift of up to $15,000 to a person without paying taxes. If the gift exceeds $15,000, then the donor (not the gift recipient) may be required to pay taxes on the gift amount. For a married couple, this amount doubles.
Do I need receipts for 529 expenses?
You don’t need to provide the 529 plan with evidence that you will be using the money for eligible expenses, but you do need to keep the receipts, canceled checks and other paperwork in your tax records (see When to Toss Tax Records for more information), in case the IRS later asks for evidence that the money was used …
Is the 529 penalty really that bad?
Earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and are entirely tax-free if used to pay for qualified higher education expenses. Non-qualified distributions from a 529 plan, however, incur ordinary income taxes plus a 10% tax penalty, and may be subject to state income taxes.
Can I buy a computer with 529 funds?
Technology Items – You can use a 529 plan to cover technological needs such as computers, printers, laptops and even internet service. These items must be used by the plan beneficiary while enrolled in college.
Should I open 529 for each child?
While it’s technically possible to use one 529 plan for multiple children, rather than making things simpler, it actually makes them more complicated. From beneficiary rules to investment strategies to ultimate fairness, having a separate 529 account for each child is the preferred way to go.
Should I use 529 money first?
The best bet is to use up the tax credits first, and then use the 529 funds on remaining expenses. To avoid penalties, make sure you withdraw money from the 529 in the same year it will be used for educational expenses. … You will pay income taxes, but only on the capital gains.
Are 529 plans worth it?
529 plans typically offer you unsurpassed tax breaks. Earnings in a 529 plan grow tax-free and are not taxed when they’re withdrawn. This means that however much your money grows in a 529, you’ll never have to pay taxes on it. … Another benefit of using a 529 plan is that you, as the owner, have control of the funds.