CollegeAdvantage 529 is available to families in Ohio and throughout the country as a tax-advantaged way to save for the future college expenses of their loved ones. ... Created to encourage American families to save for higher education, these provide a tax-advantaged way to save.
529 plans allow your college savings to grow in a tax-advantaged manner. First, all earnings, including interest, grow tax-free. This means that all of the earned income is yours to use to cover qualified college costs without negative tax consequences.
Here are five of the top 529 plans:
Pros and Cons of 529 Plans
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax benefits, and sometimes state tax benefits | Must use funds for education |
| Low maintenance | Limitations on state tax benefits |
| High contribution limits | No self-directed investments |
| Flexibility | Fees |
Eligible expenses include tuition, mandatory fees, computer equipment and related technology and services, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment or attendance; room and board costs during any academic period the beneficiary is enrolled at least half-time; and certain expenses for a special-needs ...
Annual 529 plan contribution limits
Excess contributions above $15,000 must be reported on IRS Form 709 and will count against the taxpayer's lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amount ($11.58 million in 2020).
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 Earnings in a 529 plan grow tax-free and are not taxed when they're withdrawn.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. However, you do not get to deduct your contributions on your federal income tax return.
Roth IRAs
Another 529 alternative to put away money for college and invest it for a potentially larger return is to utilize an account intended for retirement, such as a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs are individual retirement accounts that allow people to save and invest after-tax money.
Parent-owned 529 plans, however, are not considered income to the student, but rather assets set aside for education. Because of this distinction, grandparent-owned 529 plans can reduce the amount of financial aid that a student is able to receive.
Best 529 Plans for 2021
A 529 plan could mean less financial aid.
The largest drawback to a 529 plan is that colleges consider it when deciding on financial aid. This means your child could receive less financial aid than you might otherwise need.
True or false: I will lose the money if my child doesn't go to college or gets a scholarship and doesn't need all the money. False. You don't lose unused money in a 529 plan. ... You can withdraw the amount of any scholarship awards from your 529 without penalty; federal and state income taxes on the earnings still apply.
Annual gift tax exclusion
One of the many benefits of saving for a child's future college education with a 529 plan is that contributions are considered gifts for tax purposes. In 2021, gifts totaling up to $15,000 per individual will qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion, the same as in 2020, in 2019 and in 2018.
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