Parents using custodial accounts have no such lump-sum contribution option. Overall contribution limits do apply to 529 plans but not to custodial accounts. The IRS restricts the contribution amount of a 529 plan to the amount required for the beneficiary's education expenses, and each state sets a specific limit for their own plan. Neither 529 plans nor custodial accounts have contribution limits based on income, so even high-earning parents are able to save into these vehicles. Taxes A 529 plan is a tax-beneficial way to save for college, at least at the point at which you withdraw funds to pay for educational expenses. Contributing to a 529 plan does not provide any Federal tax benefit, but it may provide relief on state taxes. Withdrawals from a 529 plan, however, receive very favorable tax treatment. The nearest comparison to a 529 plan is a Roth IRA; the investments in a plan grow tax-free, and as long as the funds are used for educational purposes, no taxes are owed upon withdrawal of the funds.
It depends on many factors—including your income, your family situation and where you think your child is headed in their career. The easiest way for us to help you decide is to summarize their main similarities and differences so that you can make the right decision for yourself! The Best Way to Hit Your College Savings Goal No matter what you choose, you can't go on autopilot. Never invest in anything you don't understand. If you do your due diligence now, your children or grandchildren will have you to thank down the road for this truly incredible gift. The best way to stay plugged into your investments is to talk with an investment professional— before you deposit a single penny! They'll know the particular options in your state, including any tax breaks, and they'll give you the clarity and confidence you'll need by choosing the right plan. Step Up Your Investing Game Investment decisions are a big deal, so why not get some guidance? SmartVestor is a free service that immediately connects you with up to five investment professionals in your area.
Help when you want it Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. Footnote 1 To be eligible for favorable tax treatment afforded to the earnings portion of a withdrawal from a section 529 account, such withdrawal must be used for "qualified higher education expenses, " as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. The earnings portion of a withdrawal that is not used for such expenses is subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% additional federal tax, as well as applicable state and local income taxes. The additional tax is waived under certain circumstances. The beneficiary must be attending an eligible educational institution at least half time for room and board to be considered a qualified higher education expense, subject to limitations. Institutions must be eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs. Some foreign institutions are eligible.
However, there are some key differences you'll want to know before committing to either. Keep reading for a comparative look at each plan. Coverdell Education Savings Account A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is one that allows the account owner to make tax-free investments and tax-free withdrawals for education expenses. The Investment Company Institute defines such qualified expenses as tuition and fees, uniforms, special needs services (if necessary), and supplies like books and technology. Whereas a 529 plan can only cover these in college, a Coverdell ESA can cover them throughout the entirety of K–12 education. Room and board, transportation, and non-special need medical expenses are generally not covered as qualified expenses under a Coverdell ESA. Parents, grandparents, other relatives, organizations, non-blood related friends and loved ones, are all able to contribute to a Coverdell ESA plan, as well as the child beneficiary themselves. Annual contributions exceeding the $2, 000 limit (which may be paid by one or across multiple donors depending on income level), or money allocated to non-qualifying expenses may be subject to a ten percent tax penalty.
Therefore, having both types of accounts would be the best way to diversify their college savings options. For one of my children, I only have a UTMA account and a Roth IRA because he has explicitly expressed that he has no desire to go to college. This child has already started earning some of his own money with his entrepreneurial ideas also. Which is awesome! But it makes a 529 account a moot point for him. So, instead, we just throw everything into the other two accounts so he can use it how he needs when the time comes. It's a 529 vs. UTMA college savings account throwdown! Click To Tweet College Savings Accounts Summary Ultimately, both a 529 account and UTMA account are great college savings vehicles. Which one you choose will really come down to whether or not your child wants to go to college for sure. If they aren't sure yet, it might be best to have a mix of both types of accounts. This way your child has the potential for much higher returns on your investment. But, you can also take advantage of the tax write off's from the 529 accounts.
That's especially true if you plan to save a significant amount toward their future education. Working with a financial advisor can be a huge help here. An advisor can build a financial plan that accounts for your children's needs, and some even specialize in 529 plans. And any good advisor can help you choose investment that grow your college fund. To find an advisor in your area, use SmartAsset's financial advisor matching tool. Just answer a few questions about your finances and goals, and the tool will match you with up to three local advisors. Photo Credit: © Vesalainen, ©, ©
529 funds not used for education are subject to taxes and a 10% penalty on profits when you withdraw them. Education Savings Account An Education Savings Account (ESA) may be used to pay for college, but it may also be used to pay for private school during your child's primary and secondary education. Also known as a Coverdell Education Savings Account, an ESA allows you to deposit up to $2, 000 per year for an eligible beneficiary without taxes on the account's interest, dividends or appreciation. Note: these tax advantages apply only if the beneficiary uses the money for qualified educational expenses. Funds must be used by age 30 and all contributions must be made before the child turns 18. There is an exception for special needs children allowing ESA contributions after age 18 and use of account funds after age 30. A major advantage of an ESA is that you can determine where your contributions are invested. This is not an option with state-administered 529 plans. Depending on how market savvy you are, you may feel that the ESA's investment flexibility outweighs the tax advantages offered by 529 plans.
While one plan is not inherently better than the other, one may be more suited to your needs. To better evaluate which 529 Plan is best for you, you may find this guide by the Securities and Exchange Commission helpful. How exactly do both 529 plans stack up to a Coverdell ESA? What's The Difference? As you might've already gleaned from the above two descriptions, Coverdell ESAs and 529 plans have their fair share of similarities, but there are some key differences. A Coverdell ESA can be put toward a larger set of qualified expenses throughout the entirety of a child beneficiary's educational career, albeit at the detraction of a lower ($2, 000) annual contribution rate. On the other hand, a 529 Education Savings Plan offers the freedom to contribute more money ($10, 000 a year) throughout the entirety of a person's educational career, but can only be used toward qualified higher education expenses. A 529 plan is not subject to the age limits of a Coverdell ESA. However, asset reallocation to another account is limited to two transfers per year, and investments must generally be limited to bonds, mutual funds, and bank products offered by the local financial institution providing the plan.
And second, with an ESA, you can choose almost any kind of investment—stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Listen up: we like this feature of the ESA. We want you to have options, because having options gives you more control and flexibility for choosing the rate of return that you'll need to hit your goals. The Main Features of the ESA: Money must be used by the beneficiary by age 30 or given to another family member for educational purposes to avoid taxes and penalties. An ESA can be used for primary and secondary school, not just college expenses. An ESA has income restrictions. You can't contribute to an ESA if you make more than $110, 000 (single) or $220, 000 (married filing jointly). 3 You can't contribute more $2, 000 to an ESA per child, per year. Nonqualified withdrawals are taxed. The beneficiary pays the tax. 4 How Are 529 Plans and ESAs Alike? Let's get clear about what ESAs and 529s have in common: 1. Both Are Investment Vehicles Both 529s and ESAs allow your money to grow, not just sit in a cookie jar until little Suzie graduates and heads off to college.