A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged chance to save for your child’s college education, and depending on where you live, you may be eligible for additional tax benefits. Compare the plans of each state.
A 529 plan can be an excellent method to save for college, particularly when inflation rises. All you need to know is where to begin.
What is a 529 account?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged college savings plan that can be used to pay for qualified school expenses such as tuition or books for a beneficiary. While the subsidies were initially restricted to higher education, they are now available for kindergarten through grade 12, as well as recognized apprenticeship programs and eligible student loan repayments.
529 plans are classified into two types:
529 college savings plans are the most common type. Investments grow tax-free and can be used to pay for educational expenses like tuition, housing & board, and necessary textbooks.
529 prepaid plans allow you to prepay a portion or all of your in-state public tuition, so locking in the tuition at the time of payment.
How can I find the best 529 plans?
Start by researching your state’s plans. Unlike pensions and other investment accounts, 529 savings plans are primarily managed by states, making it very simple to find the best alternative. If your state provides a tax deduction for contributions, contributing to its plan will likely give you the greatest hit for your buck.
However, you are not required to contribute to your state’s plan. You are free to select any plan you want, so it is worthwhile considering your possibilities. Furthermore, multiple governments provide more than one 529 plan to choose from.
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529 college savings plans by state
The information is available in the table below, including the minimum contribution required to open an account.
Prepaid 529 plans by state
This table shows only prepaid plans. It has to be noted that the minimum contributions necessary are determined by the cost of the credit or the monthly payment plan. You must consult the specific plan for the correct minimum.
| State | Plan Name | Tax benefit for in-state contributors? |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Florida Prepaid Plans | No |
| Maryland | Maryland Prepaid College Trust | Yes |
| Massachusetts | U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program | Yes |
| Michigan | Michigan Education Trust (MET) | Yes |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Plan (MPACT) | Yes |
| Nevada | Nevada Prepaid Tuition Program | No |
| Texas | Texas Tuition Promise Fund | No |
| Washington | Guaranteed Education Tuition | No |
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FAQ
A 529 College Savings Plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals and families in saving for college expenses. It is referred to after Internal Revenue Code Section 529 and allows you to invest cash for future educational costs such as tuition, books, and room and board.
529 plans can be opened with a state directly. Many brokers and financial advisors also offer 529 plans. They will help you in selecting from a variety of options available around the country.
Except for Wyoming, every state has a 529 college savings plan. A complete list of 529 college savings plans, organized by state.
Anyone can contribute to the majority of 529 plans. Each account can only have one owner, but others – family members and even friends – can contribute.
529 savings plans can be used to pay for a variety of college expenses, including:
• Tuition Fees
• Room and board fees that apply
• Any school supplies (for example, computers)
• Student loans repayments
• Apprenticeship programs
