529 college savings plans are tax-advantaged college savings vehicles and one of the most popular ways to save for college today. Much like the way 401(k) plans revolutionized the world of retirement savings a few decades ago, 529 college savings plans are revolutionizing the world of college savings. By the end of 2008, assets in 529 plans (both college savings and prepaid tuition) are expected to grow to nearly $200 billion. (Source: Financial Research Corporation)


 

Tax advantages and more

 

529 college savings plans offer a unique combination of features that no other college savings vehicle can match:

 

  • Federal tax advantages: Contributions to your account grow tax deferred and earnings are tax free if the money is used to pay the beneficiary's qualified education expenses. (The earnings portion of any withdrawal not used for college expenses is taxed at the recipient's rate and subject to a 10% penalty.)
  • State tax advantages: Many states offer income tax incentives for state residents, such as a tax deduction for contributions or a tax exemption for qualified withdrawals.
  • High contribution limits: Most college savings plans let you contribute over $300,000 over the life of the plan. 
  • Unlimited participation: Anyone can open a 529 college savings plan account, regardless of income level.
  • Professional money management: College savings plans are offered by states, but they are managed by designated financial companies who are responsible for managing the plan's underlying investment portfolios.
  • Flexibility: Under federal rules, you're entitled to change the beneficiary of your account to a qualified family member at any time as well as rollover the money in your 529 plan account to a different 529 plan once per year without income tax or penalty implications.
  • Wide use of funds: Money in a 529 college savings plan can be used at any college in the United States or abroad that's accredited by the Department of Education and, depending on the individual plan, for graduate school.
  • Accelerated gifting: 529 plans offer an excellent estate planning advantage in the form of accelerated gifting. This can be a favorable way for grandparents to contribute to their grandchildren's education. Specifically, individuals can make a lump-sum gift to a 529 plan in 2008 of up to $60,000 ($120,000 for married couples) and avoid gift tax, provided the gift is treated as having been made in equal installments over a five-year period and no other gifts are made to that beneficiary during the five years.

 

Choosing a college savings plan

 

Although 529 college savings plans are a creature of federal law, their implementation is left to the states. Currently, there are over 50 different college savings plans available because many states offer more than one plan.

 

You can join any state's 529 college savings plan, but this variety may create confusion when it comes time to select a plan. To make the process easier, it helps to consider a few key features:

 

  • Your state's tax benefits: A majority of states offer some type of income tax break for 529 college savings plan investors, such as a deduction for contributions or tax-free earnings on qualified withdrawals. However, some states limit their tax deduction to contributions made to the in-state 529 plan only. So make sure to find out what tax breaks, if any, your state offers.

 

Caution: Remember, though, that any investment involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of how an investment will perform in the future.

 

  • Fees and expenses: Fees and expenses can vary widely among plans, and high fees can take a bigger bite out of your savings. Typical fees include annual maintenance fees, administration and management fees (usually called the "expense ratio"), and underlying fund expenses.
  • Reputation of financial institution: Make sure that the financial institution managing the plan is reputable and that you can reach customer service with any questions.

 

With so many plans available, it may be helpful to consult an experienced financial professional who can help you select a plan and pick your plan investments, giving you peace of mind. In fact, some 529 college savings plans are advisor-sold only, meaning that you're required to go through a designated financial advisor to open an account. Always carefully read the 529 plan issuer's official materials before investing.

 

 

Account Mechanics

 

Once you've selected a plan, opening an account is relatively easy. You'll need to fill out an application, where you'll name a beneficiary and select one or more of the plan's investment portfolios to which your contributions will be allocated. Also, you'll typically be required to make an initial minimum contribution, which must be made in cash or a cash equivalent.

 

Thereafter, most plans will allow you to contribute as often as you like. This gives you the flexibility to tailor the frequency of your contributions to your own needs and budget, as well as to "dollar cost average" your contributions. You'll also be able to change the beneficiary of your account to a qualified family member (e.g., siblings, stepsiblings, parents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, first cousins) with no income tax or penalty implications. Most plans will also allow you to change your investment portfolios (either for your future or current contributions) if you're unhappy with their investment performance.

 

529 prepaid tuition plans--a distant cousin

 

There are actually two types of 529 plans--college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans. The tax advantages are the same, but the account features are very different. A prepaid tuition plan lets you prepay tuition at participating colleges at today's prices for use by the beneficiary in the future. The following chart describes the main differences:


College savings plans

Prepaid tuition plans

Offered by states

Offered by states and private colleges

You can join any state's plan

State-run plans require you to be a state resident

Contributions are invested in your individual account in the investment portfolios you have selected

Contributions are pooled with the contributions of others and invested exclusively by the plan

Returns are not guaranteed

Generally a certain rate of return is guaranteed

Funds can be used at any accredited college in the U.S. or abroad

Funds can only be used at participating colleges, typically state universities

Note: Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with 529 plans before investing. More information about specific 529 plans is available in each issuer's official statement, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

This is a publication of Forefield, Inc., which is not affiliated with WFG Investments, Inc.

Copyright 2007-2010 Forefield Inc. All rights reserved.


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