Thanks to a recent legislative update and the new “529 grandparent loophole,” grandparents who own a 529 account can make significant contributions to their grandchild's education savings without necessarily affecting the grandchild's eligibility for federal student aid.
Thanks to a recent legislative update and the new “529 grandparent loophole,” grandparents who own a 529 account can make significant contributions to their grandchild's education savings without necessarily affecting the grandchild's eligibility for federal student aid.
If an investor opened a tax-deferred 529 account with an initial investment of $2,500 and contributed $100 every month for 18 years, the account could be worth over $6,300 more than with similar contributions into a taxable account.
This means keeping detailed records that include account statements with tuition and room and board; receipts for computer equipment, accessories, software, and internet; syllabi documenting course requirements (e.g., lab fees); canceled checks and records showing withdrawals for all other qualified education expenses.
Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment or attendance; certain room and board costs during any academic period the beneficiary is enrolled at least half-time; certain expenses for a special-needs student; and withdrawals up to $10,000 ...
The account owner of a 529 plan holds all of the legal power. They can change the beneficiary or liquidate the account (with penalty) at any time. This could be a disadvantage if the owner of your or your child's 529 plan has a change of heart about where to direct their investment.
The middle class gets some tax credits/deductions. That's why 97% of people don't use a 529. Only the 3% who are rich or plan to become that way use them. If you're not putting away >$2K per year for your kids to go to college, might as well not bother with a 529. You could use an ESA with lower costs.
The account owner of a 529 plan holds all of the legal power. They can change the beneficiary or liquidate the account (with penalty) at any time. This could be a disadvantage if the owner of your or your child's 529 plan has a change of heart about where to direct their investment.