There is no minimum to open or contribute to a 529 account. With the automatic investment plan , the minimum contribution level is $15 per month or $45 per quarter. $250, or $25 if you choose automatic monthly investing.
529s count against you for federal aid “The greater the assets in the plan, the less aid is available from grants, loans and financial scholarships.” It's important to note, however, that the hit to financial aid depends on who owns the account.
While ScholarShare 529 is the state's official college savings plan, California does not offer a state tax deduction for 529 contributions. This means residents can invest in any state's 529 plan without losing a tax benefit. Popular alternatives include the Vanguard 529 Plan, my529, and the T.
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.
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.
529 recordkeeping This is why it's important to keep good records (receipts and supporting documentation) that reconcile the total withdrawals that the 1099-Q reports to the IRS with the total that was spent on qualified educational expenses.
It's also important to document your spending for at least three years, in case the IRS asks for proof of your qualified withdrawals.
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.