The biggest challenge for students and parents when planning for education are the financial costs; including tuition and academic expenses. It’s not just for college anymore – added to the tuition eligibility are K-12, private and religious schools. Funds can be used for four and two-year colleges, trade schools, graduate programs, and some international institutions.
Section 529 of the IRS Tax Code authorized these tax advantage savings to plan to help with the costs of education. 529 distributions are subject to guidelines for financial aid eligibility, state and learning institution limitations. The good news, distributions are not taxed at the federal level, but you do need to understand the rules for qualifying expenses. You are required to report all 529 spending to the IRS – so it’s important to keep good records and separate qualified and nonqualified receipts.
Here’s a list of 529 qualified educational expenses:
Education at all levels is important, and planning is essential for achieving this challenge successfully. To take advantage of the 529 distribution, you need to submit your request for cash during the same calendar year. If you inadvertently request cash during the academic year, you may owe taxes as a non-qualified withdrawal.
College or graduate tuition and fees. Post-secondary (after high school) are eligible to participate in the federal student aid program administered by the U.S Department of Education and qualify for use of 529 funds.
Vocational and trade school tuition and fees. Culinary students can draw from the 529 accounts to pay expenses related to culinary institute courses. The institution must participate in the U.S Department of Education for federal student aid.
K-12 schools, public, private, and religious institutions can now use 529 plan distributions up to 10,000 dollars per student for tuition.
Sit down with family members and the future student to create a withdrawal plan that works for the student’s needs, the school’s curriculum, and the program’s eligibility. It helps everyone to understand how best to use the 529 distributions while establishing a manageable budget for qualified and non-qualified purchases.
The advent of technology has introduced changes to learning methods and academic practices. Computers and some electronics have been added to the list of qualified education expenses as part of the 529 distributions. They must be required as part of the students' study programs. Students need to check with the school about class or course prerequisites that include computers.
Check with the school; there may be specialized expenses as students enter college as a freshman. The same applies as they complete the final years of study, preparing to enter the career world.
Keep in mind, each state and school may have different restrictions on using 529 funds. If you are unsure about anything, check with your financial advisor or plan provider. They can help develop the best strategy for 529 withdrawals. Withdrawals for reasons other than education could impose a ten percent penalty.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by ANCHORY LLC. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.