529s: Five-decade-old college savings plans have been in existence for roughly twenty-five years. Indeed, I initiated my inaugural public relations campaign many years ago, educating grandparents and parents on how to establish a savings plan for the secondary education of their loved ones.
By Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, 529 plans are so named. As college tuition and expenses increased at a rate two to three times that of inflation, they were conceived. As student loans accumulated, the government felt compelled to provide tax-advantaged savings.
529s are tax-advantaged savings vehicles designed to assist with education expenses. Initially intended to cover the expenses associated with post-secondary education, they underwent an expansion in 2017 to encompass K–12 education. Subsequently, in 2019, they commenced encompassing apprenticeship programs as well.
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What is the level of popularity of 529s?
The total investment in 529s decreased from $480 billion in 2021 to $411 billion in 2022, as reported by College Savings Plan Network. Due to the penalty that would be incurred if funds were withdrawn from a 529 for a purpose other than authorized educational uses, some individuals began to reconsider this investment.
New regulations
This year, 529 provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act went into effect. While SECURE 2.0 offers numerous benefits, it specifically permits families to convert any remaining 529 funds into retirement savings, thereby circumventing the penalty associated with withdrawals for non-educational purposes.
But before establishing a 529, there are a few regulations that you must abide by, including:
- The 529 plan must have been operational for a minimum of fifteen years before transferring funds from a 529 to a Roth IRA.
- Additionally, the proprietor of the Roth IRA must be the beneficiary of the 529 plan.
- Contributions to a 529 plan made within the previous five years are not transferable tax-free.
- The lifetime maximum for transfers from 529 to Roth IRAs is $35,000.
- Annual contribution limits apply to Roth IRAs.
- Constantly investigate the fees that will be assessed.
- Frailty may ensue for those who are unfamiliar with the regulations governing Roth IRAs.
Additionally, you cannot contribute more to a Roth IRA in a given year than you earned that year. Thus, a 529 plan beneficiary could only contribute $3,000 to their Roth IRA in a given year, for instance, if their income is that amount.
Lastly, it is important to note that if you transfer funds from a 529 to a Roth IRA, you cannot make additional contributions to your Roth IRA that year if doing so would push you past the annual contribution limit. For instance, in 2024, the maximum Roth IRA contribution is $7,000. Therefore, you may transfer $7,000. from your child’s 529 plan to a Roth IRA in their name. In that year, 2024, they will be subject to penalties for any further IRA contributions they make. They could, however, contribute to a 401(k) or another tax-advantaged retirement plan to save for retirement.
Establishing a 529 for a family member
A state oversees each of the more than 100 529 plans that are available in the country. Not even the state-sponsored 529 is required to receive the benefits. Contributions to one of these plans are exempt from federal taxation, and numerous states provide state income tax deductions or tax credits to their residents in exchange for 529 contributions. Before opening an account, conduct research on the available plans to learn more about the investment options and fees that will be associated with them.
You are required to submit an application detailing information about yourself and your infant after selecting a plan. This is possible with the assistance of a financial advisor.
After your account has been established, you are free to finance it according to your preferred schedule. This may necessitate making sporadic contributions if you possess surplus funds. Alternatively, you could establish recurring automatic deposits. Numerous 529 plans are specifically crafted to facilitate the influx of monetary contributions from additional relatives and acquaintances.
It has always been my advice to parents to establish a 529 plan for their newborn child. Instead of receiving numerous dry-cleaning-required infant clothes that are scratchy, wouldn’t it be preferable to have family and friends contribute to your child’s future?
How a 529 plan operates
The majority of 529 plans are relatively straightforward. There are two types of savings plans available: those with fixed or variable rates. While the Internal Revenue Service does not impose an annual contribution cap on 529s, state governments do impose limits on total contributions. This usually enables you to make a substantial investment contribution. However, consult your accountant, as the IRS may classify this contribution as a gift in the majority of instances. Without regard to tax implications, the annual gift limit is $18,000 per person and $36,000 per married couple.
Additionally, you must decide how to allocate those 529 funds. Simply apply common logic. When the child is young and has ample time until college or another educational pursuit, a more aggressive investment portfolio is feasible. This allows for the recovery period following market downturns. However, as the date of withdrawal approaches and your reliance on the funds increases, it is advisable to reallocate the portfolio towards more conservative investments.
It is recommended that you endeavor to establish a consistent investment timetable to consistently accrue contributions to the 529. One advantage is the ability to alter the beneficiaries. Thus, if one of your children decides against pursuing an education, you will have the option to convert to a Roth IRA.
It is highly recommended to bear in mind that supplementing your children’s education should not come at the expense of your retirement resources. It is possible to borrow funds for college expenses at any time, but not for retirement. Furthermore, failing to adequately save for retirement could potentially render you a financial burden on your children.
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