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How Much Is the 529 Tax Deduction Worth?
By
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.
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Annie has spent the past 18+ years educating students about college admissions opportunities and coaching them through building a financial aid package. She has worked in college access and college admissions for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, Middle Tennessee State University, and Austin Peay State University.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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The 529 plan comes with an array of tax deductions which can yield huge savings when you pay for college. But how much are these deductions really worth? The answer can change based on many factors. How much you contribute, the number of years in which you contribute, and the state you’re in can all determine how much your deduction is worth. Let’s break down all of the relevant factors.
Related: All about the tuition and fees deduction
529 plans explained
A 529 plan is a type of savings plan that students, their family, and family friends can use to help save for college. The 529 plan has special educational tax advantages. Withdrawals are not subject to federal, and usually state, taxes. This means that your investment can grow over time without being taxed. If you are saving for college for yourself or for someone else, 529 plans are typically the best way to do it. Their benefits are magnified the earlier you start saving.
Also see: Education tax credits you can earn
How total contribution affects your 529 plan deduction
Tax deductions can potentially lower your taxable state income by excluding the amount of your contribution. So, at a state tax rate of 5%, a $1,000 deduction would save you $50. Keep in mind, this deduction is only available in some states and is never available federally.
529 plan contributions are made from after-tax income. But depending on your state, you may be able to deduct these contributions from your state taxes. So, the more you contribute, the higher your deduction will be. 529 plan earnings are also exempt from federal taxes. So even if your income is taxed, the earnings in the account will not be.
Learn more: How does a 529 plan impact financial aid?
How annual limits affect your 529 plan deduction
State limits
Each state has its own maximum annual deduction for 529 plans. To maximize your state deduction, try to spread your 529 plan contributions out over many years. If you make a few large contributions instead of pacing them, some of them will not be deductible from your state taxes.
Federal limits
529 contributions made by a family member run the risk of being taxed by the government. However, 529 plan contributors can use the gift and estate tax exemption to circumvent this. The gift and estate tax exemption has an annual limit of $18,000. Therefore, it’s wise to space out your contributions to a 529 plan.
It’s also possible to make more than $18,000 of 529 plan contributions per year. You can choose to “superfund” your 529 plan by making one large contribution which counts against your limits for future years. You can also deduct contributions over $18,000 against your lifetime gifts and estate contribution limit. This limit is set at over $13.61 million, so very few people exceed it.
For more information: How much can I contribute to a 529 plan?
How your state of residence affects your 529 plan deduction
Each state has its own policy for taxable income deductions. Some states don’t have a 529 plan deduction, so you won’t be able to deduct any of your state income. Others will allow you to deduct up to $18,000 per year.
If you live in a state with a low 529 plan deduction, make sure to start contributing early so you can space out your contributions. This will maximize your deduction and save you the most money. It’s a good idea to try to deduct as much of your college fund as possible from state taxes.
Also read: What are the 529 plan rules?
Don’t forget interest
Remember, if you start investing in a 529 plan early, your savings will compound as time goes on. The money that you saved in tax deductions will compound every year and your savings will continue to grow. Your tax deductions will be worth more the sooner they land in the bank. And on top of that, they will not be subject to federal taxes. So start saving early to get the most out of your 529 plan!
Related: How to choose a 529 plan
Final thoughts
This article provides general information. Always talk to your accountant or financial planner to determine the best type of college savings plan for your family and the tax benefits of those plans.
Frequently asked questions about maximum 529 plan deductions
How much can a parent put in a 529 plan per year?
Even if you exceed your yearly state deduction limit, it’s a good idea to put money in your 529 account because all of the earnings will be tax-free.
How much can a grandparent put in a 529 plan per year?
Are 529 plan contributions pretax or post-tax?
Does contributing to a 529 plan reduce taxable income?