Advantages of a “529” college savings program

What can be better than lowering your taxes? With a “529” plan, you have no federal tax obligation once your money's invested in your account. But the best part is that your earnings grow federal tax-deferred, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free, and in some states one has other tax benefits as well.

• Deduction. For example, in New York up to $10,000 is deductible from the state taxable income for married couples filing jointly; single taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 annually. (This may be subject to recapture in certain circumstances, such as rollovers to another state's “529” plan or non-qualified withdrawals).

• Compounding. The tax breaks you get from a “529” plan could translate into an increase in your plan assets because of compounding. The money you don't have to pay taxes stays in your account and can potentially generate even more earnings. The earlier you start saving for college, the more years you have to make compounding work for you.

• Contributions. Some states set limits on how much you can contribute to a “529” plan. But for the most part, the maximums are high (usually between $300,000 and $400,000), which is typically more than enough to pay for four years of undergraduate school. Plus, your “529” plan contributions can qualify for a gift exclusion, which means up to $18,000 per year, per beneficiary, without incurring a federal gift tax.

• Age and income. Almost anyone can open a “529” plan, anyone regardless of age can be the beneficiary of a “529” plan. In addition, your tax incentives won't disappear because your income is too high — a situation that can occur with IRAs and some education-savings accounts.

• Number of accounts. You can open multiple “529” plan accounts — for different beneficiaries or same beneficiary — in one or more states.

• Investment choices. Many “529” plans offer age-based investment options that gradually become more conservative as your child gets closer to college, which means you can simply choose a fund that meets your risk level and let the fund do the rest.

• Tax reporting. April 15 becomes less of a headache because your “529” contributions don't have to be reported on your federal tax return. And there are no taxes when withdrawals are used for qualified educational expenses.

• Plan spending. While you must use your “529” plan assets for qualified educational expenses, the "qualified" category has expanded considerably in recent years. You no longer have to think tuition only. Your savings can be used for room and board, computers, course supplies and even Internet access.

• Concern. Concerned about what happens if your child decides not to go to college or is fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship? No worries. You can always change the beneficiary or leave the money in your account and allow it to grow and compound for your grandchildren (“529” accounts never expire). Or you can use it for yourself. College classes are for adults too!

Caveat: Investment returns are not guaranteed and you can lose money by investing in a “529” plan. Still, while interest in “529” plans is on the rise, the majority of taxpayers are still missing out on the advantages these plans can have for college savings.

Barry Lisak is an IRS enrolled agent specializing in personal and small business taxes for 30 years. Any questions can be directed to him at 516-829-7283, or mrbarrytax@aol.com.

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