The Massachusetts U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program, not a true 529 plan, issues Massachusetts general obligation bonds (federal and MA state tax-free) which will be accepted at participating Massachusetts institutions in payment of tuition.
- Program typePrepaid contract
- Enrollment periodTypically May and June each year.
- Inception1995
- State agencyMassachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
- Tax deduction
- Program ManagerMassachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
Ratings & Rankings
Our overall rating for MA residents
This is an excellent program with many benefits for the participant and positive investment attributes. If it has any significant weaknesses then it also has some particularly good things to recommend it.
Our overall rating for non-residents
This is an excellent program with many benefits for the participant and positive investment attributes. If it has any significant weaknesses then it also has some particularly good things to recommend it.
SAVING FOR COLLEGE’S 5-Cap Ratings provides an evaluation and comparison of 529 plans, utilizing a formula that examines dozens of factors grouped into the following categories.
Eligibility
State residency requirements:
Who can be a participant/owner in the program?
Significant time or age restrictions imposed by the program:
Contributions
Maximum contributions:
Minimum contributions:
Contractual Features
Contract prices:
Available tuition packages:
Benefits for beneficiary attending private or out-of-state institution:
Contract payment options:
Are program benefits backed by the full faith and credit of the state?
Are program benefits collateralized or guaranteed in any other way?
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Fees & Expenses
Enrollment or application fee:
Taxes and other Benefits
- Tax deduction for single filers$1,000/yr
- Tax deduction for joint filers$2,000/yr
Example
Married filing jointly residents contributing $100/month can expect an additional $0 a year in tax savings.
Program match on contributions:
State tax deduction or credit for contributions:
State tax recapture provisions:
State definition of qualified expenses
State tax treatment of qualified distributions:
State tax treatment of rollovers:
Does the sponsoring state exclude the value of an account for state financial aid purposes?
Does participation in the program provide beneficiaries with any advantages in qualifying for resident tuition status at state institutions?
Is there a rewards program or outside scholarship program that works with this program?
Upromise Helps Families Save for College
Statutory protection of an account from creditors:
Distributions & Terminations
To whom are distributions made payable:
Account Changes
Policy regarding participant/owner changes:
Contact
Website:
Telephone:
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