Compare 529 Plans by Features

Summary

Program manager

State tax deduction or credit for contributions

The manager for Alabama CollegeCounts 529 Fund Advisor Plan changed from Van Kampen to Union Bank and Trust Company in August 2010. It features age-based, static and individual fund portfolio options using mutual funds from multiple fund firms.

UBT 529 Services, a division of Union Bank & Trust Company

Contributions, including rollover contributions, to an Alabama 529 plan of up to $5,000 per year by an individual, and up to $10,000 per year by married taxpayers filing jointly who each make their own contributions, are deductible in computing Alabama taxable income.

T. Rowe Price and John Hancock have teamed up with Alaska to offer the John Hancock Freedom 529 advisor-sold 529 savings program. It features enrollment-based and static portfolios utilizing mutual funds from over 20 asset managers.

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Not applicable. Alaska does not have a personal income tax.

Arizona's Goldman Sachs 529 Plan is an advisor-sold 529 savings program that features eleven year of enrollment funds, five target-risk funds and 15 individual-fund portfolios invested in Goldman Sachs mutual funds.

Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC

Contributions to Arizona AND non-Arizona 529 plans of up to $2,000 per year per beneficiary by an individual, and up to $4,000 per year per beneficiary by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Arizona taxable income. The original sunset date of December 31, 2012 has been removed, thus making the deduction permanent.

Arkansas' Brighter Future Advisor Plan from BlackRock is comprised solely of iShares ETFs and offers 7 year-of-enrollment portfolios, 4 asset allocation options, and 17 individual portfolios. These 21 portfolios can be mixed and matched or used independently of one another to achieve the investment allocation desired. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.

Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc.

Contributions to an Arkansas 529 plan of up to $2,270 per year by an individual, and up to $4,540 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Arkansas taxable income, with a four-year carryforward of excess contributions. Contributions to a NON-Arkansas plan of up to $3,000 per year by an individual, and up to $6,000 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible. Rollover contributions from another state's plan are deductible in the amount of $7,500 per individual and $15,000 per couple. Employers are allowed a $500 deduction per employee for 529 matches into Arkansas plans. Contribution deadline is December 31, and state must receive it by a specified date following December 31.

Colorado's Scholars Choice Education Savings Plan (formerly known as Colorado Scholars Choice College Savings Program) is sold exclusively through advisors. The plan's management changed from Legg Mason to TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. in July 2021. The plan features enrollment year, target allocation, and individual fund portfolio options.

TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc.

For income tax year commencing on January 1, 2024, the Colorado income tax deduction otherwise available for contributions to any Colorado 529 plan or any 529 plan affiliated with an educational institution in Colorado shall not exceed $22,700 per taxpayer per beneficiary for a taxpayer who files a single return, or $34,000 per taxpayer per beneficiary for taxpayers who file a joint return. For income tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2025, the deduction limits described in the preceding sentence will be adjusted annually by the percentage change in the combined average annual costs of tuition and room and board for all Colorado institutions of higher education as determined by the Colorado Department of Education.

The Working Families College Savings Act offers a Colorado tax credit for employers who make contributions to CollegeInvest savings plans owned by their employees. The available tax credit is 20% of the amount contributed to a CollegeInvest 529 account, up to $500 per employee (for a $2,500 employer contribution).

The Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) Advisor Plan is managed by Fidelity Investments. Fidelity offers the CHET Advisor 529 Plan through brokers, utilizing Fidelity Series funds in its age-based and static portfolio options, and Fidelity Advisor funds in its individual fund portfolio options.

Fidelity Investments

Contributions to a Connecticut 529 plan of up to $5,000 per year by an individual, and up to $10,000 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Connecticut taxable income, with a five-year carryforward of excess contributions. Rollover contributions are not deductible. Contribution deadline is December 31 postmark if by mail, or final business day of the year if by electronic payment.

The Illinois Bright Directions Advisor-Guided 529 College Savings Program, sold through brokers and fee-based financial advisors, features an extensive multi-manager platform offering a large number of age-based, static multi-fund, and individual-fund options. In November 2017, the Bright Start Advisor-Sold College Savings Program combined with the Illinois Bright Directions Advisor-Guided 529 College Savings Program. Investments in Bright Start Advisor-Sold College Savings Program accounts were automatically transitioned to the corresponding Bright Directions portfolios.

Union Bank & Trust Company of Lincoln, Nebraska

Contributions to an Illinois 529 plan of up to $10,000 per year by an individual, and up to $20,000 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Illinois taxable income. For a rollover contribution, only the principal portion is eligible for the deduction. Contribution deadline is December 31 postmark. For tax years ending on or before December 31, 2024, employers may claim a credit against Illinois tax for 25% of matching contributions made to an employee's account in an Illinois 529 plan, with a maximum annual credit of $500 per employee. Unused credits may be carried forward for five years.

Upromise Investments, Inc., which was acquired by Ascensus College Savings in 2013, became manager of the Indiana CollegeChoice Advisor 529 Savings Plan in September 2008, replacing JPMorgan. The plan uses BlackRock, Schwab, DFA, American Funds, T.Rowe Price, Carillon Tower Advisors and Vanguard funds in its Year of Enrollment Option and mutual funds from various investment managers in its individual portfolios. The plan also offers an FDIC-insured Savings Portfolio from NexBank and the Capital Preservation Portfolio invested in the New York Life Guaranteed Interest Account. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise Rewards service.

Ascensus Government Savings

Indiana taxpayers are eligible for a state income tax credit of 20% of contributions to an Indiana 529 Plan, up to $1,500 credit per year ($750 for married couples filing separately). Effective January 1, 2024, rollover contributions and contributions generated through a rewards program are not eligible for the credit. Effective January 1, 2023, the definition of an Indiana taxpayer was revised to include married individuals filing separately. The maximum annual credit allowed for a married taxpayer filing separately is $750. Indiana residents may elect to treat contributions made through the deadline (excluding extensions) for filing an individual Indiana state income tax return (generally April 15) as having been made in the prior year in order to claim the allowable annual credit on their Indiana state tax return for the prior year. Contributions default to the current contribution year; if you wish to have a contribution made before Tax Day count toward the prior calendar year, include a letter with a mailed check or contact the plan administrator to make the request.

The IAdvisor 529 Plan is managed by Voya Investment Management Co. LLC. Voya succeeded Upromise Investments as program manager in March 2013. The revised program features an age-based option, four static allocation options, and 12 single fund options utilizing Voya funds managed by Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited; BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.;Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC; Brookfield Investment Funds; Credit Suisse AssetManagement, LLC; Delaware Investments Fund Advisers; Hahn Capital Management, LLC; LSV AssetManagement; Polaris Capital Management, LLC; Van Eck Associates Corporation; Voya InvestmentManagement Co. LLC; and Wellington Management Company LLP.

Voya Investment Management Co. LLC

Contributions to an Iowa 529 plan of up to $4,028 for 2024 per beneficiary by an individual, and up to $8,056 per beneficiary by married taxpayers filing jointly who each make their own contributions, are deductible in computing Iowa taxable income. The maximum deduction increases each year with inflation. Only contributions made by the account owner are deductible. Contribution deadline is December 31 postmark. Iowa residents may elect to treat contributions made through the deadline (excluding extensions) for filing an individual Iowa state income tax return (generally April 30) as having been made in the prior year in order to claim the allowable annual deduction on their Iowa state tax return for the prior year.

Kansas Learning Quest Advisor version of Learning Quest was overhauled in May 2007 and offers multi-manager age-based portfolios and static portfolios in addition to a menu of individual funds. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.

American Century Investment Management, Inc.

Contributions to Kansas AND non-Kansas state-sponsored 529 plans of up to $3,000 per beneficiary per year by an individual, and up to $6,000 per beneficiary per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Kansas taxable income. Rollover contributions are not deductible. Contribution deadline is December 31.

The Maine NextGen 529 -- Client Select Series advisor-sold 529 is managed by Vestwell State Savings Administration, LLC and distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC.. The plan consists of Year of enrollment, static multi-fund, and individual-fund options from a number of money managers: American Century, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Lord Abbett, MainStay, MFS and Neuberger Berman. In addition, the Principal Plus Portfolio and NextGen Savings Portfolio are offered.

Vestwell State Savings, LLC; The Bank of New York Mellon provides certain custody and other services to the Program

Individuals who file individual Maine state income returns will be able to deduct up to $1,000 per Designated Beneficiary per tax year for their total, combined contributions to any Section 529 Program during the tax year, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The deduction is not available to taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income over $100,000 (single or married filing separately) or $200,000 (married filing jointly or head of household).

MI 529 Advisor Plan, managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., features enrollment-year, asset-allocation, and individual-fund portfolios using funds from nine investment managers.

TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc.

Contributions to a Michigan 529 savings plan of up to $5,000 per year by an individual, and up to $10,000 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Michigan taxable income. Contributions must be reduced by qualified withdrawals during the year for purposes of determining the amount that may be deducted. Rollover contributions are not deductible, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Contribution deadline is December 31.

Nebraska Education Savings Trust -- Advisor College Savings Plan changed program managers in December 2010 from Union Bank and Trust Company of Lincoln, Nebraska to First National Bank of Omaha. Plan management returned to Union Bank and Trust Company in 2020. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.

Union Bank and Trust Company

Contributions by an account owner who files a Nebraska state income tax return, including the principal and earnings portions of rollovers from another qualified college savings plan not issued by the State of Nebraska, are deductible in computing the account owner's Nebraska taxable income for Nebraska income tax purposes in an amount not to exceed $10,000 ($5,000 for married taxpayers filing separate returns) in the aggregate for all contributions to all accounts within the Trust in any taxable year. Contributions by a custodian of an UGMA or UTMA account who is also the parent or guardian of the Beneficiary of an UGMA or UTMA account may claim this deduction. Contribution deadline is December 31 postmark.

Nebraska's State Farm 529 Savings Plan utilizes Vanguard, State Street, DFA and iShares funds in its age-based and static portfolios. Union Bank and Trust Company serves as program manager, succeeding First National Bank and Oppenheimer/OFI.

Union Bank and Trust Company

Contributions by an account owner who files a Nebraska state income tax return, including the principal and earnings portions of rollovers from another qualified college savings plan not issued by the State of Nebraska, are deductible in computing the account owner's Nebraska taxable income for Nebraska income tax purposes in an amount not to exceed $10,000 ($5,000 for married taxpayers filing separate returns) in the aggregate for all contributions to all accounts within the Trust in any taxable year. Contributions by a custodian of an UGMA or UTMA account who is also the parent or guardian of the Beneficiary of an UGMA or UTMA account may claim this deduction. Contribution deadline is December 31 postmark.

The Future Path 529 plan offers a variety of investment options that use JPMorgan ETFs as the main investment vehicle. The Plan is managed by Ascensus College Savings with JPMIM as the investment manager. The program features college-date, risk-based and static portfolio options utilizing JPMorgan ETFs.

Ascensus College Savings is program manager.

Not applicable. Nevada does not have a personal income tax.

Launched in October 2010, Nevada's Putnam 529 for America advisor-sold 529 savings plan offers an age-based option, 3 goal-based options, 10 individual-fund options, and 2 options consisting of the Putnam Absolute Return Funds. The 10 individual-fund options include several non-Putnam mutual funds.

Putnam Investment Management, LLC

Not applicable. Nevada does not have a personal income tax.

Nevada employers who make a matching contribution to employees participating in a Nevada 529 college savings plan are eligible for a 25% tax credit on matched contributions up to $500 per employee per year.

The Wealthfront 529 College Savings Plan is an advisor-sold plan sponsored by the State of Nevada with Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc. serving as program manager. Wealthfront is a completely online platform serving as an automated investment adviser. Wealthfront conducts a risk assessment for each account owner and, in combination with the beneficiary's expected enrollment date, allocates its participants to one of twenty custom portfolios. These portfolios may be allocated among up to nine mutual funds and ETFs from BlackRock iShares and Vanguard.

Ascensus College Savings

Not applicable. Nevada does not have a personal income tax.

Nevada employers who make a matching contribution to employees participating in a Nevada 529 college savings plan are eligible for a 25% tax credit on matched contributions up to $500 per employee per year.

In addition to its direct-sold 529 plans, Fidelity offers the Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan through brokers, utilizing Fidelity Series funds in its age-based and static portfolio options, and Fidelity Advisor funds in its individual fund portfolio options.

Fidelity Investments

Not applicable. New Hampshire does not have a personal income tax.

New Jersey Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan is an advisor-sold 529 savings program managed by Franklin Templeton featuring age-based and static portfolio options utilizing mutual funds and/or ETFs along with a money market option.

Franklin Distributors, Inc.

New Jersey taxpayers, with gross income of $200,000 or less, may qualify for a state income tax deduction for contributions into an NJBEST plan of up to $10,000 per taxpayer, per year, beginning with contributions made in tax year 2022.

New Mexico's Scholar's Edge is an advisor-sold 529 savings program. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC, as the program manager, is responsible for the day-today operations of the plan. Principal Global Investors, LLC, as the investment advisor to the plan, provides investment management services to the Plan. Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. serves as the distributor of the Plan. Scholar's Edge features enrollment-based, target risk and individual portfolios that are multi-asset and multi-manager strategies.

Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC

Contributions to a New Mexico 529 plan are fully deductible in computing New Mexico taxable income.

In May 2012 New York's 529 College Savings Program was renamed New York's 529 Advisor-Guided College Savings Plan. Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc. (formerly Upromise Investments, Inc.) serves as Progam Manager but J.P. Morgan Investment Management replaced Columbia Management Group, LLC as the plan's Investment Manager. The plan features age-based, static asset-allocation, and single-fund portfolios utilizing mutual funds from JPMorgan and SSGA. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.

Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc.

Contributions to a New York 529 plan of up to $5,000 per year by an individual, and up to $10,000 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing New York taxable income. Only contributions made by the account owner, or if filing jointly, by the account owner's spouse, are deductible. Contribution deadline is December 31 postmark.

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) contracts with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC as the manager of The Morgan Stanley National Advisory 529 Plan. The plan is offered exclusively to clients participating in Morgan Stanley sponsored investment advisory programs. Account owners may invest in one of thirteen investment options comprising several MS 529 funds that invest in Morgan Stanley Pathway Funds.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

None

North Dakota's College SAVE, managed by Ascensus College Savings, offers 9 investment options: three age-based options and six individual portfolios managed by Vanguard. In May 2017, the plan added an advisor-sold share class. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.

Ascensus College Savings

Contributions to the North Dakota 529 plan of up to $5,000 per year by an individual, and up to $10,000 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing North Dakota taxable income. Contribution deadline is December 31. Contributions may be used for K-12 Tuition Expenses without tax consequences.

The Ohio BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan is an advisor-sold 529 savings program offering seven target date investment options, three target-risk options, and 18 single-fund options featuring BlackRock mutual funds, iShares exchange-traded funds, and other fund families.

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Contributions, including rollover contributions, to an Ohio and non-Ohio 529 plans of up to $4,000 per beneficiary per year (any filing status) are deductible in computing Ohio taxable income, with an unlimited carryforward of excess contributions. Contribution deadline is December 30.

Oklahoma Dream 529 Plan, an advisor-sold 529 savings plan is managed by Fidelity Investments. Fidelity succeeded TIAA-CREF as manager in September 2020. The plan features eight age-based, two static allocation, and 17 individual fund portfolios.

Fidelity Investments

Contributions to Oklahoma's 529 plans, including rollover contributions, of up to $10,000 per year for an individual taxpayer, and up to $20,000 per year for a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Oklahoma taxable income, with a five-year carryforward of excess contributions. Contribution deadline is April 15 of the following year.

Oregon's MFS 529 Savings Plan, an advisor-sold 529 savings program features year of enrollment and risk-based portfolio options utilizing MFS mutual funds.

Vestwell State Savings, LLC.

Oregon taxpayers are eligible to receive a state tax credit for contributions to accounts of up to $150 ($300 if filing jointly). The amount the taxpayer must contribute to get the full credit increases based on the taxpayer's income. The tax credit provides the same maximum credit to all Oregonians who are saving for college, community college, trade school, or any other post-secondary education.

The tax credit went into effect on January 1, 2020, replacing the state income tax deduction. The deduction was allowed for contributions to an Oregon 529 plan of up to $2,435 by an individual, and up to $4,865 by a married couple filing jointly in computing Oregon taxable income, with a four-year carry forward of excess contributions. For account owners taking advantage or planning to take advantage of the carry forward, this option remains available for contributions made December 31, 2019. Account owners are able to carry forward the unused subtraction over the following four years. The new tax credit would be in addition to any carried forward deductions.

Rhode Island's CollegeBound 529 savings program is managed by Ascensus College Savings with Invesco Advisors, Inc. as investment manager. The plan is sold through brokers (unit classes A and C) and registered investment advisors (unit class I). Rhode Island residents purchasing through advisors can use lower-cost classes RA and RZ. The program features a menu of age-based and static portfolio options utilizing Invesco funds. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.

Ascensus College Savings

Contributions to the Rhode Island 529 plan of up to $500 per year by an individual, and up to $1,000 per year by married taxpayers filing jointly are deductible in computing Rhode Island taxable income, with an unlimited carry forward of excess contributions. Rollovers from another 529 plan are not deductible. Contribution deadline is December 31.

South Carolina's Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan (Advisor-sold) features an extensive menu of age-based and static portfolio options utilizing mutual funds from Columbia and a number of other fund families. Although sharing the same program name, the advisor-sold Future Scholar is significantly different from South Carolina's direct-sold Future Scholar, using actively-managed funds and index funds.

Columbia Management Investment Advisors, LLC

Contributions, including rollover contributions, to a South Carolina 529 plan are fully deductible in computing South Carolina taxable income. Contribution deadline: April 15 of the following year.

The South Dakota CollegeAccess 529 advisor-sold only plan offers age-based, static asset allocation, and individual fund portfolio options utilizing a large array of investment managers including Virtus Fund Advisers, American Funds, DFA, Dodge & Cox, Metropolitan West, Parametric, PIMCO and TIAA-CREF.

VP Distributors LLC

Not applicable. South Dakota does not have a personal income tax.

The program management of Texas' Lonestar 529 Plan was assumed by Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. (previously known as NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC) in September 2014. The plan offers an enrollment year option, three risk-based portfolios, and 20 individual asset class portfolios.

Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc.

Not applicable. Texas does not have a personal income tax.

Virginia's CollegeAmerica is a nationally-available, advisor-sold 529 plan that makes available a line-up of target date fund portfolios, objective based multi-fund portfolios and individual mutual funds from American Funds through Class 529-A, 529-C, 529-E, 529-F-1, 529-F-2 and 529-F-3 shares

American Funds Service Company, American Funds Distributors, and Capital Research and Management Company

Contributions to a Virginia 529 plan of up to $4,000 per account per year are deductible in computing Virginia taxable income, with an unlimited carryforward of excess contributions. Contributions are fully deductible in the year of contribution for taxpayers at least 70 years of age. Contributions from a non-owner are deductible by the account owner and not by the non-owner/contributor. Contribution deadline is receipt by the last business day of the year based on agency calendar.

While a similar program (SMART529 WV Direct) is available to West Virginia residents on a direct basis, this advisor-sold version is available nationally. The Hartford SMART529 program features a menu of age-based, static, and individual portfolio options utilizing Hartford Funds, two iShares (BlackRock) funds, one MFS fund, and a stable value portfolio managed by Invesco. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.

Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC.

Contributions to West Virginia's 529 plans are fully deductible in computing West Virginia taxable income.

Voya, under contract with TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., manages Wisconsin's Tomorrow's Scholar® 529 savings program. Voya succeeded Wells Fargo as program manager in late October 2012. The revised program features nine age-based options, five static allocation options, and 18 single fund options investing in Voya mutual funds and other mutual funds managed by Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited; BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.; LLC; Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC; Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC; LLC; Delaware Investments Fund Advisers; Northern Trust Investments, Inc.; Polaris Capital Management, LLC; Teachers Advisors, Inc.; Victory Capital Management Inc; Van Eck Associates Corporation; Voya Investment Management Co. LLC; Wellington Management Company LLP BlackRock (Singapore) Limited Invesco Advisers, Inc. T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. PanAgora Asset Management, Inc. Change: Teachers Advisors, Inc. to Teachers Advisors, LLC.

Voya (Voya Investments Distributor, LLC and Voya Funds Services, LLC)

Contributions to a Wisconsin 529 plan of up to $3,860 per beneficiary per year (any filing status) are deductible in computing Wisconsin taxable income. The maximum annual deductible will be increased annually to reflect inflation. Contributions in excess of the maximum annual limit may be carried forward to one or more future years and deducted up to the then annual maximum deductible amount each year until all amounts invested have been deducted from Wisconsin taxable income. Incoming rollovers from other states' 529 plans are accepted. Beginning with the 2015 tax year, the portion that is principal or contributions may qualify for reducing Wisconsin taxable income, including carry-forward for subsequent years; the portion attributed to growth is not eligible. Amounts that received an earlier Wisconsin reduction are not eligible. Contributors do not need to be the account owner to claim the deduction. Any Wisconsin taxpayer may claim a deduction for contributions to any account. Contribution deadline is April 15 of the year following the tax year. Parents no longer need to claim their child as a dependent in order to claim the deduction; however, the maximum deduction is reduced to $1,930 for a parent who is married and filing separately or who is divorced, unless the divorce judgment specified a different division of the $3,560 combined maximum.

Effective January 1, 2018, employers may receive a tax credit equal to 25% of the total contributions that the employer makes to a Wisconsin Trust account for its employee up to a maximum amount across all accounts that is equal to 25% of the maximum contribution amount that an individual contributor may deduct per tax year. (25% credit for 25% of maximum contribution allowed employee).