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Can I have 529 plans from multiple states?
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529 Basics
Common Questions
- Does a 529 plan affect financial aid?
- Can I have 529 plans from multiple states?
- Can I use 529 plans outside of my state?
- What if I don't use my 529?
- Can I use 529 plans for K-12 tuition?
Can I have 529 plans from multiple states?
529 Basics
Common Questions
- Does a 529 plan affect financial aid?
- Can I have 529 plans from multiple states?
- Can I use 529 plans outside of my state?
- What if I don't use my 529?
- Can I use 529 plans for K-12 tuition?
Sure, no problem. Most 529 savings plans have no state residency requirements. You can open accounts in as many of these states as you want, although in most cases there is little reason to have accounts in more than one or two states.
Can I contribute the maximum amount to each?
The IRS currently does not require that states count an investment in other state 529 plans when applying their own contribution limits. And there are no "contribution police" out there looking for people who are intent on using multiple states to stuff hundreds of thousands of dollars into 529 plans as a kind of tax shelter. But you are looking for trouble if you contribute more on an aggregate basis than you can reasonably argue might be needed for your beneficiary's future higher education costs. Of course, between a pricey private college, medical school, and then business school you might be able to support the need to save a pretty hefty sum. However, a state will not want to see its program misused as a tax shelter (its tax status as a 529 plan could be threatened) and if a state determines that you have made contributions without the intent to use the account for college it will terminate your account and perhaps assess an extra penalty.
Table of Contents
- What is a 529 Plan?
- Name the top 7 benefits of 529 plans
- Are there gift & estate tax benefits for 529 plans?
- How do I select the right investments for my 529 plan?
- Which is the best 529 plan available?
- Does a 529 plan affect financial aid?
- Can I have 529 plans from multiple states?
- Are 529 plans only for my state's public colleges?
- What is the penalty on an unused 529 plan?
- 529 savings plans and private school tuition
Sure, no problem. Most 529 savings plans have no state residency requirements. You can open accounts in as many of these states as you want, although in most cases there is little reason to have accounts in more than one or two states.
Can I contribute the maximum amount to each?
The IRS currently does not require that states count an investment in other state 529 plans when applying their own contribution limits. And there are no "contribution police" out there looking for people who are intent on using multiple states to stuff hundreds of thousands of dollars into 529 plans as a kind of tax shelter. But you are looking for trouble if you contribute more on an aggregate basis than you can reasonably argue might be needed for your beneficiary's future higher education costs. Of course, between a pricey private college, medical school, and then business school you might be able to support the need to save a pretty hefty sum. However, a state will not want to see its program misused as a tax shelter (its tax status as a 529 plan could be threatened) and if a state determines that you have made contributions without the intent to use the account for college it will terminate your account and perhaps assess an extra penalty.