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Is the student required to attend an in-state school to use a 529 plan?
No, the student is not required to attend a school in the same state that sponsors their 529 account. Funds can be used to pay for qualified education expenses at any eligible educational institution. Generally, these include accredited post-secondary educational institutions in the United States or abroad offering credit toward an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a graduate level or professional degree, or another recognized post-secondary credential and certain post-secondary vocational and proprietary institutions. In addition, the most recent IRS tax bill allows for tax-fee withdrawals for K-12 expenses up to $10,000 per year, although the tax treatment of such withdrawals at the state level is less clear, determined by the account owner's state of residence, and states may ultimately determine the treatment of these withdrawals independently. All designated educational institutions must be eligible to participate in U.S. Department of Education student financial aid programs. Account owners should consult a qualified tax advisor for further guidance.
For more information about the Wealthfront 529 College Savings Plan (the “Plan”), download the Plan Description and Participation Agreement or request one by calling
844-995-8437 or emailing support@wealthfront.com. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Plan Description and Participation Agreement; please read and consider it carefully before investing. An investment in the Plan is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any federal or state government or agency. You could lose all or portion of your investment. Wealthfront Brokerage Corporation serves as the distributor and the underwriter of the Plan.
Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program
The Plan is administered by the Board of Trustees of the College Savings Plans of Nevada (the “Board”), chaired by the Nevada State Treasurer. Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc. (“ABD”) serves as the Program Manager.
Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10 percent federal tax penalty, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax and other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.
The information contained is provided for general informational purposes, and should not be construed as investment advice. Nothing should be construed as tax advice, solicitation or offer, or recommendation, to buy or sell any security. Financial advisory services are only provided to investors who become Wealthfront clients. This article is not intended as tax advice, and Wealthfront does not represent in any manner that the tax consequences described here will be obtained or will result in any particular tax consequence.
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