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529 College Savings Plan
- You can contribute up to $13,000 ($26,000 for married couples) annually without gift-tax consequences. You may also be able to gift up to $65,000 ($130,000 for married couples) at one time without gift-tax consequences by accelerating 5 years’ worth of investments.
- You can continue to contribute until the account value reaches $350,000
- Earning can grow tax-free
- Withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses are federally tax-exempt, however withdrawals for non-qualified expenses are subject to ordinary federal income tax and a 10% penalty on earnings
- There are no income limits
- Anyone can contribute to the account
- You maintain control of the assets
Coverdell Educational Savings Plan
- Can contribute up to $2,000 annually
- Earnings can grow tax-free
- Withdrawals for qualified education expenses are federally tax-free
- There are income restrictions – phase outs for individuals start at $95,000 and at $190,000 for married couples
- Investment options can be changed as frequently as desired
UGMA/UTMA
- No contribution limits
- For children under 19 and full-time students under 24 whose earning income is less than 50 % of their support, the first $950 of earnings are tax free. Earnings between $950 and $1,900 are taxed at the child’s’ rate. Any earnings over $1,900 are taxed at the parents’ rate.
- There are no income limits
- The beneficiary gains full control of the assets at age of majority (18 or 21 in most states)
