Check out Coverdell ESAs for college savings
Tax Tip of the Week
July 15, 2013
Check out Coverdell ESAs for college savings
You're probably familiar with 529 college savings plans. Named for Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, they're also known as qualified tuition programs, and they offer tax benefits when you save for college expenses.
But are you aware of a lesser known cousin, established under Section 530 of the code? It's called a Coverdell Education Savings Account and it's been available since 1998.
The general idea of Coverdell accounts is similar to 529 plans — providing tax incentives to encourage you to set money aside for education. However, one big difference between the two is this: Amounts you contribute to a Coverdell can be used to pay for educational costs from kindergarten through college.
Generally, you can establish a Coverdell for an under-age-18 child — yours or someone else's. Once the Coverdell is set up, you can make contributions of as much as $2,000 each year. That maximum is reduced when you're married filing jointly and your modified adjusted gross income reaches $190,000 ($95,000 when you're single).
Anyone, including trusts and corporations, can contribute to the account until the child turns 18. There are no age restrictions when the Coverdell is established for someone with special needs.
While your contribution is not tax-deductible, earnings within the account are tax-free as long as you use them for educational expenses or qualify for an exception. In addition, you can make a tax-free transfer of the account balance to another eligible beneficiary, to a different custodian, or to a 529 plan.
Qualified distributions from a Coverdell are tax-free when you use the money to pay for costs such as tuition, room and board, books, and computers.
Please call for information about other rules that apply to Coverdell accounts. We'll be happy to help you decide whether establishing one makes sense for you.
"Tax Tips" are published weekly to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
© MC 2013
July 15, 2013
Check out Coverdell ESAs for college savings
You're probably familiar with 529 college savings plans. Named for Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, they're also known as qualified tuition programs, and they offer tax benefits when you save for college expenses.
But are you aware of a lesser known cousin, established under Section 530 of the code? It's called a Coverdell Education Savings Account and it's been available since 1998.
The general idea of Coverdell accounts is similar to 529 plans — providing tax incentives to encourage you to set money aside for education. However, one big difference between the two is this: Amounts you contribute to a Coverdell can be used to pay for educational costs from kindergarten through college.
Generally, you can establish a Coverdell for an under-age-18 child — yours or someone else's. Once the Coverdell is set up, you can make contributions of as much as $2,000 each year. That maximum is reduced when you're married filing jointly and your modified adjusted gross income reaches $190,000 ($95,000 when you're single).
Anyone, including trusts and corporations, can contribute to the account until the child turns 18. There are no age restrictions when the Coverdell is established for someone with special needs.
While your contribution is not tax-deductible, earnings within the account are tax-free as long as you use them for educational expenses or qualify for an exception. In addition, you can make a tax-free transfer of the account balance to another eligible beneficiary, to a different custodian, or to a 529 plan.
Qualified distributions from a Coverdell are tax-free when you use the money to pay for costs such as tuition, room and board, books, and computers.
Please call for information about other rules that apply to Coverdell accounts. We'll be happy to help you decide whether establishing one makes sense for you.
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
© MC 2013
