529 vs Coverdell ESA

laurengage
Mar 28, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Jan 31, 2023

When it comes to saving for your child’s education, there are a few options. Digging through the information to decide between them can be a challenge and can often lead to one feeling overwhelmed and confused (doesn’t it seem like everything is that way in the investment world!). In order to help with the process, I have created a chart detailing the important information for 529 College Savings Plans and Education Savings Accounts (ESA).

	529 College Savings Plan	Coverdell ESA
Tax	Contributions are not tax deductible	Contributions are not tax deductible
	Earnings grow federal tax free when used for qualified education expenses	Earnings grow federal tax free when used for qualified education expenses
	Can be used for qualified higher education & expenses(as of January 2018 – tax free withdrawals of up to $10k [per year, per bene] can be used for TUITION for private, public or religious K-12)	Can withdraw funds tax free for a broad range of k-12 expenses/tuition & higher education
	If used for nonqualified expenses: withdrawals are subject to federal tax and 10% penalty.	If used for nonqualified expenses: withdrawals are subject to federal tax and 10% penalty
State Tax	Currently over 30 states offer a full or partial tax deduction or credit at the state tax level
Income Limits	None	Annual limit gradually phased out if your modified adjusted gross income falls between $190,000 and $220,000 ($95,000 and $110,000 for single filers)
Age Limits	None	Can no longer contribute after beneficiary is 18
Contribution Limits	None. Gift tax will apply on contributions over $17k ($34k for married filing jointly). There is a lifetime contribution limit with varies depending on plan (normally between $200,000 - $500,000)	$2,000 annual limit no lifetime limit
Beneficiary Change	Account owner can change beneficiary to another member of the family up to two times a year	Account owner can change beneficiary to another member of the family – subject to restrictions
Rollover Options	Can rollover funds into another 529 once in a 12 month period	Can rollover funds from Coverdell to a 529 as long as it is the same beneficiary
Leftover Funds	Funds not used in college can be held for graduate programs or education later in life. SECURE ACT - leftover funds can now be rolled over into a ROTH IRA.	Funds left in account when the beneficiary turns 30 must be taken out within 30 days
Financial Aid	Counts as assets of parent if owner is parent or dependent student	Counts as assets of parent if owner is parent or dependent student
Investment Options	Subject to individual plan investments and fees	Can offer more investment choices and have lower fees then 529 plans
Account Ownership	Donor/Account Owner stays in control of the account	Custodian, until beneficiary reaches the age of majority, then beneficiary

While both options provide tax advantage ways to save for your student’s education, there are some key differences that are important to consider when choosing the best option.

These simple questions will help you narrow down the decision:

1) Do you plan to send your child to private elementary or secondary school? If so, then an ESA is most likely the right account for you. Even with the added tuition option on the 529 – that won’t help cover other expenses such as school materials, uniforms, etc.

2) Are you over the income limit for ESA? This simplifies your choice quickly. If you are, you no longer have the option to invest in an ESA so the 529 is your only option.

3) Do you want greater flexibility in contributions and beneficiary changes? Then a 529 is a better option as you aren’t held down to that $2,000 per year contribution limit in an ESA.

*It should be noted that you can also choose a 529 college pre-paid tuition plan. These allow parents, grandparents and others, to prepay tuition at today’s tuition rates for eligible public and private universities. These have less flexibility then a 529 savings plan and are not high on our recommended list. We can chat about these further if you have questions!

Hope this snap shot gives a little clarity!

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor’s or designated 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 such state’s qualified tuition program. Withdrawals are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.

529 vs Coverdell ESA

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