Is the 529 penalty really that bad?
Is the 529 penalty really that bad?
Earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and are entirely tax-free if used to pay for qualified higher education expenses. Non-qualified distributions from a 529 plan, however, incur ordinary income taxes plus a 10% tax penalty, and may be subject to state income taxes.
How much should I put in a 529?
Choosing a 529 plan could mean a much lower monthly contribution since the money grows over time. With a 529 plan, solid monthly contribution amounts for a child born in 2017 would be about $165 for a public in-state school, $260 for public out-of-state, or $325 for a private university.
How much should you have in 529 by age?
I expect to get 6% per year return on my investments in my 529 plan….How Much You Should Have In Your 529 At Different Ages.
| Age | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,189 | $7,816 |
| 2 | $2,451 | $16,144 |
| 3 | $3,791 | $24,923 |
| 4 | $5,213 | $34,276 |
When can you withdraw from 529 plan?
529 plan account owners can withdraw any amount from their 529 plan, but only qualified distributions will be tax-free. The earnings portion of any non-qualified distributions must be reported on the account owner’s or the beneficiary’s federal income tax return and is subject to income tax and a 10% penalty.
What is a VA 529 plan?
In a 529 account, your money can grow free from federal taxes and be used to fund qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions nationwide. Virginia taxpayers enjoy the additional benefit of a state income tax deduction on contributions to their Virginia529 accounts.
Can you deduct 529 contributions in Virginia?
Virginia529 account owners who are Virginia taxpayers may deduct contributions up to $4,000 per account per year with an unlimited carryforward to future tax years, subject to certain restrictions. Those age 70 and above may deduct the entire amount contributed to a Virginia529 account in one year.
