Using Estate Planning to Cover a Child or Grandchild’s College Tuition

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Federal estate tax

Estate Planning Can Cover a Child or Grandchild’s College Tuition

College tuition costs are escalating every day. This includes all the costs that go along with tuition. Remember expenses such as equipment, living expenses, school supplies, textbooks, and more. For many families, the thought of covering these costs is nothing short of daunting. However, estate planning can help to address rising costs of college tuition and all the expenses that come with sending a child to college via funding a Section 529 Qualified Tuition Plan.

What about a 529 for College Tuition?

Clients interested in 529 programs have a choice between prepaid and savings plans. Prepaid plans can provide a distinct advantage. They lock in today’s enrollment costs for tuition that won’t be needed until the future for several schools. For example, you could purchase four years of tuition credits in 2020 for a college education that doesn’t start until 2022. Conversely, savings programs operate more like Roth or Traditional IRAs in that they are investments. With these, the funds grow if the investments perform well.

Advantages of 529 Plans

One distinct advantage to the 529 program is the tax deferment. Earnings on assets in the plan are not taxed until distributed. These distributions are tax-free as long as they fit into the definition of “qualified higher education expenses” (i.e. books, equipment, fees, room and board, supplies, and tuition). Also, the student mut be enrolled at least half-time. Any distributions beyond these expenses are taxed to the beneficiary. If they represent earnings, along with a 10 percent penalty tax. Any contributions you make are treated as gifts to the beneficiary and qualify you for an annual gift tax exclusion. This is adjusted each year. You have the flexibility to spread these out over five years in order to maximize the exclusion if you wish.

Families also have a certain amount of additional flexibility with these plans. You can roll them over to another beneficiary or plan at any time without any tax consequences. Also, all accredited post-secondary institutions and nonprofits, public, etc. schools are eligible.

Does this seems like a fit for you? Then it is time talk to an attorney about using Estate Planning to fund college tuition. Sitting down with an estate planning attorney is the first step to ensuring that you are on your way to strategically planning for the future. It does not have to be costly or time-consuming if it is done right and well in advance.

Here at Anthony J. Madonia & Associates we can work with you to help you realize your goals. Contact our office today for a free consultation.