4 Reasons to Invest Your Tax Refund in a 529 Plan

 

4 Reasons to Invest Your Tax Refund in a 529 Plan

 
 

- min read

Layout canvas

It’s tax season, and that means tax refunds are on their way for many. Getting a tax refund is always a happy event. Our minds immediately start calculating how to spend that money. For those who receive tax refunds, a big purchase like a new TV, travel, or a splurge purchase may sound tempting. Saving for college may not be the first item on your list, but it should be. College tuition and related expenses increase every year. In fact, according to US News & World Report, annual average tuition is:

  • More than $10,000 for in-state public colleges

  • Upwards of $38,000 for a private college

  • Approximately $55,000 for our nation’s most prestigious colleges

Don’t let these numbers get you down. There is a solution: a 529 education savings plan with The Education Plan®. Invest that tax refund now and those numbers won’t be so scary when it comes time to pay for your children’s higher education.

Convenience

Anyone can open a 529 account at any time, with any amount, with contributions from any person, including loved ones and family friends. Grandparents, in particular, may want to help finance their grandchildren’s educational goals, so they can start their adult lives with a financial advantage. Their contributions and yours are compounded, meaning that your earnings are reinvested, so the money in the plan increases over time. Investing your tax refund gives your account a nice financial boost, without much effort on your part.

Tax Benefits

You do not have to pay federal taxes on earnings and withdrawals with a 529 education savings account, as long as they are used for qualified education expenses. Even better, New Mexico provides an unlimited state tax deduction for contributions to The Education Plan, the state’s official 529 plan. If you are a New Mexico resident, that means you can claim a state tax deduction on 100% of contributions to your 529 plan from your state taxable income every year. Even if you are not a New Mexico resident, you will still receive the federal tax benefits; however, make sure to check your own state’s taxation rules, as income tax treatment of 529 contributions and withdrawals may differ.

Comprehensive Coverage

With a 529 plan, there is no tax on withdrawals for “qualified education expenses.” Such expenses include tuition, room and board, books and supplies, lab materials, and special needs equipment. Computers, mouses, speakers, software, even the internet are considered qualified education expenses, if needed for course work. The funds in the account can be used for virtually any kind of schooling: undergraduate universities and colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, graduate schools and professional schools. Even some international schools qualify. Items not covered include transportation, cell phones, and fees for extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs. Just make sure you use your 529 savings for qualified higher education expenses; otherwise, your withdrawals will be subject to income tax as well as a 10% tax penalty.

Control

With The Education Plan, you are in control. You can invest aggressively, moderately, or conservatively, depending on your needs and desires. The way you want to contribute to your 529 account is also up to you, whether you prefer an automatic monthly withdrawal from your paycheck or regular monetary investments such as tax refunds. It’s your money, so you can access it at any time for qualified higher educational expenses.

Remember: If you already have a 529 education savings plan and have taken disbursements throughout the calendar year for qualified education expenses, you need to document these carefully. Detailed record-keeping – saving receipts, account statements, and canceled checks – for at least three years is essential in case the IRS asks for proof of your qualified education expense withdrawals.

Investing your tax refund in a 529 education savings plan may not be glamorous or provide instant gratification, but it is a simple and effective way to increase your children’s college savings. By planning ahead, you can help reduce the cost of higher education so your children are not distracted by excessive loan debt and can focus instead on their studies and their future.

 

Recent Articles

A College Savings
Award Program

The deadline to apply for the Saving for Success Award is December 21, 2022.

APPLY NOW

Ready to get started?
We can help!

1-877-337-5268

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

FOLLOW US
ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The Education Plan Logo White

The Education Plan® and The Education Plan® Logo are registered trademarks of The Education Trust Board of New Mexico used under license.

Privacy & Cookie Policy

Phone: 1-877-337-5268
We're available Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT

OPEN AN ACCOUNT LOGIN
VIEW LEGAL DISCLOSURE

For more information about The Education Plan, call 1.877.337.5268 or view the Plan Description and Participation Agreement, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing.

Please Note: Before you invest, consider whether your or the 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 that state’s qualified tuition program. You also should consult a financial, tax, or other advisor to learn more about how state-based benefits (or any limitations) would apply to your specific circumstances. You also may wish to contact directly your home state’s 529 plan(s), or any other 529 plan, to learn more about those plan’s features, benefits and limitations. Keep in mind that state-based benefits should be one of many appropriately weighted factors to be considered when making an investment decision.

The Education Plan is administered by The Education Trust Board of New Mexico. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC, the Program Manager, and its affiliates, have overall responsibility for the day-today operations, including investment advisory, recordkeeping and administrative services. The Education Plan’s portfolios invest in: (i) mutual funds; (ii) exchange traded funds; and/or (iii) a funding agreement issued by New York Life. Investments in The Education Plan are not insured by the FDIC. Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market conditions.

Investment returns will vary depending upon the performance of the portfolios you choose. You could lose all or a portion of your money by investing in The Education Plan depending on market conditions. Account owners assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences.

Ugift is a registered service mark of Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC.

The Education Plan® and The Education Plan® Logo are registered trademarks of The Education Trust Board of New Mexico used under license.

All other marks are the exclusive property of their respective owners.

Not FDIC-Insured. No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee. May Lose Value.