Can You Use a 529 Plan to Pay for Private K-12 Schools?

 

Can You Use a 529 Plan to Pay for Private K-12 Schools?

 
 

- min read

Layout canvas

Several years ago, with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the federal government changed the rules regarding 529 accounts, by adding additional approved use of 529 funds. The TCJA allows families to use up to $10,000 of 529 funds for private K-12 tuition. However, not every state has adopted the federal government’s expanded use. Let’s take a look and see what this means for you and the beneficiaries of your 529 account.

Qualified Expenses

A 529 savings account covers “qualified future and higher education expenses” for private and public colleges and universities, as well as vocational schools and community colleges. These qualified expenses include tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks and lab fees, special needs equipment, and some study abroad programs. Computers, internet, and related “peripheral equipment,” including mouses, speakers, and software, are considered qualified future and higher education expenses as well, but they must be used by the beneficiary primarily during their enrollment years.

Expanded Federal Tax Benefits

The TCJA federal tax reform package became operable in January 2018 and addresses 529 plans directly. With the reform package, the federal government expanded its definition of qualified future and higher education expenses. It now allows tax-free withdrawals of up to $10,000 each year for K-12 private and parochial school tuition. Unlike withdrawals for traditional qualified future higher education expenses, such withdrawals must be used for tuition only; otherwise, they could be subject to a penalty and federal and state tax.

In addition, under the reform package, account holders may transfer up to $18,000 annually, as of January 2024, to an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account without incurring federal taxes. ABLE accounts are savings plans for individuals with special needs.

Another change under the Secure Act of 2019 is that the savings in a 529 plan may be used tax-free for apprenticeship expenses and for student loan debt repayment of up to $10,000 each for the beneficiary and any siblings.

And, starting in 2024 with the Secure 2.0 Act, account holders can rollover up to $35,000 in unused funds from their 529 account into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary.

Private School Tuition and State Tax Benefits

Not all states have adopted the federal government’s expanded definition of qualified expenses. If your state offers tax benefits for 529s, you should understand what your state considers “qualified education expenses” before withdrawing money. Some states do not consider K-12 tuition to be a qualified education expense. If this is the case with your state and you take out funds to pay for K-12 education, a withdrawal made for these expenses may be subject to state tax consequence if it is attributable to contributions that were deducted for state income tax purposes. Be sure to do your research, which may include consultation with your plan administrator, state tax department or financial advisor.

Some states do not currently allow the use of 529 funds for K-12 tuition at the state level. Keep in mind that state law is subject to change, so it’s important to check the details in your state for the most up to date information.

New Mexico Taxes and Private School Tuition

New Mexico currently has a generous tax incentive for contributions to the state’s 529 plan. The full amount of contributions to a New Mexico 529 plan can be claimed as a deduction for New Mexico individual income tax purposes when funds are used to pay for qualified education expenses. Keep in mind, you can contribute up to a maximum account balance of $500,000 for each beneficiary.

In 2023, the New Mexico Legislature passed House Bill 342 — Education Savings Plan Uses. The legislation allows New Mexico residents to claim a tax deduction for contributions used to pay for additional federal qualified educational expenses, including up to $10,000 per year to cover expenses for tuition in K-12 schools. The legislation goes into effect June 16, 2023. You can read more about the legislation and the expanded qualified expenses in New Mexico here.

 

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® 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.