What You Need To Know When Comparing 529 Plans

Nov 14
08:59

2007

Kip Goldhammer

Kip Goldhammer

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Named after section 529 in the Internal Revenue Code, the 529 plan in the US has several tax advantages that benefit investment.

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It is very difficult to start comparing 529 plans because there are so many parameters to think of. There are aspects like the limit of contribution,What You Need To Know When Comparing 529 Plans Articles the amount of tax deduction, the program manager, the fees required to start and maintain the account with the plan, penalties if any, etc. That makes comparing 529 plans very difficult. We can make an effort at comparing 529 plans if we categorize them into different options. Here are some of the points that can help in the comparison:-

1. Fees on the plan - It is often said that starting any investment plan is easy, but maintaining it is difficult. The same is true about the 529 plans. With 529 plans, the fees that would be applicable are the enrollment fees, annual maintenance fees and the program management fees. State 529 plans have different amounts of these fees. But one of the best plans in this regard is the Utah Educational Savings Plan Trust. This plan has a very attractive fee of just 0.4% and that too has a maximum annual limit of $20. Also, the plan has a good number of investment options that can help you in increasing your assets.

2. Selecting out of state plans - If you already have a plan in your state that is giving you good tax breaks, then it is not advisable to look into plans of other states. In fact, when you get down to comparing 529 plans of your state with those of other states, you will find that the additional expenses in outstate plans will reduce their value for you. You have to look at all the additional costs, and the maximum contribution limit of your plan and outstate plans when you are comparing 529 plans. If you are a resident of New Mexico, South Carolina or West Virginia, then it is advisable to stick with your own state's plan. These plans have good benefits for their own residents. But the plans are quite unwise for outstate residents due to additional costs on them.

3. Checking out maximum contribution limits - If you are comparing 529 plans as an investor, then of course you will have to keep in mind the maximum contribution limits. The higher the limit allowed, the more will be the amount you will be able to show for tax deduction each year. Similarly, you must check out the tax deduction limit they allow. The plan of the state of New York is commendable in this regard. It provides a tax break of $5,000 for individual filers and $10,000 for couple filers.