Qualified expenses generally include anything a student needs to enroll in and attend an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school. Beginning in 2018, eligible expenses may also include up to $10,000 per year per designated beneficiary from all
529 accounts for tuition in connection with enrollment or attendance at a private, religious or public primary or secondary school. Money can be withdrawn tax-free from your 529 education account to pay for any qualified expenses.
Footnote *While the rules cover a large range of education costs, "some expenses that people assume are qualified may not be," says Richard Polimeni, director, Education Savings Programs at Bank of America. "It's important to know the difference."
"Some expenses that people assume are qualified may not be. It's important to know the difference."
— Richard Polimeni, director, Education Savings Programs at Bank of America
What education-related expenses definitely qualify?
Money from a 529 account can be used for major post-secondary education costs such as:
- Required tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment
- Certain room and board expenses, which may include food purchased directly through the college or university (for the stipulations of off-campus living — see below)
- Computers or peripheral equipment, software and the cost of Internet access if used primarily by the beneficiary while enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution
- Expenses related to students with special needs
In addition, for students living off campus, 529-qualified expenses for room and board may include rent, utilities and food not purchased directly from the college or university if those expenses do not exceed the allowance for room and board, as included in its cost of attendance. It's a good idea to contact the school's financial aid department for the exact figure.
|
Qualified vs. nonqualified expenses |
| Qualified |
Non-qualified |
| Enrollment fees |
Travel expenses |
| Tuition |
College test prep |
| Certain room and board (on-campus) |
Health insurance |
| Certain rent, food and utility bills (off-campus) |
Student loan payments |
| K-12 tuition ($10,000 annual limit) |
Personal living expenses |
| Special needs expenses |
College entrance exam fees |
| Computers, software, Internet access |
Fees for sports or club activities |
What's not eligible?
Here's where things may get confusing. "Many people assume travel is covered," Polimeni says. "After all, students need to get to and from school. But as far as the tax law is concerned, expenses such as gas, parking and airfare are considered nonqualified expenses."
Likewise, pre-enrollment expenses such as test prep courses, are, unfortunately, ineligible. So is health insurance, even if purchased through the school.
Costs of extracurricular activities, from ballet lessons to membership dues at a sorority or fraternity, are also not eligible.
What if you saved more than you need?
There are plenty of options: Use the extra funds for that student's graduate school,
designate a new beneficiary from among certain members of their immediate or extended family, or even name yourself. The same tax (and other) benefits apply so long as the money is used for qualified education expenses. If you don't have a new beneficiary and decide to use the money for other purposes, you will be subject to federal and possibly state and/or local income taxes on the account's earnings, including a 10% additional federal tax on the earnings (with certain exceptions).