College won’t pay for itself. How will you pay for it? You may have more choices than you think. Is creating a college fund on your to-do list? Consider these options to help you save for college.

 

  1. 529 plans. Anyone can contribute to these savings vehicles. Some let you prepay college tuition; others allow you to accumulate and invest education funds. Earnings on investments in a 529 plan grow tax- deferred, and withdrawals are exempt from federal taxes when the money pays for qualified higher education expenses.1
  2. Coverdell ESAs. Yearly contributions to these accounts are limited to $2,000 per beneficiary. As with a 529 plan, contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-deferred and withdrawals are tax-free if used to pay qualified higher education costs.2
  3. UGMA and UTMA accounts. These trust-like accounts let you invest for a child’s education by making irrevocable transfers of income-producing assets to that child (and a lower tax bracket).* When your child reaches maturity, however, he or she may use the assets in any manner.3
  4. Roth IRAs. Nothing prohibits you from using these accounts to build college savings, and if your student gets a full scholarship or doesn’t go to college, you can use the assets for retirement.4
  5. Tax scholarships. Through creative tax and income strategies, business and investment property owners can realize tax savings to apply toward college costs. A business owner can hire a son or daughter old enough to work as an employee, effectively shifting some business income from a higher tax bracket to a lower one. That can lower the business owner’s adjusted gross income and result in lower income taxes*.

*Subject to income limits.

Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax and financial advisor before investing.