Are you considering a Section 529 savings plan for a child, grandchild, or other family member? These plans offer a great way to help pay for college education. While contributions are not federally tax-deductible, they grow tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free to cover higher education expenses.
What If Your Beneficiary Doesn’t Use All the Money?
However, what happens if your child or other beneficiary doesn’t use all the money in the 529 account or decides not to attend college? This situation is becoming increasingly common as many young people are choosing alternative paths over traditional college education.
Using the Money for Non-Education Purposes
If you withdraw the money for non-education purposes, you must pay regular income tax plus a 10 per cent penalty on the earnings (though not on your original contributions). This can be a significant financial burden and reduce the benefits of having a 529 plan in the first place.
Changing the Beneficiary
To maintain tax-free treatment for withdrawals, you can change the Section 529 plan’s designated beneficiary to another qualified family member. This flexibility allows the funds to be used by another family member for their education without incurring penalties.
Rolling Over to a Roth IRA
Starting in 2024, there’s another alternative: rolling over the money into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. If you meet certain requirements, you can transfer up to $35,000 to a Roth IRA tax-free. When the beneficiary turns 59 1/2, they can withdraw the Roth IRA money tax-free for any purpose. At this age, the Roth IRA could potentially be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars due to compounded growth.
Requirements for Tax-Free Rollovers
Lawmakers have not made these rollovers straightforward. To qualify for tax-free treatment, you must adhere to several rules:
- The 529 account must have been in existence for at least 15 years.
- You can only roll over money that has been in the 529 account for at least five years.
- Each year, you can roll over an amount equal to the beneficiary’s IRA contribution limit for the year (e.g., $7,000 for 2024).
- The beneficiary must have earned income at least equal to the rollover amount.
- You must reduce your maximum $7,000 rollover by any contributions the beneficiary makes to a traditional or Roth IRA.
The Long-Term Commitment of 529 to Roth IRA Rollovers
Rolling over a 529 plan to a Roth IRA requires a long-term commitment. You need at least five years to transfer the entire $35,000 to a Roth IRA. Additionally, these rollovers must be coordinated with the beneficiary since they impact their ability to make IRA contributions.
State Rules and Taxes
There’s also the consideration of your state’s rules. The transfers may be subject to state income taxes, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
The Benefits of Flexibility
Despite the complexities, 529 to Roth IRA rollovers provide 529 plan owners who overfund their plans with new flexibility in deciding what to do with unused money. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial in managing family finances and ensuring that funds are used in the most effective way possible.
Consultation and Planning
If you want to discuss this strategy in detail, please book a free consultation call by click the below given link.
Proper planning and consultation are crucial to navigate the rules and maximise the benefits of this new rollover option.
Conclusion
Section 529 plans are a powerful tool for funding higher education, but overfunding can lead to challenging decisions. With the new option to roll over funds into a Roth IRA starting in 2024, families have more flexibility. However, the rules are complex and require careful planning. By understanding these options and consulting with a financial advisor, you can make the most of your 529 plan investments.
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