529 College Savings Plans

Be ready for college when they are

Eligibility

A tax-advantaged college savings investment account

Find out how anyone can save for college with a 529 plan.

  • Anyone 18 or older can open a 529 college savings plan
  • There are no state residency requirements
  • Use your funds at any accredited school eligible to accept federal financial aid

Contributions and withdrawals

No annual limit

Contribute as much as you want to this 529 account annually. However, most states impose a lifetime limit on the amount allowed in an account.

Qualified education expense

Make sure you're withdrawing funds for qualified education expenses, such as tuition, room and board, and books. Your withdrawals will be made tax-free.

Taxes on 529 college savings plans

Tax deferral

You won't pay on earnings while your money is in a 529 savings account.

Unqualified expenses

If you withdraw funds and don't use them for qualified educational expenses, the earnings portion of the withdrawal will be subject to state and federal income tax, as well as an additional 10% penalty.

Federal gift tax

Contributions to your 529 plan are subject to federal gift tax laws, and excess contributions can result in gift tax implications.

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About the Entities, Brands and Services Offered: First Citizens Wealth™ (FCW) is a marketing brand of First Citizens BancShares, Inc., a bank holding company. The following affiliates of First Citizens BancShares are the entities through which FCW products are offered. Brokerage products and services are offered through First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. ("FCIS"), a registered broker-dealer, Member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through FCIS, First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. and SVB Wealth LLC, all SEC registered investment advisors. Certain brokerage and advisory products and services may not be available from all investment professionals, in all jurisdictions or to all investors. Insurance products and services are offered through FCIS, a licensed insurance agency. Banking, lending, trust products and services, and certain insurance products and services are offered by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, and an Equal Housing Lender, and SVB, a division of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. icon: sys-ehl

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