Does New Jersey offer a 529 tax deduction?
Residents will be happy to hear that the answer is now YES! New Jersey is the 35th state to offer an income tax benefit for residents who contribute to a 529 plan. The NJ 529 tax deduction is part of a comprehensive college affordability plan in the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget.
What is a 529 plan New Jersey?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment plan that allows almost any adult—a parent, guardian, grandparent, aunt or uncle, even a friend—to help pay for someone’s education, regardless of income level. You can even open a 529 plan for yourself.
Who runs NJ 529?
Franklin Templeton Investments
New Jersey has two 529 savings programs, both managed by Franklin Templeton Investments. One 529 plan is direct-sold and available only to New Jersey residents (NJBEST), and the other is sold nationwide through financial advisors (Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan).
Can grandparents deduct 529 contributions in New Jersey?
Yes, grandparents can claim the deduction for contributing to a 529 if they live in one of the 34 states that offer a state income tax deduction for 529 college-savings plan contributions. The only question is whether you must own the account or whether you can contribute to one set up by, say, the child’s parents.
What happens if you don’t spend 529?
There is no penalty for leaving leftover funds in a 529 plan after a student graduates or leaves college. However, you’ll face a 529 tax penalty and a withdrawal penalty if you use a 529 plan distribution on non-qualified expenses.
How much money should you put in a 529 plan?
Because college costs roughly triple over any 17-year period, Kantrowitz says your savings goal should be the full cost of a college education the year that your child is born. So, if your kid was born in 2021 and they plan on attending a private university, the total cost for four years would be $165,644.
How much can you put in a 529 annually?
529 plans do not have annual contribution limits. However, contributions to a 529 plan are considered completed gifts for federal tax purposes, and in 2022 up to $16,000 per donor ($15,000 in 2021), per beneficiary qualifies for the annual gift tax exclusion.