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The Tax Impact of a 529 Rollover

Thirty-four states offer some sort of tax deduction or tax credit for contributions made to a 529 plan. But in 29 of those 34 states, the tax break is available only for contributions made to an in-state plan. Only Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, and Pennsylvania give residents a tax break for contributing to any state's plan. If you own an out-of-state 529 plan, you may be missing out on this tax break advantage, and it may be worthwhile to do some research and consider rolling your out-of-state plan to an in-state one.

The tax break can be a real plus, but the quality of the 529 plan (its investment options and fees, in particular) is important, too. If you've already opened an out-of-state 529 plan a while ago, you may want to revisit that decision because 529 plans can change over time. If your state now offers a better plan, check with the plan or a tax professional to see if there are tax advantages to rolling funds over. Many states do not provide a tax break for inbound 529 rollovers, but some do. States that do may limit deductions to just the contribution portion of the out-of-state 529 or let you deduct the entire amount including earnings.529_plan

529 plans are tax-deferred college savings vehicles. Any unqualified distribution of earnings will be subject to ordinary income tax and subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. More information about municipal fund securities is available in the issuer's official statement, and the official statement should be read carefully before investing. Tax law is ever-changing and can be quite complex. It is highly recommended that you consult with a legal, tax, or financial professional with any questions or concerns.