What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

When planning for education, one of the biggest challenges for students and parents are the financial costs, including tuition and academic expenses. It’s not just for college anymore – added to the tuition eligibility are K-12, private and religious schools. A reputable private high school in San Francisco is currently charging more than $25,000 per academic year. This is college tuition money back in my day! Funds may be used for four- and two-year colleges, trade schools, graduate programs, and some international institutions.

You may have heard of a 529 Plan as an educational savings vehicle. 529 refers to Section 529 of the IRS Tax Code that authorizes a tax advantaged savings plan to help with the costs of education. 529 distributions are subject to guidelines for financial aid eligibility, state and learning institution limitations. Good news, distributions are not taxed at the federal level, but you do need to understand the rules for qualifying expenses. You are required to report all 529 spending to the IRS – so it’s important to keep good records and separate qualified and nonqualified receipts. 

Here’s a list of 529 qualified educational expenses:

Educational Planning

Education at all levels is important, and planning is essential for meeting this challenge successfully. To take advantage of the 529 distribution, you need to submit your request for the cash during the same calendar year. If you inadvertently request cash during the academic year, you may owe taxes as a nonqualified withdrawal. 

1. College or graduate tuition and fees. Post-secondary (after high school) is eligible to participate in the federal student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education and qualify for use of 529 funds.
2. Vocational and trade school tuition and fees. Culinary students can draw from the 529 account to pay expenses related to culinary institute courses.  The institution must participate in the U.S. Department of Education for federal student aid.
3. K-12 schools, public, private, and religious institutions can now use 529 plan distributions up to $10,000 per student for tuition. 

Lifestyles and Supplies

Sit down with family members and the future student to create a withdrawal plan that works for the student’s needs, the school’s curriculum, and the program’s eligibility. It helps everyone to understand how best to use the 529 distributions while establishing a manageable budget for qualified and nonqualified purchases.

1. Campus housing can be paid through 529 distributions including college room and board fees. Off-campus housing rentals qualify up to the same cost of the room and board on campus.
2. Books and supplies include paper, pens, textbooks required by the specific course are qualified expenses. Schools set the budget limit for books and supplies. You need to check with the school of attendance for the allowable amount each academic year.
3. Special needs equipment and services qualify for 529 distribution. Students using equipment for mobility (wheelchairs) may be eligible for 529 distribution purchases. Depending on the situation transportation may also apply.

Welcoming Technology

The advent of technology has introduced changes to learning methods and academic practices. Computers and some electronics have been added to the list of qualified education expenses as part of the 529 distributions. They must be required as part of the students' study programs. Students need to check with the school about class or course prerequisites that include computers. 

1. Computers must be used primarily by the student during any of the years the student is enrolled at the eligible educational institution.
2. Software may qualify as a 529 distribution expense. For example, technical engineering or design classes may involve computerized assignments. 
3. Internet services can be paid using 529 funds.

Check with the school; there may be specialized expenses as students enter college as a freshman. The same applies as they complete the final years of study, preparing to enter the career world. 

Keep in mind, each state and school may have different restrictions on using 529 funds. If you are unsure about anything, contact me with any questions or the plan provider. They may be helpful developing a strategy for 529 withdrawals. Please be advised that withdrawals for other reasons other than education may impose a ten percent penalty.

Lastly, if you are preparing for college expenses (vs. K-12 expenses), I highly encourage you to read Ron Lieber's recently published book titled "The Price You Pay for College." I read it and it shines a light on the myriad factors that go into college planning and selection, including the big business behind student acceptance and financial aid considerations. If you went to college, I think you'll find the book eye opening as today's preparation may be a much different college preparation experience than you had.