529 plans are particularly popular with grandparents who wish to invest in a grandchild’s future because they offer significant estate planning benefits in combination with these powerful savings features. Funding a 529 account is considered a completed gift to the beneficiary for estate tax purposes — all contributions and earnings grow outside your taxable estate. Plus, unlike other gifting programs, a 529 plan enables you to retain control over the account and its assets.
Put time on your side with accelerated gifting
In general, you can contribute up to $13,000 ($26,000 for married couples) per beneficiary per year without triggering federal gift taxes. However, special 529 rules allow you to use five years of annual exclusions at once for a tax-free gift of up to $65,000 (joint taxpayers may fund $130,000).* Your $1 million dollar gift tax exemption may also be available for funding your 529 account. Talk to your tax advisor for additional details surrounding this exemption.
Multiple gifts, multiple beneficiaries
You may own and fund as many 529 accounts for as many beneficiaries as you like, subject to funding limits. Other individuals may also contribute to your 529 accounts and remove assets from their own estates.
The information above is general in nature and is for illustrative purposes. It does not provide tax or estate planning advice for your personal circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor to find out how a 529 plan can be used for your personal estate plan.
*Note that if the Donor dies before the start of the fifth year, a portion of the contribution must be added back to the Donor’s estate for tax purposes.