If changing the ownership of 529 plans from grandparents to parents is recommended, there should not be any adverse tax consequences. The IRS allows one tax-free rollover per 12-month period for 529 plans with the same beneficiary. When opening a 529 plan, most states require you to designate a contingent owner.

How do I transfer 529 to another person?

If you want to transfer money in a 529 account, the best thing to do is to transfer it to an eligible relative. If an eligible relative is not planning to use the money, you can leave the account open in the beneficiary’s name until you have another option.

Can parents use 529 for themselves?

As long as the new beneficiary is a family member—a sibling, first cousin, grandparent, aunt, uncle or even yourself—the money can be used for qualified education expenses without incurring income taxes or penalties.

How many times can you change the beneficiary of a 529 plan?

There is another advantage that may be even more powerful over time: A 529 plan is an owner-controlled account. With a 529 account, the owner can make investment changes twice per year, direct withdrawals, and change beneficiaries at any time.

Can a 529 plan be transferred to a new owner?

Most 529 plans will allow a plan owner to transfer a 529 plan to a new owner, such as one’s spouse, child, or grandchild, without restriction (although the IRS has indicated that it is going to issue proposed regulations to stop abusive practices). However, a number of state plans (see table below) do restrict ownership transfers.

Can a 529 plan be owned by grandparents?

If changing the ownership of 529 plans from grandparents to parents is recommended, there should not be any adverse tax consequences. The IRS allows one tax-free rollover per 12-month period for 529 plans with the same beneficiary. While no income taxes would be due, you may need to file a gift tax return depending on your situation.

Can a 529 withdrawal be made from a Coverdell account?

Principle is not taxed in a 529 plan withdrawal. To make a transfer of a Coverdell ESA to a 529 savings plan you would follow these steps: Contribute funds to a 529 plan for the same beneficiary. Treat the Coverdell withdrawal as a tax-free “qualified distribution” on the beneficiary’s income tax return.

Who is the beneficiary of a 529 plan?

That includes: Remember that as the account owner, you’re not the beneficiary. But if you’re transferring 529 plan savings to someone else, you can choose yourself or your spouse to be the beneficiary going forward. If your child has a step-parent, they can also be named as a beneficiary.