2026 IRS Rules | SECURE 2.0 | All 50 States
529 College Savings Calculator
Project your 529 plan balance, estimate your funding gap, and find your exact monthly savings target — using 2026 contribution rules and real college cost data.
$19K2026 Gift Tax Exclusion
$95KSuperfunding Limit
$35K529→Roth IRA Rollover
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529 College Savings Calculator
Enter your details — click Calculate to see your projected balance, funding gap, and monthly savings target
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Projected College Cost
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Monthly Needed (Fully Fund)
Projected 529 Balance
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Total Projected Cost
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all years combined
Coverage Rate
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529 ÷ total cost
Funding Gap
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Monthly to Fully Fund
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your dollars invested
Tax-Free Earnings
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investment growth
State Tax Savings
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annual deduction benefit
Savings Plan Breakdown
College Funding Coverage0%
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529 Balance Growth vs. Projected College Cost
Where Your 529 Balance Comes From
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Calculating…
Disclaimer: This 529 College Savings Calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Investment returns are not guaranteed. College cost projections use published data and a user-entered inflation rate. State tax savings are estimates based on deduction limits and the rate you enter. This tool does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or CPA. Source: IRS Topic 313 | College Board
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Year-by-Year Growth Table
Run the 529 Calculator first to generate your personalized growth schedule.
529 State Tax Deductions & Credits — All 50 States (2025–2026)
State tax benefits vary widely — from unlimited deductions to no benefit at all. Find your state below.
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Key rule: Most states require you to use their in-state 529 plan to claim the deduction. A few states (AZ, AR, KS, MO, MT, PA) allow deductions for contributions to any state’s plan. Always verify with your state’s plan administrator for current limits.
| State | Benefit Type | Single Limit | MFJ Limit | Any Plan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Deduction | $5,000 | $10,000 | In-state only | Per beneficiary |
| Alaska | No income tax | — | — | — | No state income tax |
| Arizona | Deduction | $2,000 | $4,000 | ✅ Any plan | Per beneficiary |
| Arkansas | Deduction | $5,000 | $10,000 | ✅ Any plan | Per beneficiary |
| California | None | — | — | — | No state 529 deduction |
| Colorado | Full deduction | Unlimited | Unlimited | In-state only | No cap on deduction |
| Connecticut | Deduction | $5,000 | $10,000 | In-state only | 5-year carryforward |
| Delaware | None | — | — | — | No deduction |
| Washington D.C. | Deduction | $4,000 | $8,000 | In-state only | Per beneficiary |
| Florida | No income tax | — | — | — | No state income tax |
| Georgia | Deduction | $4,000 | $8,000 | In-state only | Per beneficiary |
| Hawaii | None | — | — | — | No deduction |
| Idaho | Deduction | $6,000 | $12,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Illinois | Deduction | $10,000 | $20,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Indiana | 20% Tax Credit | Up to $1,500 | Up to $1,500 | In-state only | Credit on up to $7,500/yr |
| Iowa | Deduction | $3,785 | $7,570 | In-state only | Per beneficiary (2026 est.) |
| Kansas | Deduction | $3,000 | $6,000 | ✅ Any plan | Per beneficiary |
| Kentucky | None | — | — | — | No deduction |
| Louisiana | Deduction | $2,400 | $4,800 | In-state only | Per beneficiary |
| Maine | None | — | — | — | No deduction |
| Maryland | Deduction | $2,500 | $5,000 | In-state only | 10-year carryforward |
| Massachusetts | Deduction | $1,000 | $2,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Michigan | Deduction | $5,000 | $10,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Minnesota | None | — | — | — | Non-refundable credit for lower incomes only |
| Mississippi | Deduction | $10,000 | $20,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Missouri | Deduction | $8,000 | $16,000 | ✅ Any plan | Per taxpayer |
| Montana | Deduction | $3,000 | $6,000 | ✅ Any plan | Per taxpayer |
| Nebraska | Deduction | $10,000 | $10,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Nevada | No income tax | — | — | — | No state income tax |
| New Hampshire | No income tax | — | — | — | No wage income tax |
| New Jersey | None | — | — | — | No deduction |
| New Mexico | Full deduction | Unlimited | Unlimited | In-state only | No cap on deduction |
| New York | Deduction | $5,000 | $10,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| North Carolina | None | — | — | — | No deduction |
| North Dakota | Deduction | $5,000 | $10,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Ohio | Deduction | $4,000 | $4,000 | In-state only | Per beneficiary; unlimited carryforward |
| Oklahoma | Deduction | $10,000 | $20,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| Oregon | Tax Credit | Up to $170 | Up to $340 | In-state only | Income-based sliding scale |
| Pennsylvania | Deduction | $17,000 | $17,000 | ✅ Any plan | Per beneficiary — one of highest limits |
| Rhode Island | Deduction | $500 | $1,000 | In-state only | Per taxpayer |
| South Carolina | Full deduction | Unlimited | Unlimited | In-state only | No cap on deduction |
| South Dakota | No income tax | — | — | — | No state income tax |
| Tennessee | No income tax | — | — | — | No wage income tax |
| Texas | No income tax | — | — | — | No state income tax |
| Utah | 4.65% Credit | ~$101/yr | ~$202/yr | In-state only | Credit on up to $2,170/$4,340 |
| Vermont | 10% Credit | Up to $250 | Up to $500 | In-state only | 10% of first $2,500/$5,000 |
| Virginia | Deduction | $4,000 | $4,000 | In-state only | Per account; unlimited if age 70+ |
| Washington | No income tax | — | — | — | No state income tax |
| West Virginia | Full deduction | Unlimited | Unlimited | In-state only | No cap on deduction |
| Wisconsin | Deduction | $3,560 | $3,560 | In-state only | Per beneficiary |
| Wyoming | No income tax | — | — | — | No state income tax |
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Deduction limits shown are approximate 2025–2026 values. Some states adjust annually for inflation. Always verify with your state’s 529 plan website. There is no federal income tax deduction for 529 contributions — only states offer this benefit.
529 College Savings Calculator: Complete USA Guide for 2026
A 529 college savings plan is one of the most powerful tax-advantaged investment accounts available to American families saving for education. Our free 529 college savings calculator uses 2026 contribution rules, real college cost data from the College Board, and state-specific deduction information to show you exactly how much you need to save each month, how your balance will grow, and whether you’ll have a funding gap when your child reaches college age.
How to Use This 529 College Savings Calculator
- Enter your child’s age and college start age. Most families target age 18. Your investment horizon — the years your money grows — is the single biggest driver of your final balance.
- Enter your current 529 balance. Even a small existing balance grows significantly over 15+ years. If starting fresh, enter $0.
- Enter your monthly contribution. The calculator shows you exactly how this compares to the monthly amount needed to fully fund your target.
- Set your expected annual return. A 6%–7% return is a commonly used planning assumption for age-based 529 portfolios over a 10–18 year horizon. Conservative: 4%–5%. Aggressive: 7%–8%.
- Select your college type. Uses 2025–2026 average total cost of attendance from the College Board: Public in-state $30,530/yr; Out-of-state $49,070/yr; Private $64,450/yr; Community $22,210/yr.
- Enter college cost inflation. College costs have risen 4%–6% annually historically — faster than general CPI. The default is 5%. This compounds dramatically over your savings horizon.
- Select your state to see your estimated annual tax deduction value. Open Advanced Options to enter your state tax rate for a precise dollar savings estimate.
2026 Average College Costs (College Board Data)
| College Type | 2025–2026 Annual Cost | 4-Year Total (Today’s $) | Projected 4-Yr Cost (child born today @ 5% inflation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $30,530 | $122,120 | ~$294,000 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $49,070 | $196,280 | ~$473,000 |
| Private 4-Year (Nonprofit) | $64,450 | $257,800 | ~$621,000 |
| Community College (2-Year) | $22,210 | $44,420 | ~$107,000 |
Source: College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025–2026. Projections assume 5% annual inflation compounded for 18 years. Actual costs vary by institution and location.
529 Plan Rules for 2026: What You Need to Know
Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: $19,000 Per Beneficiary (2026)
The IRS annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per person per beneficiary in 2026. A married couple can contribute up to $38,000/year per child without gift tax reporting. Contributions above this require filing IRS Form 709 — though no tax is owed unless you exceed your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption.
Superfunding: $95,000 in One Year
Superfunding lets you front-load 5 years of gift exclusions into a single contribution. In 2026: $95,000 per beneficiary (single) or $190,000 (married couple). No additional gifts to the same beneficiary can be made for 5 years. Requires filing IRS Form 709 with the 5-year election.
529 to Roth IRA Rollover (SECURE 2.0 Act — Effective 2024)
Unused 529 funds can now roll to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary — up to $35,000 lifetime. Requirements: account open 15+ years; annual rollovers capped at the Roth IRA limit ($7,000 in 2026); beneficiary must have earned income; contributions from the last 5 years cannot be rolled. This dramatically reduces the risk of overfunding a 529.
Qualified 529 Expenses in 2026
- College tuition and fees at any eligible institution (domestic and many international)
- Room and board (up to the school’s cost of attendance allowance)
- Books, supplies, equipment, and required technology
- K-12 tuition — up to $10,000/year per beneficiary
- Student loan repayment — up to $10,000 lifetime per beneficiary ($10,000 per sibling)
- Registered apprenticeship programs with the Department of Labor
- Graduate and professional school expenses
How 529 Plan Tax Benefits Work
Federal Tax Benefits
There is no federal income tax deduction for 529 contributions. However, all investment earnings grow completely tax-free and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free. On a $100,000 balance growing at 6% for 10 years, the tax-free earnings save approximately $15,000–$25,000 compared to a taxable brokerage account.
State Tax Benefits
34 states plus Washington D.C. offer a state income tax deduction or credit. The value depends on your state tax rate and deduction cap. Example: New York filers contributing $10,000 MFJ at 6.85% state rate save $685/year. Colorado and West Virginia filers with unlimited deductions can save $1,500–$2,500+/year on large contributions. See the State Tax Benefits tab for all 50 states.
529 Plan FAFSA Impact
A parent-owned 529 is a parental asset on the FAFSA, reducing aid eligibility by a maximum of 5.64% of the account value — a modest impact. A $50,000 529 balance reduces aid by at most $2,820. Since the 2024–25 FAFSA simplification, grandparent-owned 529 plans no longer affect financial aid at all, making grandparent contributions an especially powerful strategy.
529 vs. Other College Savings Options
| Account | Tax-Free Growth | State Deduction | Annual Limit | Non-Education Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 529 Plan | ✅ Yes | ✅ Many states | Up to $596K total balance | 10% + tax on earnings only |
| Coverdell ESA | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | $2,000/yr | 10% + tax on earnings |
| Roth IRA (education) | ✅ Yes (if 5-yr rule met) | ❌ No | $7,000/yr | None (reduces retirement savings) |
| UGMA/UTMA | ❌ No | ❌ No | No limit | None (child’s asset) |
| Taxable Brokerage | ❌ No | ❌ No | No limit | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no annual IRS contribution limit for 529 plans, but amounts above the $19,000 annual gift tax exclusion per beneficiary require filing Form 709. Married couples can contribute $38,000/year. Superfunding allows $95,000 (single) or $190,000 (MFJ) in a single year by front-loading 5 years of exclusions. Total state plan balance limits range from $235,000 to $596,000 depending on state.
Starting at birth for a public in‑state university, saving approximately $775–$800/month at a 6.5% return should cover projected costs of roughly $317,000 (4‑year total, 5% inflation). For private college (projected ~$668,000), you’d need about $1,630/month. If you start later or already have savings, your required amount will be lower. Use the calculator for your exact personalized number.
Key 2026 rules: (1) Annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000/beneficiary ($38,000 for married couples). (2) Superfunding allows $95,000/$190,000 in one year. (3) SECURE 2.0 Roth IRA rollover: up to $35,000 lifetime, $7,000/year, after 15+ years of account ownership. (4) K-12 tuition up to $10,000/year qualifies. (5) Student loan repayment up to $10,000 lifetime qualifies. (6) Apprenticeship programs registered with the Department of Labor qualify.
You have several options: (1) Change beneficiary to another qualifying family member — tax-free. (2) Roll over up to $35,000 lifetime to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary (SECURE 2.0, after 15 years of ownership). (3) Use for K-12 tuition, student loans, or apprenticeship programs. (4) Withdraw with income tax plus 10% penalty on earnings only — contributions always come out penalty-free. The Roth rollover option has dramatically reduced overfunding risk.
A parent-owned 529 is counted as a parental asset on the FAFSA, reducing aid eligibility by at most 5.64% of the account value — a modest impact compared to the tax benefits. Grandparent-owned 529 plans no longer appear on the FAFSA at all as of the 2024–25 FAFSA simplification, making grandparent contributions especially attractive. Student-owned 529s are treated as parental assets (not the higher 20% student rate) if the student is a dependent.
States with unlimited (full) deductions: Colorado, New Mexico, South Carolina, West Virginia. Highest capped deductions: Pennsylvania ($17,000/beneficiary, any plan), Illinois ($10,000/$20,000 MFJ), Mississippi ($10,000/$20,000), Nebraska ($10,000). Best credit: Indiana (20% up to $1,500). No-benefit states: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina — residents may benefit from low-fee national plans (Utah my529, NY 529 Direct, Nevada Vanguard 529).
Yes — federally, up to $10,000/year per beneficiary from a 529 can be used for K-12 tuition at any public, private, or religious school. However, some states do not conform to this federal rule and may treat K-12 withdrawals as non-qualified at the state level. Always check your specific state’s 529 rules before using funds for K-12 to avoid unexpected state tax consequences.
Superfunding is an IRS election (on Form 709) that lets you contribute 5 years of annual gift exclusions to a 529 in one year. In 2026: $95,000 per beneficiary for single filers, or $190,000 for married couples gift-splitting. During the 5-year period, you cannot make additional taxable gifts to the same beneficiary. This is particularly powerful for grandparents making large lump-sum contributions and for maximizing early tax-free growth.
Disclaimer: This 529 College Savings Calculator and guide are for informational and planning purposes only and do not constitute financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. 529 plan rules, contribution limits, state deductions, and investment options change frequently. College cost projections are estimates based on historical trends and are not guaranteed. Investment returns are hypothetical — past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult a qualified financial advisor, CPA, or your state’s 529 plan administrator. IRS reference: IRS Topic 313 — Qualified Tuition Programs | College Board Trends in College Pricing