Yes. You can change the beneficiary of a 529 account without penalty if the new beneficiary is a family member of the old beneficiary. Members of the family include children and their descendants, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, parents, step-parents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, first cousins, and in-laws of the original beneficiary. While there is no penalty for changing the beneficiary to another family member, gift taxes and generation-skipping transfer taxes might result. Some plans may charge an administrative fee to process the change. Also, states are free to impose certain restrictions. For example, a state may prohibit a beneficiary switch once the original beneficiary has begun making withdrawals from the 529 account. Check the rules of any plan you’re considering for more information.
Note: Before investing in a 529 plan, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses, which contain this and other information about the investment options, underlying investments, and investment company, can be obtained by contacting your financial professional. You should read these materials carefully before investing. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also the risk that the investments may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Investment earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis, and withdrawals are tax-free as long as they are used for qualified education expenses. For withdrawals not used for qualified education expenses, earnings may be subject to taxation as ordinary income and possibly a 10% federal income tax penalty. The tax implications of a 529 plan should be discussed with your legal and/or tax professionals because they can vary significantly from state to state. Also be aware that most states offer their own 529 plans, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers. These other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.
This content has been reviewed by FINRA. Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2024 Broadridge Financial Services, Inc.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any individual's personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2021.