The Coverdell ESA and 529 Plans each have their own list of qualified withdrawals.

These accounts are comparable to …

Coverdell ESA (Coverdell Education Savings Account) and 529 plan are two widely used options in the United States to save for the above purposes. Types of accounts: 529 Plan: Two – Prepaid college tuition and savings plan; ESA: Only one; Control of account: 529 Plan: Account holder controls when withdrawals will be made and for what purpose, and can change beneficiaries at will. Unlike 529 savings plans, Coverdell ESAs are not state-run.

One is that only the Coverdell allows you to self-direct your investments, just like you might self-direct the investments in your IRA. Coverdell ESA (Coverdell Education Savings Account) and 529 plan are two widely used options in the United States to save for the above purposes. If you open an account for a minor child, you can’t make any contributions past their 18th birthday (unless the person is a special needs beneficiary). Not only do they allow for much larger contributions, but there are no qualifying income limits either. The Coverdell ESA offers superior investment flexibility, potentially lower costs, and tax free treatment for a wide range of elementary and secondary school (K-12) costs, compared to 529 college savings plans. You can only contribute to an ESA if your AGI is less than $110,000 per year ($220,000 for married couples filing jointly), but a 529 plan has no income limit. A Coverdell Education Savings Account, or Coverdell ESA, is the other main option designed to help Americans save for college. Comparing a Coverdell Education Savings Account to a 529 college savings plan might seem like putting a Big … With an ESA, you can choose almost anykind of option—stocks, bonds, mutual funds. Coverdell ESA vs 529 Plan. They can also benefit a student at any age, while the Coverdell ESA must be used by age 30. With the Coverdell ESA, money is deposited into the account while you are saving for college, and then later withdrawn for education expenses. Key Difference – Coverdell ESA vs 529 Education expenses are a considerable cost for a child, and many parents start saving when their children are at a very young age in order to ensure they receive a good education. Contribution Limit. Sometimes called a Coverdell ESA (named for the guy in Congress who pushed for it), an ESA differs from a 529 plan in a few ways. However, the Coverdell ESA comes with limitations that could make a 529 …

Remember, I like the 529 plan if and only if you are able to get some state tax deduction. The Best College Savings Plan You May Never Have Heard Of.

The other is that in addition to college expenses, Coverdells can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for a broad range of K-12 expenses, while 529 plans are limited to K-12 tuition. By Jacob Jaegle, CFP ® October 9, 2017. I like both the Coverdell ESA and 529 plans, but as a Georgia resident I would have to lean toward the Georgia 529 plan. It’s easy to get caught in the complex web of savings plans and strategies when you’re planning on financing your children’s college educations.

Learn the differences between 529 college savings plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) when it comes to saving for your child's education. Getty Images. You can contribute $2,000 to an eligible beneficiary’s ESA if you meet the adjusted gross income (AGI) requirements. The key difference between Coverdell ESA and 529 is that Coverdell ESA is a tax-advantaged educational savings plan to cover future elementary and secondary educational expenses whereas 529 is also a similar education savings … If owned by grandparent, it is not included in FAFSA.

What’s more, each family has their own set of financial priorities, unique circumstances and trade-offs to consider.

coverdell esa vs 529