34 states plus DC offer some kind of 529 tax deduction. The deduction caps range from $2,000 to unlimited. Some require an in-state plan, some allow any plan. Most in-state plans charge higher fees than best-of-breed competitors (Utah, Nevada, NY, Virginia). The right answer for your family depends on four numbers: your state's deduction cap, your state's marginal tax rate, your contribution plan, and the fee gap. Run them once.
Where you file matters more than where you invest. The state line on your tax return is what unlocks (or doesn't) a 529 deduction.
How much, for how many kids, for how many years. The deduction is per-tax-return per-year — so timing and account ownership matter.
These are the headline rules for your state. Defaults can be overridden — but only do so if you've verified the current year cap with your state revenue department or the official plan website.
The fee gap between an average state 529 and the lowest-cost national plans (Utah, NY, Nevada, Virginia) is usually 10-40 bps of total expense ratio. Over 18 years on a growing balance, that compounds.
Educational and informational purposes only. This calculator and any output it produces are intended solely for general educational and decision-support purposes. They do not constitute investment, tax, legal, accounting, or any other professional advice, and they do not create a fiduciary, attorney-client, accountant-client, or advisor-client relationship of any kind.
Estimates based on your inputs. All results are estimates derived from the data and assumptions you provide. State 529 rules change frequently — deduction caps, parity status, carryforward rules, recapture provisions, and AGI phase-outs are all subject to legislative update. The state-rules table built into this tool reflects rules as of the build date and may be out of date. Always verify the current year cap and rule with the official state 529 plan website and a CPA before contributing.
FAFSA and federal-tax rules change too. The FAFSA Simplification Act (effective 2024-25 award year) materially changed how grandparent-owned 529s are treated. Federal Secure Act 2.0 added the 529-to-Roth rollover. Both are subject to future legislative change. Verify before relying.
Consult your own qualified professionals. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Before acting on anything calculated here, consult your own attorney, CPA, or financial advisor licensed in your jurisdiction who has reviewed your specific facts and applicable current law.
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