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Stable Rock

11/15/2024

Key Takeaways

  • Turn Unused 529 Funds into Retirement Savings: Roll over up to $35,000 of leftover 529 plan funds into a Roth IRA for your child, giving them an early boost on tax-free retirement savings.
  • Know the Rules Before Rolling Over: The 529 plan must be at least 15 years old, rollovers are subject to annual IRA contribution limits, and the beneficiary must have earned income.
  • Maximize Long-Term Financial Growth: By starting a Roth IRA early, your child’s savings can grow tax-free for decades, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars by retirement.

Many families are finding themselves with more money in their child’s 529 plan than anticipated. This surplus is due to a combination of factors, including colleges awarding more financial aid and a rise in trade school and non-traditional education paths. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to fund future education costs, such as tuition, fees, room and board, and books.

The good news is that a recent change in legislation offers a new solution!  The SECURE 2.0 Act, effective in 2024, allows you to roll over unused funds from a 529 plan into the beneficiary’s Roth IRA under certain conditions. This can be a fantastic way to jumpstart your child’s retirement savings and maximize the benefits of their educational savings.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points to consider:

  • Timing: This rollover option is available starting in 2024.
  • Plan Age: The 529 plan must have been open for at least 15 years to qualify.
  • Lifetime Limit: The maximum amount that can be rolled over is $35,000 per beneficiary.
  • Roth IRA Ownership: The Roth IRA must be established in the name of the 529 plan beneficiary.
  • Contribution Limits: Contributions made within the past five years to the 529 plan (and any earnings on those contributions) are not eligible for rollover.
  • Annual Rollover Limit: The amount rolled over each year cannot exceed the annual IRA contribution limit, minus any other IRA contributions made by the beneficiary that year.
  • Rollover Process: The rollover must be completed as a direct plan-to-plan or trustee-to-trustee transfer. You cannot withdraw funds from the 529 plan and then deposit them into the Roth IRA.
  • Income Eligibility: Unlike traditional IRA contributions, income limitations don’t apply to rollovers from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA.
  • Earned Income Requirement: The beneficiary must have earned income to be eligible for a rollover. The amount rolled over cannot exceed the beneficiary’s earned income for the year.

The Benefits of a 529 to Roth IRA Rollover

By taking advantage of this new opportunity, you can help your child:

Start building tax-free retirement savings early: Roth IRA contributions grow tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement, if certain requirements are met. This can be a significant advantage compared to traditional IRAs, where contributions may be tax-deductible but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income.

Stretch their retirement savings further: The earlier they begin saving, the more time their money has to grow through compound interest. Even seemingly small contributions early on can make a big difference over decades.

For example, let’s say you roll over $5,000 per year into your child’s Roth IRA starting at age 18. Assuming an average annual return of 7%, their Roth IRA could be worth over $900,000 by the time they reach retirement age at 67.

Additional Considerations

It’s important to weigh the potential benefits of a rollover against any drawbacks. Here are a few additional factors to consider:

529 Plan Advantages Not Transferred: Funds remaining in a 529 plan can still be used for qualified education expenses without penalty. Rollover funds, however, are dedicated solely to retirement savings and cannot be accessed for education purposes.

Impact on Financial Aid: While rollovers don’t directly affect financial aid eligibility, the future growth of the Roth IRA could technically be considered an asset and may be factored into financial aid calculations when your child applies for college aid.

Consulting a Financial Advisor

Given the complexities involved, consulting with a tax advisor like Stable Rock can be extremely beneficial. We can help you assess your specific situation, considering factors such as your child’s age, educational goals, and overall financial picture. We can also help you navigate the rollover process and ensure it is completed correctly to avoid any tax penalties.

By carefully considering these factors and consulting with a professional, you can determine if a 529 plan to Roth IRA rollover is the right strategy to jumpstart your child’s retirement savings and help them achieve their long-term financial goals.