If distributions are made in excess
of qualified education expenses, and don't fall under a few notable exceptions, income tax and a 10 % penalty will apply.
The money in the account may be withdrawn tax - free if the funds are used for
qualified education expenses at an eligible college, university, or other institute of higher learning.
The deduction can be up to $ 4,000 (depending on income and expense amounts) and is based
on qualified education expenses paid to an eligible post secondary educational institution.
In many cases, scholarship funds used for
qualified education expenses don't count toward taxable income, which means they won't increase your tax liability for the year.
The credit consists of 100 % of the first $ 2,000
of qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees and course materials, and 25 % of the next $ 2,000.
The assets can be used for
qualified education expenses at a long list of two - year colleges, trade schools, graduate schools and even some international institutions.
But, according to the Adjustments to
Qualified Education Expenses section in this document from the IRS, the regulations don't say anything about what the scholarship is used for but instead what is allowed to be used for.
The interest on both bond types can be tax free if used for
qualified education expenses as long as you fall within the income limitations ($ 92, 550 for single filers or $ 146,300 or joint filers).
You can use the funds to pay for a variety of
qualified education expenses like tuition, room and board, books, course - specific fees, supplies, and eligible trade and technical school expenses.
The AOTC is one of the more beneficial credits because it allows taxpayers to claim all of the first $ 2,000 in
qualified education expenses per year, per student.
Georgia's
Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit, a tax - credit scholarship program, was enacted and launched in 2008 to help prior public school students access schools that best fit their needs.
The program, which is considered the broadest school choice program in the country because it's not limited by factors such as family income, allows parents to claim most of their child's per - pupil state education funding and use it toward private school tuition or
other qualified education expenses.
Qualified education expenses include tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible postsecondary educational institution, but not including personal, living, or family expenses, such as room and board.
Contributions made to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn tax - free if used for
a qualified education expense.
Sure, the 529 plan allows parents to save money in a tax - deferred account with no taxes on distributions if used for
qualified education expenses, but why not manufacture a similar outcome with a retirement vehicle?