Frequently Asked Questions

 

Review this section for frequently asked questions about our services or financial planning in general.

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what are the benefits of 529 college savings plan?

529 College Savings Plan is tax advantaged education savings plan. Owner (Parent or Grandparent) makes after tax contribution and names the beneficiary. Funds withdrawn and used for qualified education expenses are tax free.

Owner of the account is in control. Owner can change the beneficiaries any time.

New York State is one of the states that provides State Tax deduction for the 529 College Savings Plan up to $5,000 per individual and $10,000 for the couple.

Beneficiary of 529 College Savings Plan does not have to attend the college where the owner or beneficiary resides or where the account is held, can attend the college in any state.

what if the beneficiary doesn’t go to college or distributions are used for other expenses?

You can change the beneficiary anytime.

Non-qualified distributions are subject to federal and state taxes and 10% penalty on earnings.

How much can you contribute to 529 college savings plan?

You can contribute any amount but in order to avoid gift tax liability, you can contribute up to annual gift tax exclusion limit per year or you have the option to contribute up to 5 times the annual gift tax exclusion amount. If you contribute 5 times the annual gift tax exclusion amount, you cannot contribute any more for a total of five years.

What is the gift tax exempt annual contribution limit for 2026?

Annual Gift Tax exclusion amount you can gift any one is $19,000, that means a couple can give away $38,000 a year to any number of individuals and does not have to pay gift tax. You can gift more than $19,000 a year but you have to file Gift Tax Return and use the excess amount from the Life Time exclusion amount.

What is the lifetime estate and gift tax exclusion amount for 2026?

Lifetime Federal Estate and Gift Tax exclusion amount for 2026 is $15 million per individual.

Estate and Gift Tax exclusion amount for New York state for 2026 is $7.35 million per Individual.

how much can you contribute to retirement plans in 2026?

Maximum annual contribution to Tax Deferred Retirement Plans such as 401k and 403b plans is $24,500. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $8,000 in 2026.

Maximum IRA contribution to Traditional IRA or Roth IRA in 2026 is $7,500 and an additional $1,100 if you are 50 years or older. Contributions to Roth IRA are not tax deductible. Contributions to Traditional IRA tax-deduction is based upon the income.