How Michigan Launched a College Savings Program That Jump Started the 529 Plan Across America
If you’re a typical parent, it’s likely you’ve never heard of the Michigan Education Trust (MET) but it spearheaded the 529 plan movement. Proposed in 1986, this program was intended to “help parents guarantee their children the opportunity of a Michigan college education.” This new fund afforded parents the option to pay a nominal stipulated amount in return for the state agreeing to pay tuition at any Michigan public college.
The plan proved to be largely successful. Within four years over 50,000 Michigan citizens had enrolled in MET. Inspired by this, additional states decided to launch their own version of the program. In 1990 Michigan was able to alleviate even more of the financial burden for those who participated by winning a suit against the IRS to make the program tax-exempt.
This win led to a widespread bipartisan effort to have the tax-exempt status be applied to all college savings plans and qualified state tuition programs. This was achieved in 1996 with the passing of the Small Business Protection Act. Congress added Section 529 to the Internal Revenue Code and thus the 529 Plan was born.
To learn more about 529 plan and how to leverage it in your favor, please visit us at www.U-Nest.com. To preregister for the U-Nest app, provide us with your email address.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. You should consult your own financial, legal, and tax advisors before engaging in any transaction. Information, including hypothetical projections of finances, may not take into account taxes, commissions, or other factors which may significantly affect potential outcomes. This material should not be considered an offer or recommendation to buy or sell a security. While information and sources are believed to be accurate, UNest does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information or source provided herein and is under no obligation to update this information.
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Hear what trusted money experts say about why UTMA and UGMA accounts can be a smart way to invest for a child’s future.
There are some tax advantages to using UGMA and UTMA accounts… Since they’re in your child’s name, the accounts will be taxed according to their tax bracket… There are no contribution limits on UGMA and UTMA accounts.
Dave Ramsey
Personal Finance Expert
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Investing for your kid’s future
Dave Ramsey
Personal Finance Expert
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...you could consider opening an account where you can dive deeper with the kids by your side. The easiest way to do so is to open a custodial account, known as an UGMA ... or UTMA ... account.
Jill Schlesinger
Emmy winning Business Analyst
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Straightforward “starter” investing account for kids
JILL SCHLESINGER
Emmy winning Business Analyst
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You can give children money that can accumulate somewhat tax-free over time... I love them (UTMAs) because they were like, trusts that you didn't need lawyers to create.... I think it's one of the better tax breaks around though. I know hunting for tax breaks may not sound very exciting, but that's how you take care of your family.
Jim Cramer
CNBC Host
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Give children money that can accumulate over time
Jim Cramer
CNBC Host
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