Girl reading book
Girl reading book

A 529 plan is a flexible tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help families pay for college. Earnings on 529 investments accumulate tax-free, and distributions are tax-exempt if they’re used for qualified education expenses including room and board, tuition, books, and much more.

Non-qualified withdrawals are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of earnings and may also be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

For over two decades, West Virginia’s SMART529 plan has helped make saving for college easier. With features such as federal and state tax advantages, no initial contribution minimums, and flexible investment options, higher education may just be one small, smart step away.

When you are ready to open an account, these steps can help you prepare:

  • Gather the information needed to open an account with our New Account Checklist
  • Review your college savings choices and the available SMART529 plans to choose an investment option that’s right for you.

Opening an account online only takes about 10 minutes:

  1. Gather required information*
  2. Evaluate your college savings needs and choosing the investment options that are right for you.
  3. Read the SMART529 Offering Statement. This offering statement contains information about fees, expenses, performance history, and risks.

*The account owner or beneficiary must be a West Virginia resident.

A 529 plan is a flexible tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help families pay for college. Earnings on 529 investments accumulate tax-free, and distributions are tax-exempt if they’re used for qualified education expenses including room and board, tuition, books, and much more.

Non-qualified withdrawals are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of earnings and may also be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

For over two decades, West Virginia’s SMART529 plan has helped make saving for college easier. With features such as federal and state tax advantages, no initial contribution minimums, and flexible investment options, higher education may just be one small, smart step away.

When you are ready to open an account, these steps can help you prepare:

  • Gather the information needed to open an account with our New Account Checklist
  • Review your college savings choices and the available SMART529 plans to choose an investment option that’s right for you.

Opening an account online only takes about 10 minutes:

  1. Gather required information*
  2. Evaluate your college savings needs and choosing the investment options that are right for you.
  3. Read the SMART529 Offering Statement. This offering statement contains information about fees, expenses, performance history, and risks.

*The account owner or beneficiary must be a West Virginia resident.

A Plan For Everyone

Parents

Higher education can be expensive, and that’s where SMART529 WV Direct can help. Saving for a future college education is a great advantage for a child. No matter what your child’s age or anticipated date of college enrollment, the sooner you start saving, the better.

 

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Father and son flying a kite

Grandparents

From the time they are born, your grandchildren become a special part of your life. Whether you live close by or far away, the love you have for them is near and dear. You can be there for them and take part in an important role – saving for their future education.

 

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Bright Babies Program

SMART529, West Virginia's Education Savings Plan is pleased to offer the Bright Babies program to help newparents get a head start on saving!

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bright babies contest

In December 2022, as part of the government’s year-end spending bill, the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 was signed into law by the President. This Act permits an additional type of qualified distribution for 529 plan assets by allowing limited tax and penalty-free 529 plan rollovers to Roth IRA accounts effective 1/1/2024. This increased flexibility may help to address the needs of account owners whose beneficiaries do not pursue higher education or who have leftover funds within their 529 account due to their beneficiary receiving a scholarship. There are several key provisions of the Act as it relates to these rollovers which you can learn more about here.
SMART 529