Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)

 

What is a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)?

An ESA is a tax-advantaged trust account that can assist families in funding educational expenses for beneficiaries. ESA account funds can be used for primary and secondary schools (K-12) as well as higher education. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free if they are used on qualified education expenses. Contributions are limited to $2,000 per child per year.

 

TL;DR – A Coverdell ESA is a tax-advantaged account that allows qualifying individuals to save for a beneficiary’s education until he/she reaches 18.

 

Eligibility

  • Single filers must make below $95K MAGI*

  • Married filing jointly must make below $190K MAGI*

  • Beneficiaries must be age 18 or younger when the account is established

Contribution Limits

  • $2,000 per child per year up to age 18

Withdrawals

  • Withdrawals can be made tax-free for qualified education expenses.

  • Funds must be used by the time a student is age 30

  • Withdrawals for non-qualified expenses or after beneficiary turns age 30 will be subject to taxes and 10% penalty

Taxes

  • Contributions are made with after-tax dollars (no tax deduction)

  • Earnings grow tax-free

  • Withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified educational expenses; otherwise, subject to taxes and 10% penalty

 

*Modified adjusted grows income (MAGI) is simply adjusted gross income (AGI) before subtracting deductible student loan interest.

 
Edward Oh