If you have a child or grandchild who’s heading to college in the future, you may wonder about investing in a qualified tuition program or 529 plan. You don’t get a federal tax deduction for a contribution, but the earnings aren’t taxed while the funds are in the program. (There may be a state deduction in your state.) You can change the beneficiary without income tax consequences. Distributions are tax-free up to the amount of the qualified higher education expenses. These include tuition (including up to $10,000 in tuition for an elementary or secondary public school), fees, books, supplies and required equipment. Room and board is also a qualified expense if enrolled at least half time.
