Coverdell Education Savings Accounts: Rules and Benefits
Coverdell ESAs can be a tax-efficient way to save for educational expenses.
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What is a Coverdell ESA?
A Coverdell education savings account is a special investment account used to save for educational expenses. You can contribute up to $2,000 a year to a Coverdell account, and any investment growth in the account is not taxable if the beneficiary uses the money for qualified educational expenses. The account can also be used to pay for eligible K-12 expenses.
How a Coverdell ESA works
Here are some of the most important things to know about Coverdell accounts.
Eligibility
To open a Coverdell education savings account:
The beneficiary for the Coverdell must be under 18. There are exceptions if the beneficiary has functional needs.
The account has to be defined as a Coverdell ESA on the day it is opened.
The documents to open and establish the account have to be in writing.
Contribution limits
You can have more than one Coverdell account for a beneficiary, but the total contribution to all accounts cannot exceed $2,000 per year.
Income limits
You can only open a Coverdell account if your income is below certain limits.
If you file your taxes jointly and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is over $220,000 per year ($110,000 for single filers), you aren't eligible to contribute to a Coverdell ESA.
If your MAGI is between $190,000 and $220,000 (joint filers) or between $95,000 and $110,000 (single filers), you can contribute a partial amount (a financial advisor can walk you through the calculation).
If your MAGI is under $190,000 per year ($95,000 for single filers), you’re eligible to contribute the full amount.
Distributions
Generally speaking, the beneficiary of a Coverdell ESA can withdraw money from the account tax-free, as long as the money is put toward qualified educational expenses. The definition of what qualifies is fairly broad: Funds can be used for tuition, books and supplies, tutoring, and in some cases transportation or room and board.
Nonqualified distributions are taxable, and they also trigger a 10% penalty, so it’s important to understand whether an expense is qualified before taking a distribution. If you’re unsure about whether a distribution meets the criteria, consult with a qualified financial advisor to avoid making a costly error.
The funds in a Coverdell ESA must be distributed by the time the beneficiary turns 30 (there are exceptions if the beneficiary has special needs).
You are allowed once a year to change the beneficiary of a Coverdell account to another family member.
Coverdell ESA vs. 529 plans
ESAs and 529 plans are similar in that contributions are considered tax-deferred. However, there are a few key differences between the two.
Coverdell ESA | 529 Plan | |
|---|---|---|
Eligibility | Beneficiary must be under 18 when account is opened; the funds must be distributed by the time beneficiary is 30. | No age restrictions, no time limit on use. |
Income limits | $220,000 per year for joint filers ($110,000 for single filers). | None. |
Contribution limits | Total cumulative contribution to all Coverdell accounts for a beneficiary cannot exceed $2,000 per year. | None, although states that offer a tax deduction for contributions may cap the deduction. Contributions may trigger gift tax. |
Distributions | No limit on withdrawals for qualified college or K-12 expenses. | No limit on withdrawals for qualified college expenses; $10,000 cap per year for qualified K-12 expenses. |
Tax benefits | Contributions are not deductible. Investment gains aren’t taxable if the money is used for education. | Some states may offer a tax deduction for contributions. Investment gains aren’t taxable if the money is used for education. |
Is a Coverdell ESA right for me?
Depending on your financial situation, opening a Coverdell ESA might be a great fit for you and your family. As always, it's best to consult with your tax professional or financial advisor before making a selection on the best fit for you.
If you’re looking for tax-deferred savings toward education with more flexibility regarding your investment choices, then a Coverdell might make sense for you.
If you’d like to contribute more than $2,000 per year toward educational savings, you might consider opening a 529 plan instead, or in addition to a Coverdell.
