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Highlights of College Savings Plans (Sec 529 Plans)
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Article Highlights:Benefits of College Savings PlansContributionsPlan Modifications by Recent Tax ActsPrudence in Using the FundsGift Tax Twist The Qualified State Tuition Plan, often referred to as the Sec 529 Plan, is a tax-beneficial incentive for parents, grandparents, and others to save money for an individual’s future college tuition and fees. There is no federal tax deduction for making contributions. But the tax benefit of these plans is that the earnings within the plan accumulate tax-deferred and then are tax-free when withdrawn if used for college tuition and related qualified expenses. Let’s take a simplified example.Example: Jo’s parents establish a 529 plan when she is age 5, and contribute $10,000 to the plan. The $10,000 is invested in mutual funds that pay dividends of $400 per year. The tax on the dividends is deferred until the time when funds are withdrawn from the plan, and only payable if the distribution isn’t used for eligible education expenses. Let’s say that Jo enters college in 13 years and with the dividends earned over those years and an increase in the value of the original $10,000 to $15,000, the account is worth $20,200. Jo’s tuition and related expenses for her first semester is $25,000. The entire $20,200 is withdrawn to pay those expenses, so none of the dividends received and none of the $5,000 gain in the value of the account will be taxable. If Jo’s parents were in a 24% tax bracket, the tax savings by investing in the 529 plan compared to putting $10,000 in a regular brokerage account will be at least $1,530. The benefit would be compounded if more than $10,000 was contributed to the 529 plan. Contributions - To maximize the tax benefits of a plan, it should be established for a child as soon after birth as possible when funds are available for contribution. For tax purposes, there is no limit on the amount that can be contributed, but contributions are considered gifts and each individual contributing to a plan would have to file a gift tax return if the gift exceeds the annual inflation-adjusted gift tax exclusion, which is $16,000 for 2022 (up from $15,000 for years 2018 through 2021). A special gift provision permits a contributor to contribute up to 5 times the annual gift tax exclusion amount to a qualified tuition account in a single year and treat the contribution as having been made ratably over the five-year period beginning with the calendar year in which the contribution is made. Why would someone want to do this? Because by front-loading the contributions, they would accelerate the accumulation of earnings within the account. When making 5 years’ worth of 529 plan contributions in one year, a gift tax return is required in the year of contribution. If the contributor dies within the 5-year period, any amount contributed that is allocable to the years within the five-year period remaining after the year of the contributor’s death are includible in the contributor’s gross estate for estate tax purposes. Although the income and gift tax laws don’t cap how much can be contributed to a qualified tuition plan, the 529 plans do limit the maximum amount that can be contributed per beneficiary based on the projected cost of a college education, and the maximum amount will vary between plans, though most have limits in excess of $200,000, with some topping $475,000. Generally, once an account reaches that level, additional contributions cannot be made, but that doesn’t prevent the account from continuing to grow.
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Tax and Financial Insights
by NR CPAs & Business Advisors
2026 IRS Mileage Rates: Key Updates and Insights
The IRS has rolled out the inflation-adjusted mileage rates for 2026, offering taxpayers an efficient way to claim deductions for vehicle-related expenses incurred for business, charity, medical, or moving purposes. These adjustments reflect the continued economic shifts impacting car operation costs.
Effective January 1, 2026, the new standard mileage rates are established as follows:
- Business Travel: Increased to 72.5 cents per mile, inclusive of a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation. This marks a rise from the 70 cents per mile rate set for 2025
- Medical/Moving Purposes: Reduced slightly to 20.5 cents per mile, down from 21 cents in the previous year, reflecting the variable cost considerations.
- Charitable Contributions: Consistent at 14 cents per mile, a fixed rate unchanged for over a quarter-century.
As is typical, the business mileage rate considers the integral fixed and variable costs of automobile operation. Meanwhile, the medical and moving rates remain contingent on variable expenses as determined by the IRS study.
It is critical to note that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) held firm on disallowing moving expense deductions except for specific cases within the Armed Forces and intelligence community, marking a substantial shift since 2017.
When engaging in charitable work, taxpayers might opt for a direct expense deduction over the per-mile method, covering gas and oil costs. However, comprehensive upkeep and insurance costs are non-deductible expenses.
Business Vehicle Use Considerations: Taxpayers can alternatively compute vehicle expenses using actual costs, which might benefit from shifting depreciation rules, particularly through bonuses and first-year advantages. Keep in mind, however, reverting from actual cost calculations to standard rates in subsequent years is restricted, particularly per vehicle protocol and when exceeding four vehicles in concurrent use.
Additionally, parking, tolls, and property taxes attributable to business can be deducted independently of the general rate, an often-overlooked advantage by many business owners.
Tax Strategies for Employers and Employees: Reimbursements based on the standard mileage framework, providing the right documentation is in place, remain tax-free for employees. Meanwhile, the elimination and continued prohibition of unreimbursed employee deductions continue, with particular exceptions offered to qualified personnel across specific occupations.
Opportunities for Self-employed Individuals: Entrepreneurs remain eligible for deductions on business-related vehicle use via Schedule C, with potential to account for business-use interest on auto loans.
Heavy SUVs and Deduction Advantages: Heavier vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds but under 14,000 pounds open opportunities for substantial tax deductions through Section 179 and bonus depreciation avenues. The lifecycle of such a vehicle bears implications on recapturing initially claimed deductions, urging cautious tax planning.
For professional guidance on optimizing your vehicle-related tax deductions and understanding their implications on tax strategies, contact our office in Coral Gables, Florida, where expert advice and strategic insights are just a call away.
Educator's Deduction Reform: Key Changes Under OBBBA
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant enhancements for educators' tax deductions starting in 2026, offering both strategic opportunities and planning considerations for educators who qualify. With the reinstated itemized deduction for qualified unreimbursed expenses, educators have a broader spectrum of financial relief. This is complemented by the retention of the $350 above-the-line deduction, allowing educators to maximize their tax benefits by selectively allocating expenses between these avenues.
Understanding the nuances of these changes is crucial for educators and financial advisors alike. The dual-option deduction strategy can potentially enhance tax efficiency, thereby aligning with broader financial planning goals.
At NR CPAs & Business Advisors, based in Coral Gables, Florida, our expertise in tax preparation and planning provides invaluable support to educators navigating these changes. Our comprehensive approach, combined with personalized advice from our experienced team, ensures compliance and optimization in line with the latest tax legislations.
Given these updates, it is imperative to engage with seasoned professionals to fully leverage your deduction strategies. Contact us today to streamline your tax planning under OBBBA's new guidelines and maximize your deductions for upcoming tax years.
