Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
What is a Coverdell Savings Account (CESA)?
Coverdell Education Savings Account, commonly referred to as a CESA account, is an option to be considered as you start saving for college for yourself or a loved one. As with any savings plan, knowing what your goals and timeline are can be the first steps in reaching your goals. By meeting with a Financial Advisor, you’ll have years of experience at your disposal and access to resources to help guide your decision.
Understanding Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
- CESAs are similar to 529 plans in that they are tax-free as long as qualified distributions are made but only $2,000 a year can be added. You can also use the funds in a CESA for some K-12 education expenses
- CESAs can be opened on behalf of your child, grandchild, niece, etc. However, if you are not the parent or legal guardian for the minor, the parent or legal guardian should be added to the account as well. Anyone can make contribution to the account up to the yearly maximum of $2,000 a year.
- The account balance grows through deposits and interest. Your principal and interest earned will never diminish, just like any other savings account.
- Only cash contributions are allowed
Funds must be withdrawn from the Coverdell savings account by the time the beneficiary has reached the age of 30, except for special needs individuals in which case the beneficiary can receive benefits past the age of 30.
If the beneficiary has a means for income, they can make contributions to the account as well, which can help them to develop good savings habits. Also note that the account is considered an asset of the parent when applying for financial aid.
CESA Tax Information
The distributions you make on your CESA are tax-free as long as the money is used for education and you can use the funds at all accredited schools.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit can be claimed for the eligible student in the same year as an Education Savings Account distribution, as long as the distribution is not used to pay for the same costs used to claim the education credit. If withdrawals are not used for qualified education expenses, withdrawn earnings are included in the beneficiary's taxable income and are subject to an additional tax of 10%.
How and Where Can I Open a Coverdell Savings Account?
Coverdell Savings Accounts can be opened by contacting any of our local offices.
Get More Information
Download our College Funding Quick Guide. The Quick Guide will also include information about a Financial Advisor near you.
Investment and insurance products and services are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Infinex and First Commonwealth Bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Infinex are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value.
