Eligible expenses and withdrawals

Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, certain housing and food expenses, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for the enrollment and attendance of the beneficiary at an eligible educational institution. This includes most postsecondary institutions. Computers and related technology such as internet access fees, software or printers are also considered qualified higher education expenses when used primarily by the beneficiary when enrolled at an eligible educational institution.

Qualified higher education expenses also include certain additional enrollment and attendance costs at eligible educational institutions for any beneficiary with special needs.

Qualified higher education expenses also include (a) tuition in connection with enrollment or attendance at a primary or secondary public, private or religious school (up to a maximum of $20,000 of distributions per taxable year per beneficiary from all Section 529 programs); (b) expenses for fees, books, supplies and equipment required for the participation of a beneficiary in a certified apprenticeship program; (c) curriculum, instructional materials, tutoring by approved professionals (d), standardized test and dual enrollment fees; (e) licensed educational therapies for students with disabilities; (f) qualified expenses when enrolled in a recognized postsecondary credentialing program; and (g) amounts paid as principal or interest on any qualified education loan of either the beneficiary or a sibling of the beneficiary (up to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual). 1 Review the Plan Description for additional information, including the state tax treatment of withdrawals for these expenses.