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Illinois 529 plans
Illinois residents receive numerous state plan benefits.
Learn about state tax benefits ↓Illinois residents receive numerous state plan benefits.
Learn about state tax benefits ↓Featured 529 plans for Illinois residents:
Prepaid Plan
State tax deduction or credit
Contributions to an Illinois 529 plan of up to $10,000 per year by an individual, and up to $20,000 per year by a married couple filing jointly, are deductible in computing Illinois taxable income.
Which 529 plans does Illinois offer?
Illinois has two 529 college savings plans, as well as a prepaid tuition program. The direct-sold Bright Start College Savings Program and the Bright Directions Advisor-Guided 529 College Savings Program are managed by Union Bank & Trust. In November 2017 the Bright Start Advisor program was folded into Bright Directions. CollegeIlinois!, the state’s prepaid tuition program, is available only to Illinois residents.
Direct sold 529 plans
"Do-it-yourself" type plans in which the saver enrolls and sets up the initial investment. Fortunately most 529 plans make this simple! You'll pay no sales charges beyond fund and administrative fees.
Our rating
4 / 5
Special award
Advisor sold 529 plans
Plans offered by investment professionals. You'll gain the guidance of a financial advisor, but will incur sales charges and/or fees as you invest.
Our rating
4 / 5
Special award
ABLE Plans
529 ABLE accounts let Americans with disabilities save tax-deferred for education and other expenses without impacting eligibility for public benefits.
ABLE Plan
Illinois ABLE is offered through the National ABLE Alliance. The plan is established under the Illinois ABLE account program legislation and Section 529A to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life, and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, federal and Illinois medical and disability insurance, the beneficiary's employment, and other sources.
A good place to start:
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