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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. For a rollover contribution, only the principal portion is eligible for the deduction. Contribution deadline is December 31 postmark. For tax years ending on or before December 31, 2024, employers may claim a credit against Illinois tax for 25% of matching contributions made to an employee's account in an Illinois 529 plan, with a maximum annual credit of $500 per employee. Unused credits may be carried forward for five years.
Which 529 plans does Illinois offer?
Illinois offers two 529 savings plans available to residents of any state. Direct-sold Bright Start College Savings Program is managed by Ascensus, while the advisor-sold Bright Directions Plan is managed by Union Bank & Trust.
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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