What is Path2College 529 Plan?
The Path2College 529 plan created by the State of Georgia is designed to help individuals save for the cost of education after high school.
Why should I participate in Georgia's 529 Plan?
For Georgia income tax purposes, the plan allows a deduction for part of the contributions and an exclusion for the earnings when they are withdrawn and used for higher education expenses.
How much can I contribute to the 529 Plan?
College savings accounts may be opened with as little as $25 per investment option.
Is the Path2College 529 plan deduction pre-tax?
No, contributions to the GHESP are made on an after tax basis. Contributions to the GHESP grow tax free from federal and state income tax. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses will be free of both federal and Georgia income tax.
What is a "Qualified Higher Education Expense"?
Qualified Higher Education Expenses are tuition, fees and the cost of books, supplies and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of a beneficiary at an eligible educational institution.
What is an "Eligible Educational Institution"?
In general, eligible educational institutions are accredited, post secondary educational institutions offering credit toward a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, a graduate level or professional degree or another recognized post secondary credential.
What if my beneficiary decides not to attend school in Georgia?
Assets can be used at almost every institution of higher education, within Georgia or within the rest of the country, including undergraduate, graduate, medical, law and technical and vocational colleges/schools.
Are withdrawals from the plan tax-free?
Contributions to the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan grow free from federal and state income tax. Through the power of compounding, the money you save in a tax-deferred account can provide greater potential for growth. And withdrawals used for qualified expenses will be free of both federal and Georgia income tax.
Can I transfer this benefit to someone else?
If your child decides not to attend college, you may transfer funds in your account to certain other family members of the original beneficiary, including a sibling, first cousin, spouse - even yourself.
Are rollovers permitted under the 529 Plan?
You can roll over the money from another 529 Plan into your account to take advantage of the benefits of the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan.
What forms do I need to complete?
Click Here to enroll online
Complete both the Path2College 529 Plan Account Application and a Payroll Deduction Authorization form. Print a copy of your account setup confirmation. If you wish to make contributions via payroll deduction, a copy of the Payroll Deduction Form must be submitted to the Benefits Office.