What are the advantages of a Coverdell ESA?

Compares how your education savings grow in a tax-deferred Coverdell ESA versus a regular taxable account.

Savings

Annual savings amount ?

The annual amount between $0 and $2000 you will set aside in the Coverdell account.

Number of years contributions are made ?

The number of years you plan to make contributions to the Coverdell account.

Assumptions

Before-tax return on savings ?

The return you anticipate to receive on your college savings accounts.

Table of Historic Rates of Return. Inflation 2.9%, U.S. Treasury Bills 3.3%, Long-term Government Bonds 5.0%, U.S. Large-Company Stocks 10.4%, and U.S. Small-Company Stocks 11.8%. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Source: Ibbotson SBBI 1926-2024

Marginal tax bracket ?

Unlike the tax-deferred Coverdell account, enter the tax rate you would pay on any earnings in an alternative taxable college savings account. This rate will be used for comparison purposes.

Table of Federal Income Brackets and Rates. Tax Rate For Single Filers For Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns For Heads of Households 10% $0 to $11,925 $0 to $23,850 $0 to $17,000 12% $11,925 to $48,475 $23,850 to $96,950 $17,000 to $64,850 22% $48,475 to $103,350 $96,950 to $206,700 $64,850 to $103,350 24% $103,350 to $197,300 $206,700 to $394,600 $103,350 to $197,300 32% $197,300 to $250,525 $394,600 to $501,050 $197,300 to $250,500 35% $250,525 to $626,350 $501,050 to $751,600 $250,500 to $626,350 37% $626,350 or more $751,600 or more $626,350 or more.

Enter your values and select Calculate.

Tax-deferral can have a dramatic effect on the growth of an investment. With the new Coverdell ESA (formerly known as the Education IRA) your contributions can grow tax-deferred and distributed income tax-free as long as distributions are used for qualified education expenses. These costs can include school uniforms, computers, and transportation for elementary or secondary school, public, private or religious. An annual limit of $2,000 per year for any individual under age 18 applies. Once the beneficiary reaches age 18 they can take control of the account but funds must be used by the time the beneficiary turns 30 years of age or transferred to a younger sibling. The ability to contribute to a Coverdell ESA is phased out based on the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). The annual contribution deadline is April 15 of the following year.

This information may help you analyze your financial needs. It is based on information and assumptions provided by you regarding your goals, expectations and financial situation. The calculations do not infer that the company assumes any fiduciary duties. The calculations provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Hypothetical illustrations may provide historical or current performance information. Past performance does not guarantee nor indicate future results.