How are contributions to a 529 plan treated for tax purposes?

Contributions to a 529 plan are made with after-tax dollars, meaning that individuals do not receive a federal tax deduction for these contributions. This is an essential aspect of how 529 plans function. While the contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, the investment growth within the 529 plan is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are also tax-free. This tax advantage makes 529 plans appealing for saving for education costs.

Contributions being treated as after-tax dollars clarifies that the money invested in a 529 plan has already been subject to income tax when earned, distinguishing it from other retirement accounts where contributions are often tax-deductible. This ensures that tax benefits are realized primarily during the withdrawal phase rather than at the contribution stage.