For many parents, saving for their children’s future education is one of the first big financial goals that comes with starting a family. 529 college savings plans have long been the best tool available, offering tax advantages, investment growth potential, and flexibility.  

With that said, two questions often arise: “What if I save too much?” or “What if my child doesn’t end up needing the funds due to scholarships, career choices, or skipping college altogether?” To put these concerns at ease, it’s important to understand the rules, contribution limits, the available options, and any potential implications.  

Contribution Limits to Keep in Mind  

Unlike retirement accounts, there’s no annual IRS cap on contributions to 529 plans. Instead, states set total lifetime contribution limits that typically range between $300,000 and $500,000 per beneficiary. Given the high aggregate limits, this is generally not a concern for most people.  

Potential State Tax Benefits 

Many states offer annual state tax deductions or credits for 529 contributions. The limits significantly vary by state, and some states don’t offer a tax benefit for contributions at all. Most states require you to contribute to the state-sponsored 529 plan to get the tax benefit. It’s important to understand what your state offers. 

Gift Tax Considerations 

Contributions to a 529 plan are treated as gifts for tax purposes. In 2025, the annual exclusion amount is $19,000 per donor, per beneficiary ($38,000 for married couples). Larger contributions count against your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption.   

The IRS also allows a special provision called "superfunding," which allows you to frontload five years’ worth of gifts into a single year. This strategy can be effective, but it requires careful planning to avoid unintended tax consequences.  

What happens if I have excess 529 funds?  

One of the biggest advantages of a 529 plan is its flexibility. If a beneficiary doesn’t use all the funds, you have several options: 

1. Change the beneficiary to another qualifying family member. 
2. Apply the funds to graduate school or other eligible education costs. 
3. Use up to $10,000 per beneficiary to repay student loans. 
4. Transfer the funds into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary (subject to applicable limits).  
5. Keep the funds in the 529 plan as a legacy account for future grandchildren or other family members.  
6. Withdraw the funds for non-qualified expenses.   
   
   • This option subjects earnings (not contributions) to income tax and a 10% penalty.  
     

Other 529 Uses 

While 529 plans have traditionally been used to save for higher education expenses, it’s important to note that they can also be used for K-12 tuition. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress in July, expanded the list of K-12 expenses eligible for tax-free 529 distributions. These now include costs for curriculum materials, textbooks, tutoring, standardized test fees, and more. Additionally, the bill increased the annual limit for qualified K-12 expenses from $10,000 to $20,000 per beneficiary starting in 2026.  

At this time, Nebraska does not allow 529 plan distributions for K-12 expenses to be treated as qualified withdrawals for state tax purposes. However, Nebraska recently passed legislation to align with federal rules on using 529 assets for K–12 expenses. Beginning in 2029, up to $10,000 per beneficiary each year can be treated as qualified 529 distributions for K–12 costs. 

Why Planning Matters  

For most families, over-contributing to 529 plans shouldn’t be a concern, but planning is still important. By estimating education costs, coordinating contributions with other family members, and considering your broader financial goals, you can ensure you’re funding the account appropriately.  

 If you’re unsure how much to contribute or you want to build a strategy that fits into your overall wealth plan, our Lutz Financial team is here to help. Contact us to learn more.