Save for Future Education Expenses with Edvest 529's Triple Tax Benefits

published January 28, 2026

MADISON, Wis. (Jan. 28, 2026) — As Wisconsin families start to think about their 2025 taxes, Edvest 529 – Wisconsin's direct-sold college savings plan – is reminding them that tax time can be more than paperwork—it can be an opportunity. With a state income tax deduction for Wisconsin taxpayers, tax deferred growth, and tax free withdrawals for qualified expenses, Edvest 529 helps turn tax season into a chance to build long term savings for a child's future education and career training expenses.

Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to contribute to an existing Edvest 529 account, or open and contribute to a new account, to be eligible for the 2025 state income tax deduction.

1. State Income Tax Deduction

Wisconsin taxpayers can deduct from their 2025 state income taxes up to $5,130 per beneficiary ($2,560 per beneficiary for married couples filing separate) on contributions made to an Edvest 529 account. The Wisconsin state income tax deduction is available to any Wisconsin taxpayer, not just the 529 plan account owner, making gift contributions a benefit for family members or friends.

Edvest 529 is happy to announce that the Wisconsin state income tax deduction for the 2026 tax year has been increased to $5,280 per beneficiary for single filers or married couples filing a joint return, and to $2,640 per beneficiary for married couples filing a separate return.

2. 100% Tax-Deferred Growth

All account earnings in an Edvest 529 account grow 100% tax-deferred at both the federal and state level, which means the payment of taxes on earnings is postponed until a later date. This results in account earnings being reinvested to help grow the account.

3. Tax-Free Withdrawals for Qualified Expenses

Additionally, earnings accrued in an Edvest 529 account can be withdrawn from an account 100% tax-free at both the federal and state level when paying for qualified higher education expenses.

Gift Tax Benefits

Family, grandparents, and friends can also chip in toward a child's future by taking advantage of helpful federal gift tax rules. For 2025 taxes, a person can give up to $19,000 to someone's Edvest 529 account ($38,000 if they are married) without needing to file a gift tax form. If they want to give a larger amount all at once, they can “spread it out” for tax purposes by giving up to $95,000 (or $190,000 for couples) in a single year and treating it as if it were given evenly over five years. This can be an easy way to make a big impact now while also potentially reducing the size of their taxable estate later. To learn more about gift tax considerations pertaining to 529 plans, check out our video: Understanding Gift Tax & Legacy Planning.

Boost Savings with Your Tax Refund

If you find yourself receiving a tax refund this year, think about using a portion of it to start saving for a loved one's higher education, or to boost your current savings with an extra or larger contribution. For parents, grandparents, and loved ones alike, saving with Edvest 529 can help turn today's contributions into tomorrow's opportunities—helping make future dreams feel a little more within reach.

About Edvest 529

For more than 25 years, Edvest 529 – Wisconsin's only direct-sold 529 college savings plan – has been helping families save for higher education expenses. Account owners can choose from 25 investment portfolios, access easy-to-use savings tools, and take advantage of triple tax benefits, including a 2025 state income tax deduction on contributions made to an Edvest 529 account for Wisconsin taxpayers, up to $5,130 per beneficiary for single filers or married couples filing jointly, or up to $2,560 for married couples filing separately.

Edvest 529 has no sales charges, enrollment fees, or annual account maintenance fees. In fact, Edvest 529 is amongst the top 6% lowest-cost 529 college savings plans in the nation.¹

Want more details?

Find additional information on Edvest 529, including investment options, fees, and frequently asked questions, visit Edvest.com, or follow Edvest 529 on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Watch our video "What is the best option for college savings"—part of the College Savings Connection series—to learn more about how a 529 plan works and how it can benefit your family.

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Footnotes

1. To learn more about Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses, see the Plan Description at Edvest.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. Check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, is the distributor for Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan.
2. ¹Source: ISS Market Intelligence 529 College Savings Fee Analysis 3Q 2025. Edvest 529's average annual asset-based fees are 0.15% for all portfolios compared to 0.49% for all 529 plans, 0.85% for advisor-sold plans, and 0.34% for direct-sold plans.↩

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