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What is a 529 education savings plan?

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help families save for future education expenses. Earnings have the potential to grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

What is START?

START is Louisiana’s 529 education savings program, offering two options—START College Saving and START K12—so families can save for education at every stage.

Both programs offer valuable tax advantages, flexible contribution options, and professionally managed investment choices.

  START College Saving START K12
Purpose Save for postsecondary education expenses Save for K-12 tuition at eligible Louisiana schools
Qualified expenses
  • Tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, equipment
  • Eligible colleges, graduate programs, trade schools, registered apprenticeships, and credentialing programs
  • Tuition, curriculum materials, books, online materials, tutoring, testing fees
  • Dual enrollment tuition & fees and education therapies for students with disabilities
Tax advantages
  • Tax-deferred growth on earnings
  • Tax-free withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses
  • Contributions may qualify for a Louisiana state income tax deduction of up to $2,400 per beneficiary annually ($4,800 for married couples filing jointly)
  • Tax-deferred growth on earnings
  • Tax-free withdrawals for qualified K-12 education expenses
  • Contributions may qualify for a Louisiana state income tax deduction of up to $1,200 per beneficiary annually ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly)
State incentives Louisiana State matches deposits up to 14% via Earnings Enhancement No match
Fees
  • No participant fees
  • Underlying fund managemenent fees vary
  • No participant fees
  • Underlying fund managemenent fees vary
Contribution methods
  • Online
  • Check
  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
  • Payroll direct deposit
  • Online
  • Check
  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
  • Payroll direct deposit
Maximum lifetime contribution $500,000 $200,000
A student with glasses holding books and smiling.

Ready to get started?

Enroll today and start saving for their future with confidence.

Open a START account