Which of the following statements regarding a Coverdell Education Savings Plan (ESA) are true?
I. There are income limitations regarding those who may contribute to an ESA.
II. There is a maximum annual aggregate amount that can be contributed to a single beneficiary’s account.
III. Contributions to an ESA are tax deductible.
IV. The monies must be used prior to the beneficiary’s 30th birthday for education-related expenses in order to avoid paying both taxes and a penalty.
Explanation
Answer: C - Only Statements I, II, and IV regarding an ESA are true. The ability to establish one is limited to those with an adjusted gross income specified by government guidelines, and there is a maximum annual aggregate amount that can be contributed to a single beneficiary’s account regardless of how many contributors there are to that account. If the monies are not used for education-related expenses prior to the beneficiary’s 30th birthday, there is a mandatory distribution requirement, at which point the distribution will be taxed as ordinary income and a 10% penalty will be assessed.
