K12 Expenses

What’s covered?

You can use up to $20,000 per year, per student from your 529 account to pay for tuition at eligible public, private, or religious K–12 schools.

Curriculum

Books

Online courses

Tutoring

Testing fees

Dual enrollment

Educational therapies

Other expenses

What's not covered?

Health insurance

Transportation costs

Extracurricular activities

K-12 expenses FAQs

Do I need to open separate accounts for K-12 and college expenses?

It is not required to open separate accounts to use for both K-12 and college purposes, but some savers may consider doing so based on their specific needs.

Are qualified distributions, also called withdrawals, for K-12 tuition expenses taxable?

Withdrawals for K-12 tuition expenses are free from Federal and Virginia state taxes. Learn more about the benefit of tax-free earning. You may also consult your tax professional for more information.

Should I keep records to show my K-12 withdrawal is an eligible expense?

As with any 529 plan withdrawal, it is the account owner's responsibility to ensure they are keeping adequate records and receipts to provide to the IRS in the event of an audit. Please review the Invest529 Withdrawal Guide for further information.

What are the payment and payee options for K-12 withdrawals?

For K-12 withdrawals, Invest529 can provide the withdrawn funds directly to the K-12 institution. Payments cannot be made to a third-party tuition payment service.

Are homeschool expenses eligible for Invest529 accounts?

Homeschools are not recognized as eligible K-12 schools under federal law. Some states may allow homeschool expenses, but Virginia does not. Check with a financial or tax professional for guidance.