Learn about 529 Plans and Win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (02/03/2016)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is pleased to offer College Savings Iowa InFocus, an interactive learning experience that introduces the benefits of saving for the higher education of a loved one. "We want savers to learn how a 529 plan can better prepare the important children in their lives for a successful future," Fitzgerald said. "By completing the 10 minute tutorial this spring, families are automatically registered to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account." Visit Iowa529InFocus.com between now and May 31, 2016 to complete the tutorial and see official rules.

"This financial literacy initiative, introduced last fall, has already benefited hundreds of Iowans across the state," Fitzgerald added. "We want to give more families the opportunity to learn about 529 plans and even be registered for a chance to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account." College Savings Iowa is also offering an additional $10 contribution to the first 500 people who complete the tutorial and open a College Savings Iowa account. The newly established accounts must have a minimum $25 contribution and be opened within one calendar month of tutorial completion to be eligible for the $10 contribution.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone – parents, grandparents, friends and relatives – can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Iowa taxpayers have the additional benefit of being able to deduct contributions up to $3,188 per beneficiary account from their 2016 Iowa adjusted gross income.*

Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses, which includes tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad.**

Visit Iowa529InFocus.com to complete the tutorial. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116. For more information about future giveaways and events find College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

**Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-672-9116, or visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.