As their life unfolds, their college savings can grow.
Parents, grandparents, family and friends—everyone can help your child achieve their education goals.
Most anyone can open, contribute to or benefit from an account!
Who can open an account?
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Family members
- Family friends
- You
- Financial professionals
- Anyone with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a U.S. address
- An entity (e.g., a scholarship fund)
Which students can benefit from an account?
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Other family members
- Family friends
- Yourself
- Anyone with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Who can contribute to an account?
Anyone, really, including:
- Grandparents
- Family
- Students
- Employers
- Financial professionals
- Trusts and estates
- Parents
- Family friends
Anyone can open a 529 account for someone they care about.
You can open an account with any dollar amount!
Gifting
Your Bright Start 529 account makes it easy for anyone to make contributions to your child’s education. From grandparents to other family members to friends and more, everyone can help turn college dreams into a reality.
Contributions for any occasion can be easily made and managed through our secure online gifting platform, Ugift®. Gifts can also be made by mail with a check. And in certain cases, the gift giver can also receive state tax benefits. Consult your tax professional.
Gift an account
Literally anyone with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a U.S. address can open a Bright Start 529 account on behalf of an eligible beneficiary. The plan can also provide tax benefits for legacy and estate planning.
Relevant FAQs
Bright Start 529 compares favorably to other ways to save. A 529 plan can mean more flexibility and growth potential, including:
- Tax-free qualified withdrawals
- Illinois state tax deduction
- Low fees and expenses
- Easy-to-choose investment options
- Favorable financial aid treatment
- Use for a wide range of education expenses and programs—in Illinois and around the world
Get more details and compare savings options.
Contributing to an existing Bright Start 529 account is easy and secure with our online Ugift® platform. Gift contributions can also be made by check and mailed in. Illinois taxpayers’ gifts may be eligible for the state tax deduction. Check with your tax professional.
For the tax year 2024:
- There’s no federal gift tax on contributions you make up to $18,000 per year if you’re a single filer or $36,000 if you’re a married couple.
- You can also accelerate your gifting with a lump-sum gift of $90,000 if you’re a single filer or $180,000 if you’re married and prorate the gift over five years per the federal gift tax exclusion.
- You can gift this amount to as many individuals or beneficiaries as you like, free from income tax.
Consult your tax professional for more details. Learn more about gifting here.