529 Earnings

Feb 16, 2010 2 Replies

I am using TaxAct software. I took a distribution from a 529 which I used for my son's college tuition. Based on all my other input I am receiving the American Opportunity Education credit of $5000 for my 2 kids in college. The 529 1099-G shows earnings of $495. For some reason, the software is forcing me to have to report the $495 as income. Why is this the situation. My understanding of the 529 is that all of the distribution should be tax-free.


What is your understanding based on? Get IRS Publicaiton 970 and look at the Chapter 9 discussion of coordinating 529 distributions with the credits.

Phil Marti VITA Volunteer

Thanks. I found my mistake. The 1099-Q form has a question about how much college expenses was paid for with tax-free dollars. I thought it meant the tuition amount that qualified for a tuition deduction.

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