Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

You can use the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) to help pay for your child's elementary and secondary school expenses, as well as college expenses. The annual contribution limit is $2,000, but keep in mind that income limits apply. (Refer to the chart on page 11.) You have until the April tax filing deadline in 2022 to make contributions for 2021. Grandparents and other family members may also make contributions for your children, as can corporations and other entities. There is no limit to the number of accounts that can be held in a child’s name or the number of people who may make contributions to a Coverdell ESA—as long as total contributions remain within the $2,000 annual limit per child.

Funds withdrawn from an ESA (both contributions and earnings) are tax free if used to pay for qualified expenses. However, tax-free distributions are not allowed if an education tax credit is used for the same expenses for the same student. The beneficiary must use ESA funds by age 30. If not, the account may be transferred to a relative.