I explained in “Can homeschoolers use 529 plans? Maybe!” that you can use 529 savings account funds for tuition paid to a public, private, or religious school.
Some homeschool students take classes from private schools (locally or online). The tuition payments to these schools can use 529 funds without penalty or taxes.
So that begs the question,
“In my state, my homeschool is considered a private school. So can I use 529 funds for my private school/homeschool expenses?”
No. Sorry!
Here’s why:
The expenses must be to pay tuition. You don’t pay yourself tuition! That would be silly and not tax-smart.
Your other homeschool expenses such as books, curriculum, school supplies, field trips and are not paymnets for tuition and so you cannot use 529 funds without paying a hefty penalty!
Tuition payments to organizations that are not schools like your local co-op, Classical Conversations, etc. cannot use 529 funds either (without incurring taxes and a 10% penalty!)
Carol Topp, CPA
