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What You Need to Know About 529 Rollovers Into Roth IRAs

What You Need to Know About 529 Rollovers Into Roth IRAs

January 21, 2026

I wanted to bring to your attention recent important changes to 529 plans that may impact your college savings strategy. Leftover funds in 529s can now be moved to Roth IRAs. However, there are many requirements and restrictions to keep in mind.

Here are the key eligibility criteria and restrictions for moving a 529 to a Roth IRA:1

  • The 529 plan must have been open for a minimum of 15 years.
    Changing beneficiaries to another student may restart the 15-year clock.
  • The owner of the Roth IRA must be the beneficiary of the 529 plan (i.e., the student).
  • Any money moved from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA account will be subject to Roth IRA annual contribution limits.
  • The lifetime limit is $35,000.
  • You can't convert 529 contributions from the past 5 years.


We are sharing this update about the new 529 plan rules so that you have the most current information regarding paying for college.

At Riggle Wealth Group, we believe staying informed is just as important as having a plan. Our team brings strong credentials, diverse experience, and a disciplined, research-based approach to help families navigate complex planning decisions like college savings, especially when rules change. If you’d like to discuss how these new 529 provisions may affect your current strategy, I’d be happy to offer a confidential conversation. You can email me directly at robertmiller@rigglewealth.com or call our office at 717-630-1001 to schedule a time to talk.

1. Investopedia.com, June 17, 2025

A 529 plan is a college savings plan that allows individuals to save for college on a tax-advantaged basis. State tax treatment of 529 plans is only one factor to consider prior to committing to a savings plan. Also, consider the fees and expenses associated with the particular plan. Whether a state tax deduction is available will depend on your state of residence. State tax laws and treatment may vary. State tax laws may be different from federal tax laws. Earnings on non-qualified distributions will be subject to income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax.

To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner’s death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals. 

This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm.