Question

Albert established a qualified tuition program for each of his twins, Kim and Jim. He started each fund with $20,000 when the children were five years old. Albert made no further contributions to his children's plans. Thirteen years later, both children have graduated from high school. Kim's fund has accumulated to $45,000, and Jim's has accumulated to $42,000. Kim decides to attend a state university, which will cost $60,000 for four years (tuition, fees, room and board, and books). Jim decides to going to work instead of going to college. During the current year, $7,500 is used from Kim's plan to pay the cost of her first semester in college. Because Jim is not going to college now or in the future, Albert withdraws the $42,000 plan balance and gives it to Jim to start his new life after high school.

Required:
a. During the period since the plans were established, should Albert or the twins have been including the annual plan earnings in gross income?
b. What are the tax consequences to Kim and Albert of the $7,500 being used for the first semester's higher education costs?
c. Because of her participation in the qualified tuition program, Kim received a 10% reduction in tuition charges; so less than $7,500 was withdrawn from her account. Is either Albert or Kim required to include the value of this discount in gross income?
d. What are the tax consequences to Albert of Jim's qualified tuition program being closed?

Answer 1

Question attached

Answer and Explanation:

1. No. The earnings from the fund would not be included in gross income so long as it is for higher education expenses and has not been withdrawn for any other purpose.

2. There are no tax consequences since the $7500 is used for qualified higher education expenses

3. There are no tax consequences even there was a discountvor reduction in tuition as long as the qualifies tuition program funds was used for higher education expenses

4. If account is closed and for instance there is a refund, there are tax consequences as the excess interest over and above amount contributed must be included in gross income