Alaska 529 Plan
Alaska 529
Morningstar GoldQuick Facts
- Expense Ratio
- 0.16%
- Fee Range
- 0.64% - 1.35% annual fees
- Tax Benefit Type
- None (no state income tax)
- Deduction Limit (Single / Married)
- None / None
- State Marginal Tax Rate
- No state income tax
- Carryforward
- None
- Income Limits
- No
- Any-State Deduction
- No
Should You Use Alaska's 529 Plan?
Alaska has no state income tax, which means there is no tax deduction or credit available for 529 contributions regardless of which plan you choose. This gives you the freedom to select the lowest-cost plan nationally without leaving any tax benefit on the table.
Consider Utah my529 (Gold rated, 0.13% expense ratio) or another low-cost plan like Nevada Vanguard or New York Direct. Compare fees carefully, since fees are the primary factor when no tax benefit is involved.
Alaska vs. Utah my529
Utah my529 is a commonly recommended low-cost reference plan. Here is how Alaska 529 compares.
| Alaska 529 | Utah my529 | |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.13% |
| Morningstar Rating | gold | gold |
| Tax Benefit | No state income tax | 5% tax credit on contributions up to $2,290 |
| Fee Range | 0.64% - 1.35% annual fees | 0.17% - 0.64% annual fees |
| Investments | Age-based and individual portfolios | Vanguard age-based and individual funds |
How to Open Alaska 529
You can open an account directly through the plan's website. You will need your Social Security number, the beneficiary's Social Security number, and your bank account information for funding contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alaska's 529 plan?
Alaska's 529 plan is called Alaska 529. It is a tax-advantaged college savings account that allows you to invest money for qualified education expenses. Earnings grow tax-free at the federal level, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
Does Alaska offer a 529 tax deduction?
No. Alaska has no state income tax, so there is no state tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions. You can choose any state's 529 plan based purely on fees and investment options.
Is Alaska's 529 plan worth it?
Without a state tax deduction, the decision comes down to fees and investment quality. Alaska 529 has an expense ratio of 0.16%. If a lower-cost plan is available (e.g., Utah my529 at 0.13%), the fee savings will compound over time and likely make the out-of-state option the better choice.
Can I use an out-of-state 529 plan in Alaska?
Yes. You can open a 529 plan in any state, regardless of where you live. The funds can be used for qualified education expenses at any accredited institution nationwide.
What is the expense ratio for Alaska's 529 plan?
The Alaska 529 has an expense ratio of approximately 0.16% for the age-based portfolio option. The full fee range across all investment options is 0.64% - 1.35% annual fees. For comparison, Utah my529 charges approximately 0.13%.