Tax Strategy for College

Tax Strategy for College

Rental Property Investor · Member since 2019 · 22 posts · 2 votes

I'd like to pose a question to the group that's been on my mind. I'm probably getting ahead of myself. Part of my plan is to do something like Brandon did and purchase a rental property that will help fund my kids' college starting 15 years from now. I dont plan on it being my only property. I have no problem purchasing as a family w my wife, but wondering whether I should consider putting it under an LLC for tax purposes. I dont plan on selling anything I buy unless I have to, but I worry about owning it as an individual and being seen as MY asset rather than being sheltered through an LLC. My real goal is to have a few properties or units (between 10 and 20) by the time my kids are 18 (and I'll be 60!) to supplement my pensions and 403b. I just dont want my kids to get no financial aid bc mom and dad own numerous properties; we have 529s for both kids already, but I'm divesting my taxable investment accounts to fund my first deal when that comes along. I know we need to consult an accountant/CPA, but I was hoping to get an idea through BP prior to moving forward. Either way, I plan to move forward in the next 90 days, but dont want any surprises down the road.

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Accountant · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y

I don't really see how one rental is going to pay for college...unless put it on a 15 year mortgage and sell it when they start. Those taxes will hurt however and you need to take that into consideration on your ROI calc.

A portfolio of 10-20 with paid off mortgages would probably work.

And if you have a portfolio of 10-20 with paid off mortgages by the time they start should you really be worried about financial aid?

@Caleb Heimsoth

Agree that it should be ROI driven. Depends on what ROI you get with the rental vs what you get in the 529.

Most states will give a tax deduction for 529 contributions, up to a point, and there's no tax on withdraws for qualified educational expenses.  529s are certainly even more compelling under the TCJA with the expansion of use to K-12.

Forget college, all parents with kids in private K-12 should be examining using a 529 as a "conduit account" at the bare minimum to get the state tax deduction.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Durham, NC · Member since 2016 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    7y

    @Sunshine Bizz if it’s debt it’s not taxed at all

  • Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Mark Welp:

    @Caleb Heimsoth

    Everybody has their own opinion, but 529 Plans really are not great products; they are a jail for your money and all you get is a lousy state tax deduction. The gov’t will punish you if your child gets a full ride and you don’t end up using it for education. There are a lot better ways to fund college in a tax favored environment than 529s.

    I can share more if need be. Thx!

    I would like to hear the other ways besides 529s to save for college if you have some time. 

    Thanks

  • Investor/Agent/CPA · Columbus, OH · Member since 2015 · 249 posts · 207 votes
    7y

    @Sunshine Bizz

    @Caleb Heimsoth is right.  If you are just doing a refinance for the $150k, no tax as a loan is not income.  If you selling it and have held it longer than a year, you are tax at long term capital gains rate.  Be aware of depreciation recapture if you do this.

  • Financial Advisor · Boynton Beach, FL · Member since 2015 · 833 posts · 798 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Mark Welp:

    @Caleb Heimsoth

    Everybody has their own opinion, but 529 Plans really are not great products; they are a jail for your money and all you get is a lousy state tax deduction. The gov’t will punish you if your child gets a full ride and you don’t end up using it for education. There are a lot better ways to fund college in a tax favored environment than 529s.

    I can share more if need be. Thx!

    Agreed. Fund an IRA instead. Educational expenses are a qualified withdrawal. If you kids don't want to go to school, it has no impact on your savings. The other alternative would be an over-funded permanent life insurance policy. Minimize the death benefit so you get the maximum benefit of the cash accumulation. The cash value can be accessed tax-free and will earn a good, principal-protected return. If something happens to you, your kids have the money they need. 

  • Investor/Agent/CPA · Columbus, OH · Member since 2015 · 249 posts · 207 votes
    7y

    Agree with @Thomas Rutkowski on the over-funded permanent life insurance.  They get a a lot of negative press (which they should if they are not set up right), but if they are set up like Thomas is mentioning (for cash value), they are very powerful.  

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