<p>I know there are IRS and other publications I should be reading, but I do greatly appreciate the clear, concise voices of experience I get here on CC.</p>
<p>We have about 35% of college savings in an UTMA account and the rest in a 529. Our thinking is to withdraw 1/4 of the total amount down per year of UG, which will only cover part of the net COA and pay the rest out of current earnings/cash flow. (any comments about the wisdom or folly of that plan would be appreciated also).</p>
<p>Assuming that both accounts are earning approximately the same rate of return, which do you think would be wiser to withdraw from first?</p>
<p>I think 529 does nt count as the kid’s money and UTMA does? If there are any FA implications, spending the kids money first might be better.</p>
<p>I would like to know, too. Is UTMA and 529 treated same as parent’s assets? I assume you should withdraw from child’s asset first, then parent’s assets, so next year, your financial picture will improve for financial aids.</p>
<p>I believe 529 is parents asset since it can be redesignated in any one else’s name. I dont believe UTMA is considered as parents’ but I am no expert since I have nt had to spend any money yet.</p>
<p>UTMA is reported on FAFSA as a student asset which means for FAFSA 20% goes to the EFC. A 529 account is reported as a parent asset which means a maximum of 5.6% goes to the EFC (depends on how much the parents have in assets as a certain amount of parent assets are protected). So the UTMA $$$ balance will add more to the EFC than the 529 account $$$.</p>
<p>Do the UTMAs have much in the way of earnings though? That is something else to consider. Student income over the protected amount ($5250) can also impact the EFC as 50% of student income over the protected amount goes to the EFC. So that is something to take into consideration. You may have to balance the two.</p>
<p>If the rate of return on the UTMA is the same as on the 529, and if you have a chance of getting need-based financial aid via your FAFSA EFC calculation, then it’s probably best to spend down the UTMA first, then the 529s. The reasons are given above.</p>
<p>However, include in your calculation what the capital gains, if any, would be when you sell appreciated assets in the UTMA. There may be tax reasons to spread the gain out over a number of years rather than take them all in one year. Capital gains in 529 accounts are (of course) tax-free when used on qualified higher education expenses.</p>
<p>Alternatively, just liquidate the UTMA and transfer the cash into a student-owned 529. Then all student savings will be assessed at the parent rate.</p>
<p>^^Might liquidating the UGMA cause a spike in student income that would potentially have a negative effect though?</p>
<p>^^ yes if there’s a large capital gain that’s realized when selling appreciated assets. The OP needs to figure the capital gain. If realizing the gain in one year puts the student’s AGI above the $5250 of the FAFSA student income allowance, then 50% of that gain will be added to the family’s EFC. If the AGI is below $5250 then there will be no effect.</p>