Frequently asked questions

When you contribute to a Quest529 account, any earnings are federal and Kansas income tax-deferred until withdrawn. Then withdrawals used to pay for qualified education expenses are federal and state income tax-free.

Yes, Kansas taxpayers can reduce their state taxable income up to $6,000 if married filing jointly ($3,000 filing single) for contributions made into Quest529 per beneficiary.¹

Footnotes

1. ¹An individual who files an individual Kansas state income tax return may deduct up to $3,000 per beneficiary, per tax year ($6,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly) of total combined contributions to a Section 529 plan sponsored by any state, including the Kansas Section 529 Plans. The $3,000 (individual) and $6,000 (joint) limitations on deductions will apply to the total contributions made to all Section 529 plans (and any ABLE Account) for the same beneficiary without regard to whether the contributions are made to a single account or more than one account. The state income tax deduction is available to individuals other than the Account Owner who contribute to an Account. The deduction for Kansas individual income tax purposes for contributions to the Plan does not apply to transfers between Accounts of different Beneficiaries.↩

No. If you are making a withdrawal to cover a qualified education expense for the beneficiary you are not subject to federal or state income tax.

Qualified education expenses such as tuition, certain housing and food expenses, fees, books, supplies, computers and equipment required for the enrollment and attendance of the beneficiary at an eligible educational institution, which includes most postsecondary institutions. Review the Plan Description for additional details on eligible expenses and withdrawals.

The earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal is subject to federal and state income taxation and an additional 10% federal tax. See the Plan Description for details.

The available federal tax benefits for paying qualified education expenses through these programs must be coordinated to avoid the duplication of such benefits. Account owners should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the interaction under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of the federal income tax education-incentive provisions when addressing account withdrawals.

Contributions to a Quest529 account may help reduce the taxable value of your estate. Learn more about gifting to an existing account. For additional details on tax benefits, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.

There is no federal income tax deduction for 529 plan contributions, regardless of where you live or which 529 plan you participate in.

Plan contributions are always made after tax.

Effective January 1, 2024, for federal and Kansas state tax purposes, rollovers are permitted from an account to a Roth IRA without incurring federal or Kansas income tax or penalties, subject to the following conditions:

• The account must be open for 15 or more years, ending with the date of the Roth IRA rollover;
• Contributions and associated earnings that you transfer to the Roth IRA must be in the account for more than five years, ending with the date of the Roth IRA rollover;
• The Internal Revenue Code permits a lifetime maximum amount of $35,000 per beneficiary for Roth IRA rollovers;
• Account assets can be rolled over only into a Roth IRA maintained for the benefit of the beneficiary of the account;
• Account assets must be sent directly to the Roth IRA;
• Roth IRA income limitations are waived for Roth IRA rollovers; and
• The Roth IRA contribution is subject to the Roth IRA contribution limit for the taxable year applicable to the designated beneficiary for all individual retirement plans maintained for the benefit of the designated beneficiary.

The IRS may issue additional guidance that may impact Roth IRA rollovers, including the above-mentioned conditions.

State tax treatment of Roth IRA rollover is determined by the state where you file state income tax. Account owners and beneficiaries should consult with a qualified tax advisor before rolling over funds from their account to contribute to a Roth IRA. You are responsible for determining the eligibility of your account for a Roth IRA rollover, including tracking and documenting the length of time the account has been opened and the amount of assets in account eligible to be rolled into a Roth IRA.

The deadline for contributions on April 15.

Assets in your Account can be used to pay for the Beneficiary's Qualified Higher Education Expenses, which include:

• Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment or attendance of a Beneficiary at an Eligible Educational Institution;
• Expenses for housing and food (room and board) incurred by students who are enrolled at least half-time and subject to certain limitations;
• Expenses for the purchase of computer or certain peripheral equipment, computer software, or Internet access and related services if it is to be used primarily by the Beneficiary during any of the years the Beneficiary is enrolled at an Eligible Educational Institution;
• Expenses for special needs services in the case of a special needs Beneficiary which are incurred in connection with such enrollment or attendance;
• Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for participation of the Beneficiary in an Apprenticeship Program;
• Payments on Qualified Education Loans of the Beneficiary or a Sibling of the Beneficiary, subject to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual;
• Primary or Secondary School Expenses (up to the then applicable limit); and
• Postsecondary Credentialing Expenses. Additionally, rollovers are permitted from an Account to a Roth IRA, subject to the conditions discussed in this Plan Description.

State tax treatment of withdrawals is determined by the state where you file state income tax. Please consult with a tax advisor before withdrawing funds for any such expenses, rollovers or loan repayments.

A nonqualified withdrawal is any withdrawal that does not meet the requirements of being a (a) qualified withdrawal, (b) taxable withdrawal or (c) rollover. The earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal is subject to state and federal income taxation and the 10% additional federal penalty tax on earnings (the "Additional Tax"). See the Plan Description for more info.

Your Quest529 account can be used at eligible colleges, universities, vocational schools, community colleges, graduate or postgraduate programs, apprenticeships, credentialing programs and more.¹ Contact your school to determine whether it qualifies as an eligible educational institution or use the Federal School Code Search tool on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website.

Footnotes

1. ¹Withdrawals for qualified expenses at K-12 public, private, or religious schools, registered apprenticeship programs, recognized postsecondary credentialing programs, and student loan repayment can be withdrawn free from federal and Kansas state income tax. State tax treatment for non-Kansas taxpayers varies. You should talk to a qualified professional about how tax provisions affect your circumstances.↩

You may request a withdrawal via your account online. Select the beneficiary you would like to withdraw the money for, click "Make a Withdrawal" on the left-hand navigation and follow the directions. You may also request a withdrawal using the Withdrawal Request Form.

The beneficiary must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible postsecondary institution. For students living in housing owned and operated by the institution, the full invoice amount will be used to determine the qualified housing and food expenses. In the case of students living at home or in off-campus housing, the "cost of attendance" allowance for the individual institution will be used for the qualified housing and food expenses.

Computers and related technology such as internet access fees, software or printers are also qualified education expenses. The student must be the primary user of the equipment.

Federal tax treatment of a 529 plan's qualified higher education expenses (QHEEs) includes the repayment of up to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual (including principal and interest) on any qualified education loan of either a 529 plan designated beneficiary or a sibling of the designated beneficiary. To be a qualified expense, the loan repayment amount for an individual is subject to a lifetime limit of $10,000.¹ Get additional details in the Plan Description.

Footnotes

1. ¹Withdrawals for student loans can be withdrawn free from federal and Kansas income tax. You should talk to a qualified professional about how tax provisions affect your circumstances.↩

Examples of a taxable withdrawal include a beneficiary's death, permanent disability, receipt of a scholarship award or attendance at a military academy. For more information, review the Plan Description.

A taxable withdrawal will be subject to applicable state and federal income tax on earnings, if any, but will not be subject to the 10% additional federal tax on earnings (the "Additional Tax").

Taxable withdrawals that are not subject to the 10% federal penalty tax are withdrawals due to the beneficiary's death, the permanent disability of the beneficiary, the beneficiary's receipt of a scholarship award or certain other tax-free amounts, or the beneficiary's attendance at a military academy. A taxable withdrawal will be subject to applicable state and federal income tax on earnings, if any.

Yes. Funds may be redeposited to your account within 60 days of the refund without penalty should a student need to withdraw from a class. The recontributed amount cannot exceed the amount of the refund.

Anyone with a valid Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number can be the beneficiary, including the account owner. Learn more about who can open, benefit from and contribute to a Quest529 account.

Beneficiaries can include your son or daughter, your grandchild, niece/nephew, cousin, family friend, etc.

There's no cost associated with opening a Quest529 account or owning more than one account. You could open a different account for each child. And each individual child could have multiple accounts owned by different account owners (e.g., Grandma opened an account for Billy, and Dad opened an account for Billy, so there can be two accounts with Billy as the beneficiary.)

You might do this to align investment strategies with the time frame each child will begin using the funds. For example, an older child's account could be more conservatively invested to help protect your contributions as they near secondary education, whereas a younger child's account might be invested to balance growth and income strategies during a longer time frame.

Multiple accounts can also aid in estate planning by ensuring that education funds are allocated appropriately to each beneficiary upon the death of the account owner. But if you'd like to stick to one account, you can change beneficiaries at any time and at no additional cost.

Yes. A beneficiary may have more than one Quest529 account. However, an account owner can have only one account for each beneficiary.

For example, a beneficiary may have an account owned by their parent and/or grandparent and/or aunt, etc. There is an overall maximum account balance limit for accounts for a beneficiary in the plan and any additional accounts in other Kansas Section 529 programs of $550,000. It is possible that increases in market value could cause amounts in an Account(s) to exceed the Maximum Account Balance. In this case, the amount in excess of the maximum could remain in the Account(s) and potential earnings would continue to accrue, but no new contributions or incoming transfers would be accepted.

Yes. You can change the beneficiary of your account at any time or transfer a portion of your investment to a different eligible beneficiary. The new beneficiary must be an eligible member of the previous beneficiary's family.

For more information, read the form on how to change your beneficiary.

Here's where you find performance data for Quest529 Investment Portfolios.

Quest529 offers a variety of investment portfolios to fit your life situation, risk tolerance and savings goals. These vary in investment strategy and degree of risk, allowing you to select a portfolio or combination of portfolios that fit your needs and savings goals.

To compare our Quest529 Investment Portfolios, visit our Investment Comparison page. For more information on the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses, read the Plan Description.

Yes. Each time you make a contribution, you may select from any of the Quest529 Investment Portfolios. Once invested in a particular portfolio, contributions and earnings may be transferred to another investment portfolio twice per calendar year or upon transfer of funds to a plan account for a different eligible beneficiary (see the Plan Description for more information).

To transfer funds between investment options, log in to your account, click "View Details" for your beneficiary, click "Change Investment Options," then click "Continue" in the Exchange Now section. You may also request and submit by mail the Change of Investment Form.

A Quest529 account can be started with any amount. How much you need to save will depend on what you plan to use the money for and when.

A few helpful tools:

• Check out the College Savings Calculator to estimate the cost of college.
• Use our College Planning Calculator to see how your savings could add up over time.

You can contribute to a Quest529 account by any of the following: check, electronic funds transfer, establishing a recurring contribution, establishing payroll direct deposit, rollover from another state's 529 plan account or redemption proceeds from a Coverdell Education Savings Account or qualified U.S. savings bond. Your contribution will be invested according to your allocation instructions, which you may change at any time online, by telephone or by requesting and submitting the Change of Investment Form. For more information, click here.

Contributing to an existing Quest529 account is easy and secure with our online Ugift^® platform. Gift contributions can also be made by check and mailed in. Kansas taxpayers' gifts may be eligible for the state tax deduction. Check with your tax professional.

For the tax year 2026:

• There's no federal gift tax on contributions you make up to $19,000 per year if you're a single filer or $38,000 if you're a married couple.
• You can also accelerate your gifting with a lump-sum gift of $95,000 if you're a single filer or $190,000 if you're married and prorate the gift over five years per the federal gift tax exclusion.
• You can gift this amount to as many individuals or beneficiaries as you like, free from income tax.

Consult your tax professional for more details. Learn more about gifting here.

To view your transaction history, log in to your account, click "View Details" for your beneficiary and scroll down to the transactions section. You can always speak to one of our college savings specialists at 800-579-2203, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. For those with a hearing impairment, please contact us at the number above via a relay service. Translation services available upon request.

There is no maximum Quest529 contribution limit. However, there is an overall maximum account balance limit of $550,000, which applies to all accounts opened for a beneficiary in the plan and any additional accounts in other Kansas Section 529 programs. Accounts that have reached the maximum account balance limit may continue to accrue earnings.

Quest529 accounts can be opened with any amount, and contributions of any amount can be made. Check out our unique gifting feature to see how you can easily and securely ask for and manage gift contributions to your Quest529 account.

Assets in a parent-owned 529 account have less of an impact on financial aid than some other savings methods. The Student Aid Index (SAI), formally known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC), calculations for financial aid generally factor parent assets outside of retirement savings at approximately 5%, whereas student assets are generally factored in at 20% or more. Therefore, a parent-owned 529 account may have less of an impact on financial aid eligibility than assets owned by the student.¹

Footnotes

1. ¹The treatment of investments in a 529 savings plan varies by school. Assets are typically treated as the account holder's and not the student's. (Student assets are generally assessed at 20%, whereas parental assets are generally assessed at 5.6%.) Any investments, including those in 529 accounts, may affect the student's eligibility to get financial aid based on need. You should check with the schools you are considering regarding this issue.↩

If the beneficiary receives a scholarship that covers the cost of qualified expenses, you can withdraw the funds from your account up to the amount of the scholarship without incurring the 10% federal tax penalty on the earnings portion. However, the earnings portion will be subject to federal and state income tax. If the amount withdrawn exceeds the amount of the scholarship, the earnings portion of the amount withdrawn will be subject to the additional 10% federal penalty tax. Please consult with a qualified tax advisor or consultant.

Historically, withdrawals from grandparent-owned 529 plans have been considered untaxed income to the student and added to the student's adjusted gross income on the FAFSA. Beginning with the 2024–2025 FAFSA, withdrawals for grandparent-owned 529 plans will no longer need to be reported on the FAFSA or negatively affect the student's eligibility for federal financial aid. FAFSA simplification is subject to change. You should check with the schools you are considering regarding this issue. For assistance or help completing FAFSA, click here.

Any adult age 18+ with a U.S. address and a Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number can open a Quest529 Education Savings Plan account.

Accounts can be opened online.

There are no sales charges, startup fees or maintenance fees associated with Quest529 accounts. For details on total annual asset-based fees, comprised of the underlying investment expenses for each investment portfolio, plan management fee and state administrative fee, review the Plan Fee Table in the Plan Description.

Yes. Whether you have recently moved to the state, have an underperforming or higher-cost 529 plan or just want to simplify, consolidating 529 accounts into Quest529 is easy. You can transfer funds from another 529 plan to your Quest529 account for the same beneficiary once within a 12-month period without incurring tax penalties.

Consolidating education savings into Quest529 also gives you a single view of your savings and performance as well as single-step payments to colleges, universities, etc.

You may also save money that can go right back into your education fund. Quest529 Education Savings Plan fees are the lowest in the nation.¹ You pay no sales charges, startup fees or maintenance fees.

The 529 plan from which you are transferring funds may be subject to different features, costs and surrender charges. As such, you should consult your tax advisor or the other 529 education savings plan prior to making any decisions. For more information, see how to manage an incoming rollover from another 529 saving plan account.

Footnotes

1. ¹Source: ISS Market Intelligence 529 College Savings Fee Analysis Q4 2025. Quest529 Education Savings Plan's average annual asset-based fees are 0.08% for all portfolios compared to 0.49% for all 529 plans.↩

Log in to sign up for electronic delivery for statements, transactions, profile confirmations and tax forms.

For information, please click here.

If you would like to establish an UTMA/UGMA account, please contact our call center to obtain an application at 800-579-2203.

The KIDS Matching Grant Program (Kansas Investments Developing Scholars) is a state-funded initiative designed to help Kansas families with lower incomes save for their children’s future education. To participate, families must live in Kansas and have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

If you qualify, the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office will match your contributions to a KIDS Matching Grant account dollar‑for‑dollar up to $600 each year.

To receive the match, you must:

• Be enrolled in the Quest529 Education Savings Plan.
• Contribute at least $100 to your KIDS Matching Grant account during the program year.
• All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted by December 1 each year.

The matching grant is awarded annually, and families must reapply each year to continue receiving the matching grant.

Account Owners must:

• Be a Kansas resident and Quest529 Account Owner.
• You must be an adult and not claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.
• Have a current-year household Federal Adjusted Gross Income greater than zero but not exceeding the program limits.

Household Definition: All persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption who share your residence during the calendar year.

Income Verification: All applicants must provide federal income tax returns for all household members required to file, or other documentation of household income for the calendar year prior to application. The KIDS Application will be available soon and will contain additional documentation options available for those unable to provide federal income tax returns.

Joint Account Owners: If your Quest529 account has joint owners, both individuals must meet all eligibility requirements. Joint owners who live in separate households must include income information for all members of both households in the application.

Step 1: If you don't already have a Quest529 account, you need to establish one by opening an account here.

Step 2: Complete and submit a paper KIDS Program Application, listing all household members and their previous year income.

Step 3: Include required income documentation by December 1 of the current calendar year. Supporting documents must be delivered with your application (or within 14 days of submitting your application, but no later than December 1 of the current calendar year).

Step 4: Contribute at least $100 to your KIDS Contribution account. Contributions must be completed online (or postmarked) by December 31 of the current calendar year.

Important: The program accepts applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. You must reapply annually to continue receiving the matching grant.

KIDS matching grants are deposited to your KIDS Match account on or around January 31 of the year following your contributions.

Match Amount: Dollar-for-dollar match up to $600 annually. For example:

• Contribute $600+ → receive a $600 match
• Contribute $300 → receive a $300 match
• You contribute a minimum of $100 to receive any match

Important: Withdrawing any funds from the KIDS Contribution account during the contribution year makes you ineligible for that year's matching grant.

Matching funds must be used for the beneficiary’s Qualified Education Expenses, including:

• Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the Beneficiary’s enrollment or attendance at an Eligible Educational Institution.
• Subject to certain limitations, housing and food (room and board) of a student enrolled at least on a halftime basis.
• The purchase of computer or certain peripheral equipment, computer software, or Internet access and related services if they are to be used primarily by the Beneficiary during any of the years the Beneficiary is enrolled at an Eligible Educational Institution.
• Expenses for special needs services incurred in connection with enrollment or attendance at an Eligible Educational Institution in the case of a Beneficiary who has special needs.
• Primary or Secondary School Expenses (up to the then-applicable limit)
• Postsecondary Credentialing Expenses.
• Expenses for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the participation of a Beneficiary in an Apprenticeship Program.
• Amounts paid as principal or interest on any Qualified Education Loan of the Beneficiary or a sibling of the Beneficiary, up to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual (reduced by the amount of distributions for all prior taxable years for such purposes).

Important:

Withdrawals of matching grant funds do not require pre-approval. However, all withdrawals of matching funds remain subject to audit, and the Treasurer’s Office is required to conduct random audits of accounts to ensure funds are used for qualified expenses.

Keep detailed records of all education expenses. If an audit finds your withdrawal wasn't for qualified expenses, you must repay the matching portion to Kansas and you may owe federal and state taxes plus penalties.

If you have questions about whether your withdrawal meets the requirements for Qualified Education Expenses, you should consult a tax advisor prior to making a withdrawal.