What are the advantages of a Coverdell ESA?

Tax-deferral can have a dramatic effect on the growth of an investment. With the new Coverdell ESA (formerly known as the Education IRA) your contributions can grow tax-deferred and distributed income tax-free as long as distributions are used for qualified education expenses. These costs can include school uniforms, computers, and transportation for elementary or secondary school, public, private or religious.

An annual limit of $2,000 per year for any individual under age 18 applies. Once the beneficiary reaches age 18 they can take control of the account but funds must be used by the time the beneficiary turns 30 years of age or transferred to a younger sibling.

The ability to contribute to a Coverdell ESA is phased out for single filers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) between $95,000 and $110,000 and for joint filers with MAGI between $190,000 and $220,000. The annual contribution deadline is April 15 of the following year.