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529 Plans Keep Getting Better!

Federal Income Tax-free Treatment of Qualified Withdrawals is Now Permanent!

On August 17th, 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006 making permanent the federal income tax exemption for 529 plan qualified withdrawals.

On June 7, 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 was enacted into law.  The 2001 Act provided certain federal tax benefits that were set to expire on December 31, 2010.  The Pension Protection Act of 2006 makes permanent the benefits provided by the 2001 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act relating to investment in qualified tuition programs.

The passage of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 helps to resolve some uncertainties about current tax law.  Many 529 investors have been concerned for some time about the potential expiration or "sunset" of the provisions in the 2001 Act that applied to qualified tuition programs. Because the expiration of these provisions of the 2001 Act would make earnings from such plans taxable upon withdrawal, even if used for education expenses, many 529 investors had hoped that Congress would make the favorable tax treatment permanent. The passage of the Pension Protection Act grants this wish, effectively making the Section 529 provisions permanent. 


It's a Great Time to Consider the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP)

MESP, Michigan's 529 College Savings Program, is designed specifically to help families plan and save for college.  It's a convenient way to save money to pay for future college expenses for a child, grandchild...or even yourself!

Higher education costs are steadily on the rise and a college savings strategy is no longer a consideration, but a requirement for today's parent. Now that President Bush has signed the 2006 Act into law, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 will provide potential and current 529 investors the assurance they need to know that tax incentives will remain available.


MESP is Here to Help

MESP understands the importance of finding a college savings strategy that meets your unique needs. While costs of college may seem overwhelming, MESP offers an easy and flexible way to save for higher education.  MESP is a great way to invest in your, your child, or grandchild's future while enjoying tax advantages.


Find out more, or speak with one of our knowledgeable phone representatives, please call 877 861-6377.

Remember, nothing can enrich your loved one's future more than the benefits of a higher education.  When you open a MESP account, you are opening the door to a brighter future...

 

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Let a friend know about the Michigan Education Savings Program.


 

The tax information contained on the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) Web site is not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. It was written to support the promotion of the products and services addressed in the Web site. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Michigan Education Savings Program. Please call toll-free 1(877) 861-6377 for a Disclosure Booklet containing this information. Read it carefully.

Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your designated beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in that state's 529 plan.

TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, distributes MESP. The State of Michigan, its agencies, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and its affiliates do not insure any account or guarantee its principal or investment return except for TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company's guarantee to MESP under the funding agreement for the Principal Plus Interest Option. Account value will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

Investment management, program administration and distribution of The Michigan Education Trust (MET) program is provided solely by the Michigan Department of Treasury. MET is not managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. nor is it distributed by TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC.

The MESP Web site contains links to other Web sites. Neither MESP nor TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. and its affiliates are responsible for the content of those other Web sites. The accuracy of information on those sites cannot be confirmed.

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© 2008 TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc.