If you are looking for a meaningful holiday gift to give, Georgia’s college savings plan, the Path2College 529 Plan, offers a gift-giving option with lasting impact.

  “A tangible gift will bring immediate joy to a child this holiday season, AND giving the gift of education will have a tremendously positive impact on their future,” said Lynne Riley, President of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which partners with the Office of the State Treasurer to administer the Path2College 529 Plan for the state of Georgia. “Investing now in a child’s future education will diminish student debt, and provides tax advantages to Georgia residents for their generosity.”

  Savings within the Path2College 529 Plan may be used at schools in the United States and abroad for education-related expenses incurred in pursuit of a higher education degree.

  All contributions to a state of Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan account are deductible for Georgia income tax purposes up to $8,000 per year, per beneficiary, for those filing a joint return, and up to $4,000 per year, per beneficiary, for those filing as an individual.  Earnings on those contributions in the Path2College 529 Plan are non-taxable to Federal and Georgia when withdrawn for eligible purposes.

  How can you give a gift to a Path2College 529 Plan?

  Anyone may make a contribution to a beneficiary’s account in the state of Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan, for as little as $25. Donors can click on the “Gift” section at www.Path2College529.com and download the certificate to show that a contribution has been made.

  For those wishing to encourage their loved ones to give, the Path2College 529 Plan provides the tools to create a custom invitation and send it to potential donors. The e-mail contains a link that, when clicked on, takes the donor to a secure web page to make an electronic contribution from a checking or savings account.

  For more information about the Path2College 529 Plan or to open a college savings account, please visit www.Path2College529.com or call (877) 424-4377.

  To learn more about the Path2College 529 Plan, its investment objectives, tax benefits, risks, and costs please see the Plan Description at path2college529.com. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss.  Check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors only available for investing in its own 529 plan.  Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice. If the funds aren’t used for qualified higher education expenses, a 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply.