Can 529 plans be used for secondary education, i.e. high school?

[kerriP · Accepted solution]

 Yes. As of 2018, the term “qualified higher education expense” includes up to $10,000 in annual expenses for tuition in connection with enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school. This is in effect for education expenses incurred in 2018.

For 2017 tax returns, 529 plan money can be used for dual status student's ( high school students that are enrolled in college level classes) college tuition and fees.

[blizzards76]

How do I navigate this in turbotax?  all of the question sets seem to drive me to post secondary requirements for deducibility.  

[blizzards76]

I took a qualified distribution from my 529 for private HS tuition as then new law allows but the turbo tax system is counting the distro as taxable.  any help?

[Dcbuckmiller]

I am having the same issue. The 529 plan issues a 1099 Q form which is reportable by law. Put the TurboTax algorithm reduces my refund by almost $2,000.  The high school does not issue a 1098-T form. Did you ever receive a reply and how to navigate this in TurboTax?

[KrisD15]

After you enter the 1098-Q, continue through that interview. 

After you click DONE on the summary page, the next page allows you to select Elementary and/or High School. 

No 1098-T is needed.