There is no federal deduction for making a contribution to a 529 plan. Some states allow a deduction on the state return. If your state is one, it will come up in the state interview; usually in the "Here's how (your state) handles income differently" section. For Illinois - Navigate to the Illinois section of TurboTax (State Taxes > Your State Returns > Illinois) Choose Income, Edit Expand Education Start or Revisit College savings and prepaid tuition plan contributions Enter the information from the 529 contributionA non-owner (such as a grandparent, relative, or friend) can deduct contributions to an Illinois 529 plan (Bright Start, Bright Directions, or College Illinois) on their Illinois state income tax return. The contributor must be an Illinois taxpayer and can deduct up to $10,000 ($20,000 MFJ).

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trapptj

Level 1

Question

How do I enter 529 contribution information on an IL state return if I am not the parent or legal guardian of a qualified student?

Forum|Forum|2 months ago
April 15, 2026
1 reply
7 views

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TurboTax Online

Hal_Al

Level 15

There is no federal deduction for making a contribution to a 529 plan. Some states allow a deduction on the state return. If your state is one, it will come up in the state interview; usually in the "Here's how (your state) handles income differently" section.

For Illinois -

Navigate to the Illinois section of TurboTax (State Taxes > Your State Returns > Illinois)
Choose Income, Edit
Expand Education
Start or Revisit College savings and prepaid tuition plan contributions
Enter the information from the 529 contribution
A non-owner (such as a grandparent, relative, or friend) can deduct contributions to an Illinois 529 plan (Bright Start, Bright Directions, or College Illinois) on their Illinois state income tax return. The contributor must be an Illinois taxpayer and can deduct up to $10,000 ($20,000 MFJ).