Q. Employer assistance of 10k ($5250 tax free). In order to avoid double dipping do I take 30k-10k or 30k - 5250 tax portion?
A. Simple answer: $24,750 (30k - 5250 tax free portion).
But, if you are going also to claim a tuition credit or deduction, you need to adjust for that too. For example, if you want to claim the maximum American Opportunity Credit* (the most generous credit), you will need $4000 of qualifying expenses. So, you would only take a $20,750 distribution from the 529 plan (30,000 - 5250 - 4000 = $20750).
*Graduate school is not eligible for the American Opportunity Credit. You would want to claim the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). It takes $10K of expenses for the maximum LLC. You would only withdraw $14,750 from your 529 (30K - 10K - $5250 = 14,750).
