How do I claim my 529 contributions on my Illinois return? TurboTax doesn't seem to have an option for this.

I contributed to a BrightStart529 in 2024 and that is deductible from Illinois income up to $20,000 (joint), but TurboTax doesn't have an option for claiming this. I need to itemize it on IL 1040 Schedule M, but I don't know how to do that through TurboTax. Thank you!

489

Expert Alumni

Apr 14, 2025 12:56:58 PM

Open your IL return:

Continue to the screen Here's the income that Illinois handles differently
Scroll down to Education College savings, ABLE accounts, and student loan repayments
Select College savings and prepaid tuition plan contributions
Enter your contributions on the following screen Tell us about your Illinois college savings plan contributions

You are allowed to subtract up to $10,000 in contributions if you are single and $20,000 if you are married filing a joint return for contributions you made to the “Bright Start” program, the "College Illinois" Illinois Prepaid Tuition Trust Fund, or the "Bright Directions" program during the tax year.

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How do I claim my 529 contributions on my Illinois return? TurboTax doesn't seem to have an option for this.