 It's easy to open an account with the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan (VHEIP). The minimum initial contribution is $100 per Investment Option and the minimum subsequent contribution to an Account is $25 per Investment Option. You can open an account with a check, electronic funds transfer, automatic contribution plan from your bank account, or through a transfer of funds from another state's qualified tuition program. The minimum contribution is $15 (per Investment Option, per Beneficiary) if ongoing contributions are made by payroll deduction.
You are permitted to transfer funds from another 529 college savings plan to an account in VHEIP for the same beneficiary once within a 12-month period without incurring federal income tax. The 529 college savings plan from which you are transferring funds may be subject to differences in features, costs and surrender charges. You should consult with your tax advisor or the other 529 college savings plan. State and local taxes may apply. Amounts transferred from another 529 college savings plan are eligible for the Vermont income tax deduction.
To open an Account and begin making contributions:
- Carefully read the VHEIP Disclosure Booklet and Participation Agreements (PDF, 561KB).
- Select the investment option or mix of options that is right for you. You can invest by check, electronic funds transfer, automatic contribution plan, payroll deduction, or a transfer of funds from another state's qualified tuition program.
- Complete and sign the Account Application. Select from the list below:
Individual Account Use this form to open an VHEIP Account by an individual (typically a parent, grandparent, family member or friend).
Custodial Account for a Minor (UGMA/UTMA) Use this form to open an Account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). Unlike other types of accounts, a custodial account owner is acting purely in a representative capacity for the minor beneficiary, who is the legal owner of the account. Please read the Important Information about Custodial Accounts, contained in the Account Application for a Custodial Account, before opening this type of account. You should also be aware that funds deposited into this type of account cannot be transferred or rolled over to another account owner or beneficiary.
Entity Account Use this form to open an Account for a trust, estate, business entity, IRC 501(c)(3) organization, or a state/local government.
- Enclose a check, made payable to the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan if you are making your contribution by check. Contributions are only permitted by personal checks, money orders, bank drafts, teller's checks and checks issued by a financial institution or brokerage account payable to the Account Owner and endorsed over to the Program by the Account Owner, and third-party personal checks up to $10,000 endorsed over to the Program by the Account Owner.
- Return your completed and signed Account Application and your initial contribution if you are making it by check, or your completed payroll deduction form.
Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan
P. O. Box 8193
Boston, MA 02266-8193
Please note: PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get it here. |
