Discover the Benefits
 

Give Smart.
Invest in a child’s education through the CollegeCounts 529 Fund. It’s an intelligent way to prepare for the high expense of college. The program is easy, offers significant tax advantages, can allow for higher contributions than many other college saving plans and provides many other benefits. Plus, practically anyone can give towards the fund.

Intelligent Portfolio Options
We've carefully crafted portfolios with sound strategic options. Our Years to Enrollment Portfolios, Fixed Portfolios and Individual Fund Portfolios allow you to select investments ideal for you. You may choose one plan, or combine plans to create your own mix of investment options.

Education Flexibility
Your CollegeCounts 529 Fund can be used nationwide at most accredited universities, colleges, trade schools and even graduate schools. Plus, funds can be used for more than just tuition – room and board, books, fees and other qualified education expenses.

Tax Advantage
One of the advantages of our CollegeCounts 529 Fund is the tax benefits. Alabama residents can claim up to $5,000 in state tax deductions annually when they contribute. Meanwhile, investments can grow tax-deferred, with gains exempt1 from federal and state income tax. And when it’s time to use funds for education, qualified withdrawals are also exempt.1 Please note: Withdrawals for nonqualified expenses may be subject to state and federal taxes as well as a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.

Economical Choice
If you’re an Alabama resident and enroll direct, there are no enrollment or transaction fees*. Plus, you can open an account for as little as $250 or $25/month.

The Lifetime Investment
According to the 2005 American Community Survey, the average Alabamian in 2004 with a high-school degree made $22,223. The same year, the average Alabamian with a bachelor’s degree made $40,842. Over a lifetime, the gap between a high school and a college graduate’s potential income can grow to more than $1 million. While the cost of college may seem steep, the expense of not obtaining a diploma can be overwhelming.

1 Tax deduction is only available to Alabama residents who contribute, up to $5,000 each year, to the CollegeCounts 529 Fund. 2 For non-Alabama residents, if the investor or the beneficiary resides in or pays income taxes to a state that offers its own 529 college savings or pre-paid tuition plan, that state may offer state or local tax benefits, but only for participation in such in-state plan.

* Other charges and expenses apply. See Program Disclosure for complete information.



 

    
           
   
 
 
   
 


An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and tax consequences associated with the Program before investing. All of this information is contained in the Program Disclosure Statement. Please read it carefully before investing. For a copy, call 866.529.ACCT (2228) or visit www.treasury.alabama.gov.

If you or your beneficiary are not Alabama residents, consider whether your home state or the home state of your designated beneficiary offers a Qualified Tuition Program that provides state-tax or other benefits only available through your home state’s Qualified Tuition Program.

The Program is offered by the State of Alabama and is designed to be a Qualified Tuition Program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. The FDIC, the State of Alabama, the Treasurer of the State of Alabama, the Board of Trustees of the Program Trust Fund or any other federal or state governmental agencies do not insure or guarantee accounts and investments under the Program. Van Kampen Funds, Inc. is the underwriter for the Program. The Program is also offered through independent distributors that have selling agreements with Van Kampen Funds Inc., which serves as an independent distributor for the Program.

Van Kampen and the State of Alabama’s Treasurer’s office do not render tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written for—and cannot be used by—any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer under U.S. federal tax laws. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual situation.