Arkansas 529 Plan Calculator
2026Calculate 529 college savings plan growth and tax benefits in Arkansas. See AR state tax deduction availability, contribution limits, and projected education savings for 2026.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Total College Cost
$176,766.87
With 4% inflation
Projected Savings
$58,861.83
Funding
33%
Funding Gap
$117,905.04
Monthly Needed to Fully Fund
$750.77
529 Plan Projection
| Years Until College | 13 years |
| Total College Cost (with inflation) | $176,766.87 |
| Current Balance | $0.00 |
| Total Contributions | $39,000.00 |
| Investment Growth | + $19,861.83 |
| Projected Savings at College | $58,861.83 |
| Funding Gap | $117,905.04 |
| Monthly Contribution Needed | $750.77 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How does a 529 plan work in Arkansas?
A 529 plan is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged investment account designed to fund qualified education expenses. Arkansas has a graduated state income tax. Arkansas offers a state income tax deduction or credit for contributions to the home-state 529 plan — verify the current cap with the Arkansas Department of Revenue.
Earnings inside a 529 grow federally tax-free, and withdrawals used for qualified expenses (tuition, room and board, books, computers, and up to $10,000/year in K-12 tuition) are also federal tax-free. SECURE 2.0 expanded options further: unused 529 funds (held 15+ years) can be rolled to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, subject to a $35,000 lifetime cap and annual Roth IRA contribution limits. Non-qualified withdrawals trigger ordinary income tax on earnings plus a 10% penalty.
When choosing a plan, weigh the Arkansas state tax benefit against expense ratios, age-based portfolio quality, and direct-sold vs. advisor-sold fee structures. Direct-sold plans typically have the lowest fees. The calculator above projects future balance assuming compound growth and consistent contributions through the beneficiary's college years.
Arkansas 529 plan: name, manager, and tax benefit
- Plan name
- iShares 529 Plan (formerly Arkansas Brighter Future)
- Plan manager
- BlackRock
- State tax benefit
- Up to $5,000 single / $10,000 joint deductible from state income tax (only Arkansas plan)
Arkansas's iShares 529 Plan rebrand (2024) replaced the prior Arkansas Brighter Future name and consolidated portfolios into BlackRock-managed iShares ETF-based age-based and static options. Arkansas allows the income-tax deduction only for contributions to the Arkansas-administered plan — out-of-state plans don't qualify. The deduction caps are $5,000 single / $10,000 MFJ per year, with no carryforward.
Arkansas Tax & Education Facts (2026)
| State Income Tax | progressive (up to 3.9%) |
| 529 State Tax Deduction | Check state plan details |
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% |
| Avg. Property Tax Rate | 0.57% |
Arkansas 529 plan — frequently asked questions
What can 529 plan funds be used for?
Qualified expenses include college tuition, room and board, books, supplies, computers, and required equipment. Up to $10,000/year can also be used for K-12 tuition. Up to $35,000 lifetime can be rolled to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary.
What are the tax benefits of a 529 plan?
Earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free. Over 30 states also offer a state income tax deduction or credit for contributions.
What happens to a 529 plan if my child does not go to college?
You can change the beneficiary to another family member, use it for trade schools or apprenticeship programs, roll up to $35,000 into a Roth IRA (after 15 years), or withdraw the funds with a 10% penalty plus taxes on earnings.