GOP tax bill lets wealthy families use college savings plans to pay tuition at private and religious grade schools

But tucked away in myriad provisions of the newly-signed “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” is a fundamental shift in scope for Utah’s 529 plans, a popular program that encourages residents to save for college through state-sponsored, tax-free investment accounts.

Ward said UESP’s slogan of “Save for college. Inspire their future.” no longer captures the full breadth of 529 plans. What were traditionally longterm savings accounts for higher education can now, under the new tax law, be used as a current expense account for private- and religious-school tuition in kindergarten through grade 12.

Chase Thomas, policy and advocacy counsel for the left-leaning Alliance for a Better Utah, said the group does not have a position on the 529 changes.