- Office of Illinois State Treasurer
- 100 W. Randolph, #15-600
- Chicago, IL 60601 (JRTC Building)
- Phone: 866-722-7823
- Fax: 402-323-1797
- Email: CollegeSavings@illinoistreasurer.gov
- Website Link:
Purpose of the Program
The Bright Start 529 College Savings Program is a tax-preferred, low-cost, highly rated education savings program authorized by the State of Illinois and designed to qualify as a tax-advantaged savings program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Illinois State Treasurer serves as trustee.
Any person aged 18+ with a SSN or ITIN can open an account for the benefit of any individual. You may open and contribute to a Bright Start account regardless of your income. Bright Start is a convenient and tax-advantaged way to save for the costs of higher education, including 4-year and 2-year colleges, trade schools, and technical schools.
Investment earnings in a Bright Start 529 account accumulate on a tax-deferred basis, and withdrawals are exempt from federal and Illinois state income tax if they are used to pay for qualified education expenses such as tuition, room and board, books, and other qualified expenses.
In addition, individuals who contribute to a Bright Start 529 account and file an Illinois state income tax return generally are allowed to deduct from their adjusted gross income for Illinois state income tax purposes up to $10,000 of contributions per year ($20,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly).
Who is Eligible
Any person aged 18+ with a SSN or ITIN can open an account for the benefit of any individual. You may open and contribute to a Bright Start account regardless of your income.
Individuals who contribute to a Bright Start 529 account and file an Illinois state income tax return generally are allowed to deduct from their adjusted gross income for Illinois state income tax purposes up to $10,000 of contributions per year ($20,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly).
Application Process
Open an account online at www.BrightStart.com or request an enrollment packet be sent to you in the mail by calling toll free at 877-432-7444.