Vanguard tax-deferred savings calculator

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Compare a tax-deferred account with a taxable account

See how the tax deferral you get with a 529 savings plan can add up.

Your savings balance today

Planned annual contributions

Future lump-sum contribution

Years until lump-sum contribution

Years until college

Rate of return

Federal tax rate

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All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

For more information about any 529 savings plan, contact the plan provider to obtain a Program Description, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information; read and consider it carefully before investing. If you are not a taxpayer of the state offering the plan, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. Other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. Vanguard Marketing Corporation serves as distributor for some 529 plans.

This tool isn't intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, tax advice. You should consult your own tax advisor for more information on the tax implications of investing in a 529 plan based on your own particular circumstances.

© 1995–2024 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor of the Vanguard Funds. Your use of this site signifies that you accept our terms & conditions of use.

This calculator provides for a lump-sum amount that you expect to add to your child's savings at some time in the future. Enter the amount expected here, and enter the number of years until it will be added to the account on the next line.

For guidance in estimating a rate of return, consider the typical range of long‑term average returns for these investment types:

Bank accounts, money market funds, and certificates of deposit (CDs): 1% to 5%.
A mix of stocks, bonds, and cash, directly or through mutual funds: 5% to 10%.
Stocks, directly or through stock mutual funds: 8% to 12%.

Note: Investments that tend to earn a higher rate of return in the long run may be more subject to changes in value. There's no guarantee that you'll receive the rate of return that you use.