Learning Center

We keep you up-to-date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Tax Reform Adds New Perks to ABLE Accounts

Article Highlights:

  • ABLE Account 
  • Tax-Deferred Accumulation 
  • Contribution Limits 
  • Tax Reform Changes 
  • Beneficiary Contributions 
  • Saver’s Credit 
  • Sec. 529 Plan Rollovers 
Note: This is one of a series of articles explaining how the various tax changes in the GOP’s Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (referred to as “the Act” in this article), which was passed in late December 2017, could affect you and your family, in both 2018 and future years. This series offers strategies that you can employ to reduce your tax liability under the new law.

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts provide the means for individuals and families to contribute and save to support individuals who are blind or became severely disabled before turning age 26, in maintaining their health, independence, and quality of life.

Although contributions to an ABLE account aren't tax-deductible, they do provide a significant benefit by allowing amounts in the account to grow on a tax-deferred basis. Distributions are tax-free up to the amount of the disabled individual’s qualified disability expenses, which generally include housing, transportation, education, and medical necessities.

Only one account can be established for each beneficiary. Prior to the passage of the Act, the maximum annual contribution to an ABLE account by all persons was equal to the annual gift tax exemption, which for 2018 is $15,000. With the passage of the Act, in addition to the $15,000 allowance for all persons, the beneficiary can also make a contribution equal to the lesser of the prior year’s poverty level for a one-person household or the beneficiary’s taxable compensation for the year. For 2017, the poverty level for a one-person household was $12,060, which means for 2018, the beneficiary can contribute an additional amount equal to the smaller of the beneficiary’s taxable compensation or $12,060.

Another perk added by the Act was to allow the beneficiary to qualify for the non-refundable saver’s credit based upon their contribution. The amount of credit depends on the beneficiary’s actual income and can be 10%, 20%, or even as much as 50% of up to the first $2,000 contributed, for a maximum credit of $1,000.

The Act also provides that a distribution from a Sec. 529 qualified tuition plan account is tax-free and penalty-free, provided that it is rolled over into an ABLE account for the same designated beneficiary or a member of the designated beneficiary’s family within 60 days. This rollover provision is only available through 2025. The amount of the rollover is limited, when combined with other contributions, to the annual maximum.

Example: Bill, who finished school and graduated, still has $8,000 in his Sec. 529 plan that his parents had set up to pay for his college tuition. Bill will no longer have any education expenses, so he rolls the balance of his Sec. 529 plan into his blind niece’s ABLE account within the 60 days allowed. There is no tax or penalties on the rollover. However, since contributions to the ABLE account are limited to $15,000 (2018), others may only contribute an additional $7,000 ($15,000 − $8,000) to the niece’s ABLE account.

If you have questions related to ABLE account contributions, the saver’s credit, or rollovers from qualified tuition plans, please give this office a call.



Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Benefits of having a business advisor

Your CFO, Reimagined as a Financial Doctor

Diagnosing root causes, prescribing solutions, and guiding your property business toward long-term wealth.

Our CFO | Advisor

Raquel is a passionate business owner. Now, she is returning to her grassroots with a twist - guiding clients with her expertise as a CPA, she can advise your company as your trusted CFO and Advisor.

  • Raquel Deodanes, MS, CPA

    Co-Founder

    CPA with Real-World Experience – I help property managers stay profitable, tax-efficient, and cash flow positive.
    Tax Strategist – Former advisor at California’s revenue agency.
    Trusted by 4,000+ Businesses – Experience across CA, FL, TX, NV, and beyond.
    Real Estate Investor – I understand the financial realities of property management.
    Entrepreneur – I’ve built businesses and know the challenges you face.

Frequently Asked Questions

We diagnose financial inefficiencies, treat problems like poor cash flow or rising costs, and guide you to long-term financial health. That includes cleaning up your books, forecasting cash flow, optimizing operations, and helping you grow your portfolio with confidence — just like a doctor builds a custom care plan for a patient.

Bookkeepers record transactions. CPAs file your taxes. We connect the dots — helping you understand your numbers, strategically improve them, and make smarter decisions throughout the year. We work alongside your existing team to drive performance, not just compliance.

If you're unsure where your cash is going, struggling with rising costs, planning to scale, or just tired of reacting instead of planning — now is the right time. We help you get ahead of problems, not just clean up after them.

Clients typically see improved cash flow, cleaner books, higher NOI, better financial reporting, and a lot less stress at tax time. More importantly, you gain clarity, confidence, and control over your business — and a partner who helps you grow it.

Pricing

Painless, transparent pricing.

Let us take away your stress and give you back your time. Choose your perfect package today.

Base

$499 /mo
  • Dedicated finance expert

  • Bookkeeping with accrual basis

  • Includes P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements

Core

$999 /mo
  • Includes everything in Base, PLUS

  • Industry KPIs and financial ratios

  • Monthly virtual 1-hr meetings

  • Monthly rolling budget forecasts

Growth

$1999 /mo
  • Includes everything in Base, CORE

  • Budget vs. actuals variance analysis and review

  • Payroll and HR Platform