Towson University: What retained IRS conditions should be checked before using a 529 distribution for room and board?
DIRECT ANSWER
The cited IRS Publication 970 is tax-year 2025 QTP/529 guidance. Room and board require at least half-time enrollment and the stated allowance or school-housing-charge limit. Verify the rules and facts for the proposed withdrawal; this does not determine a particular 2026 distribution, tax result or permission to fund a parent's property purchase.
IRS Publication 970 for tax year 2025 describes the QTP/529 room-and-board rule for an eligible postsecondary institution and a student enrolled at least half-time. This is dated general guidance, not a determination of a particular 2026 withdrawal or the student’s individual eligibility. It limits the amount to the greater of the school's room-and-board allowance included in COA for the student's academic period and living arrangement, or the actual charge when the student lives in school-owned or school-operated housing. For a Towson student, retain the relevant school allowance, enrollment and actual expense records and obtain tax or plan guidance for the proposed distribution. This guidance does not verify an individual's qualified withdrawal or authorize a parent's property purchase, mortgage principal or every housing-related payment. No tax result or allowable distribution amount has been determined here.
Guidance and published resources
IRS Publication 970 for tax year 2025 describes the QTP/529 room-and-board rule for an eligible postsecondary institution and a student enrolled at least half-time. This is dated general guidance, not a determination of a particular 2026 withdrawal or the student’s individual eligibility. It limits the amount to the greater of the school's room-and-board allowance included in COA for the student's academic period and living arrangement, or the actual charge when the student lives in school-owned or school-operated housing. For a Towson student, retain the relevant school allowance, enrollment and actual expense records and obtain tax or plan guidance for the proposed distribution. This guidance does not verify an individual's qualified withdrawal or authorize a parent's property purchase, mortgage principal or every housing-related payment. No tax result or allowable distribution amount has been determined here.
Scope and verification
The cited IRS Publication 970 is tax-year 2025 QTP/529 guidance. Room and board require at least half-time enrollment and the stated allowance or school-housing-charge limit. Verify the rules and facts for the proposed withdrawal; this does not determine a particular 2026 distribution, tax result or permission to fund a parent's property purchase.
Sources & verification
- www.irs.gov Independently reviewed primary source supporting the stated guidance scope
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