(LINCOLN, Neb. November 12, 2025) – This holiday season, Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg is encouraging families and friends to consider the gift of education by contributing to a loved one’s NEST 529 Education Savings Plan account. In addition to traditional gifts, a contribution to a NEST 529 account offers a thoughtful and lasting way to invest in a child’s future.
“The best gifts don’t always come in wrapping paper,” Spellerberg said. “A NEST 529 contribution can help open doors for a child’s future education while offering real tax benefits for account owners. It’s a simple way to give something that lasts long after the holidays are over.”
How to Gift
It’s easy to invite friends and family members to contribute to a NEST 529 account. To get started, visit NEST529.com/Friends-Family-Gifting. When a contribution has been made, the gift-giver can order or print a NEST 529 holiday gift card to share with the recipient.
“Whether it’s grandparents, godparents, or close friends — everyone can play a part in helping a child reach their dreams,” Spellerberg added. “Each contribution, no matter the size, helps make future education more attainable.”
Maximize Tax Benefits Before Year-End
As 2025 comes to an end, account owners can also take advantage of the tax benefits that come with NEST 529 contributions. Nebraska account owners are eligible to receive a Nebraska state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 ($5,000 if married, filing separately) for contributions made to their own NEST accounts.[1]
“Making a year-end contribution is a smart way to finish the year strong,” Spellerberg said. “Not only are you helping prepare for education expenses down the road, but you may also reduce your state tax burden this year.”
Contributions must be postmarked by December 31, 2025, to qualify for 2025 tax benefits. Account owners can also contribute online by logging into their account at NEST529.com.
Visit NEST529.com/Tax-Benefits to read more about the benefits of the NEST 529 Education Savings Plan.
The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the Program Trustee. All investments, including the portfolio structure offered through the NEST 529 program, are vetted and approved by the Nebraska Investment Council.
About NEST 529
NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank and Trust Company serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 Education Savings Plans, which have over 300,000 accounts. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.
[1]Account owners may deduct for Nebraska income tax purposes contributions they make to their own account (and any other accounts they own in the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust) up to an overall maximum of $10,000 ($5,000 if married, filing separately). Contributions in excess of $10,000 cannot be carried over to a future year. For a minor-owned or UGMA/UTMA 529 account, the minor is considered the account owner for Nebraska state income tax deduction purposes. The minor must file a Nebraska tax return for the year their contributions are made to be eligible for a tax deduction for their own contributions. In the case of a UGMA/UTMA 529 account, contributions by the parent/ guardian listed as the Custodian on the UGMA/UTMA Plan account are also eligible for a Nebraska state tax deduction.
