🚨 BREAKING: The Big Beautiful Bill Just Made SAT Prep Tax-Free — Here’s How Parents Can Use College 529 Plans To Pay For Test Preparation

As a first-generation college student who earned a perfect SAT score and a full-ride scholarship to medical school, I know the life-changing power of test preparation. And now, as an entrepreneur and education advocate, I’m excited to share an amazing new opportunity for families across America: You can now use your 529 College Savings Plan to pay for Prep Expert® SAT & ACT prep courses — tax-free.
This is more than just a financial hack. It’s a win for families, a boost for academic opportunity, and a victory for meritocracy.
Let me walk you through:
âś… What Is a 529 Plan?
A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged savings account for education. For years, these plans only covered college tuition and fees. But thanks to new federal reforms—including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025)—529s now cover:
- SAT & ACT test prep courses
- Tutoring services
- Online educational programs
This means your child’s Prep Expert® course can now be a tax-free expense under your 529 plan.
đź’¸ Why This Matters Financially
Let’s break it down:
Suppose you pay $1,000 for an SAT course with Prep Expert®.
By running the payment through your 529 plan:
- You could save $50–$200+ in taxes, depending on your state
- You avoid paying federal tax on any investment gains in the account
- In states like Indiana, you could even get a $200 tax credit
This means families are essentially getting a huge discount on high-quality education, just for planning smartly.
đź§ Why This Matters For Educational Opportunity
Prep Expert® courses help students:
- Improve SAT scores by 200+ points and ACT scores by 4+ points
- Unlock merit-based scholarships worth $10,000 to $250,000
- Stand out in competitive college admissions
By making test prep more financially accessible, 529 eligibility levels the playing field—especially for students who otherwise couldn’t afford it. That’s real meritocracy in action.
We should reward preparation, discipline, and academic excellence—not punish students because their parents didn’t have test prep funds sitting around. This change helps restore that balance.
🧠Step-by-Step: How To Use Your 529 Plan To Pay For Prep Expert®
Here’s how parents can do it in 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Enroll In A Prep Expert® Course
Choose from our SAT or ACT prep courses and tutoring at PrepExpert.com
Step 2: Pay Using Your Credit Card
Yes, pay like you normally would. Save your receipt and confirmation email.
Step 3: Log In To Your 529 Plan Portal
Access your state’s 529 plan dashboard (e.g., Ascensus, Fidelity, Vanguard).
Step 4: Request a Reimbursement
Select the option to reimburse yourself for qualified educational expenses. Upload the Prep Expert® receipt if requested.
Step 5: Receive Your Tax-Free Funds
The plan will deposit the reimbursed amount into your bank account, usually within a few days.
đź’ˇ Important: Make sure the expense and reimbursement happen in the same calendar year.
🏛️ How Prep Expert® Is Supporting Families
We’re actively working with families, financial advisors, and state 529 plan administrators to:
- Provide itemized receipts labeled as “standardized test preparation”
- Ensure our programs remain 529-compliant
- Educate parents on how to maximize tax savings while investing in their child’s future
🇺🇸 Why I Believe This Promotes Meritocracy In America
In a time where the value of standardized tests is debated, let’s not forget this: Tests are one of the few academic equalizers available at scale.
No matter your zip code, your wealth, or your legacy status—a high SAT or ACT score can change your life.
By allowing families to use tax-free education funds for test prep, we:
- Empower students to compete on merit
- Give middle- and working-class families access to elite prep
- Expand access to scholarships, top colleges, and better futures
This is the America I believe in — an America where preparation meets opportunity.
Written by Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
Prep Expert Founder & CEO
Shark Tank Winner, Perfect SAT Scorer, Dermatologist, & #1 Bestselling AuthorMore from Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
How to Get a Good SAT Score… and what “Good” Really Means
You’ve probably heard classmates or teachers talk about what counts as a “good” SAT score. But the truth is, that…
How Prep Expert® Students Achieve Life-Changing ACT & SAT Score Improvements
For thousands of students, the SAT or ACT isn’t just a test — it’s a turning point. A higher score…
How to Get a Good ACT Score
Getting a good ACT score can feel a little mystifying to some students. After all, with the big numbers the…