New York Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a tax-qualified retirement plan?

1. 401(k) plan

2. Traditional IRA

3. Section 529 plan

4. Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan

The correct answer is: Section 529 plan

The Section 529 plan is primarily designed for education savings and is not categorized as a tax-qualified retirement plan. It offers tax advantages for saving for education-related expenses, such as college tuition, but that is distinct from retirement plans that focus on providing income during retirement years. In contrast, retirement plans like the 401(k) plan, Traditional IRA, and Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan are specifically aimed at retirement savings. They allow for tax-deferred growth of investments, meaning that taxes are paid upon withdrawal rather than when contributions are made. This is a key characteristic that defines a tax-qualified retirement plan, making the Section 529 plan unique in its purpose and treatment under tax law.