DES MOINES, IA (01/06/2016)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that the Iowa income tax deduction has once again been raised for those saving with College Savings Iowa.* "Iowa taxpayers can deduct the first $3,18...

DES MOINES, IA (12/17/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to complete the College Savings Iowa InFocus tutorial and be registered to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account. "I encourage everyone to complete the 529 tutorial before December 31," Fitzgerald said. "This interactive learning experience explains the benefits of saving for a loved one's higher education, while also registering families for a chance to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account!" Visit Iowa529InFocus.com to complete the tutorial and see official rules.

Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their lives. "The first 500 people who complete the tutorial and open a College Savings Iowa account will receive an additional $10 contribution to their account," Fitzgerald added. "This is a great way to begin and potentially boost your child's college savings!" The newly established accounts must have a minimum $25 contribution and be opened within the first seven days of tutorial completion to be eligible for the $10 contribution.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Iowa taxpayers have the additional benefit of being able to deduct contributions up to $3,163 per beneficiary account from their 2015 Iowa adjusted gross income.*

Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses, which includes tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad.**

. For more information about future giveaways and events find College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

**Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-672-9116, or visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

DES MOINES, IA (12/01/2015)(readMedia)-- Earlier this fall, my office launched a new financial literacy initiative introducing families across Iowa to the benefits of using a 529 plan to save for a loved one's higher education. College Savings Iowa InFocus is an interactive learning experience that serves as a testament to our message: by starting early, saving regularly and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them.

Our 10 minute tutorial explores the ins-and-outs of 529 plans and details the specific benefits of College Savings Iowa. Along with this great learning opportunity, we are offering even more ways to grow your college savings: anyone who completes the tutorial is automatically registered to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account. For those families who take the first step towards saving, we are also contributing an additional $10 to the first 500 people who complete the tutorial and open a College Savings Iowa account. The newly established accounts must have a minimum $25 contribution and be opened within seven days of tutorial completion to be eligible for the $10 contribution. Visit Iowa529InFocus.com to complete the tutorial and see the official rules.

An investment in your children's education is an investment in their future. I encourage you to make time to evaluate your college savings strategies today. With the cost of higher education rising faster than inflation, nearly every family will face the question of how to pay for it when the time comes. Thankfully, the answer is quite simple - start saving today!

Also, be sure to join the college savings conversation by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan) to learn about future giveaways, college savings tips and events.

Help make college a reality for the children in your life by starting to save today - you will be glad you did!

Michael L. Fitzgerald

Treasurer of State

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

Urbandale resident claim helped reach milestone

DES MOINES, IA (11/17/2015)(readMedia)-- DES MOINES, Iowa - State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has reached a milestone of $200 million in unclaimed property returned. "Since the program's inception in 1983, we have returned $200 million through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt," Fitzgerald said. "Vona Burbank of Urbandale helped us reach our milestone. Her claim of $6,723 put our returns at just over $200 million! This milestone reinforces our dedication to reuniting unclaimed property with its rightful owners."

Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office.

"There is no time limit or fee to claim your money," Fitzgerald added. "The assets are held until the owner or heir of the property is found." Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits and safe deposit box contents.

Visit the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to begin your search. Like Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter (@GreatIATreasure).

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