With the TIPS program, you may be eligible for a 4-to-1 match!
The Tennessee Investments Preparing Scholars (TIPS) program was created to encourage families of qualifying income levels to save for the growing costs associated with post secondary education.
You want your kids to go to college. Find out how TIPS can help you get them there. Parents want to save and invest in their child’s future, but getting started can be the hardest part. The Tennessee Department of Treasury created a program to help. Tennessee Investments Preparing Scholars (TIPS) is a 4-to-1 matching grant program encouraging families of all income levels to save for the future cost of college.
A program of the Tennessee Treasury Department, TIPS is a matching grant program offering incentives to participate in the TNStars® College Savings 529 Program to Tennessee residents meeting certain household income requirements.
When a qualifying family establishes a TNStars® account and enrolls a beneficiary in the TIPS program, the state will provide a 4-to-1 matching contribution.
That’s $100 for every $25 contributed by the account holder. Beneficiaries can receive a match of $500 per year, with a lifetime maximum match of $1,500.
If you are a Tennessee resident and your income does not exceed the limits below, you may qualify for a 4-to-1 match for college savings. Persons in a family or household:
For family units of more than eight (8) members, add $11,350 for each additional person.
*The TIPS program income limits are based on 250% of federal poverty guidelines. Beginning in January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022,TIPS applicants may use either the 2020 tax return or the 2021 tax return with the TIPS program application.
Open a TNStars account
Know someone who could benefit from the TIPS 4-to-1 matching grant, or just want to keep some additional information on hand for your own use? Use the button below to download our TIPS Reference Guide!
Download the TIPS Reference Guide
Use the following forms and documents to learn more, apply for, and manage your TIPS program account.The Qualifying Period will begin August 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. No applications will be processed that are not postmarked by June 30, 2022.
TIPS program application TIPS program description TIPS withdrawal of funds TIPS change of beneficiary
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Unclaimed Property
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