Families may choose to save for college or elementary and secondary education expenses using tax-advantaged qualified tuition programs (QTPs), also known as 529 plans. 529 plans, named for the section of the tax code which dictates their tax treatment, are tax-advantaged investment trusts used to pay for education expenses. The specific tax advantage of a 529 plan is that distributions (i.e., withdrawals) from this savings plan are tax-free if they are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses. In addition up to $10,000 may be withdrawn tax-free per beneficiary per year and used for qualifying elementary and secondary school expenses. This report provides an overview of the mechanics of 529 plans and examines the specific tax advantages of these plans. [For an overview of all tax benefits for higher education, see CRS Report R41967, "Higher Education Tax Benefits: Brief Overview and Budgetary Effects," by Margot L. Crandall-Hollick, ED593609.]