New Jersey Assembly Bill A3831

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Allows distributions from NJBEST account to Roth IRA as qualified withdrawals and excludes such distributions from gross income tax.

Impact

This bill is poised to have a significant impact on state tax law, particularly concerning how withdrawals from education savings accounts are treated. By amending the definition of a 'qualified withdrawal' to include rollovers to Roth IRAs, the bill removes the previous tax liability on these transactions that would typically apply under the NJBEST statutes. As a result, it reinforces a more tax-friendly environment for individuals saving for education, thus potentially encouraging greater participation in NJBEST accounts.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3831 aims to amend the New Jersey Better Education Savings Trust (NJBEST) program by allowing distributions from NJBEST accounts to be classified as qualified withdrawals when transferred to Roth IRAs. This change aligns state provisions with new federal legislation enabling similar rollovers from 529 savings accounts to Roth IRAs effective January 1, 2024. Customers can benefit from tax exemptions on these transfers, promoting savings for higher education expenses in a tax-advantaged manner.

Contention

While the bill is primarily presented as a benefit to families saving for education, it could face scrutiny regarding its long-term implications for state tax revenue. Critics may argue that expanding exemptions could further reduce the state's income tax base, although supporters assert it encourages saving for education rather than incurring debt. The degree to which the bill may influence overall participation in NJBEST accounts and state financial resources remains a point of discussion among stakeholders.