Open an Account

Email icon Facebook icon Twitter icon

Take these steps to open your SMART529 WV Direct college savings account.

 

  1. Choose your investment options.
    Review your college savings choices and the available SMART529 Plans to help guide you through the process of evaluating your college savings needs and choosing the investment options that are right for you.
  2. Read the SMART529 Offering Statement.
    The offering statement contains information about fees, expenses, performance history and risks. It also contains information about customer service and how your investments are managed and administered.
  3. Gather all required bank and personal information.
    Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, bank information and other details are necessary to complete the enrollment process. Refer to the New Account Checklist for a list of the information you'll need.
  4. Open your account.
    The account owner or beneficiary must be a West Virginia resident. You can enroll in one of two ways:

Sign up in one of two ways:

1. ONLINE

Opening an account online takes about 10 minutes.

Note: If you are opening an account as a trust or tax-exempt, government or for-profit business owner, please enroll by mail.

Open Account >

2. BY MAIL

Request Enrollment Kit >

No matter how you enroll, don't forget to sign up for Payroll Direct Deposit1 or Automatic Investment Program for regular savings.
 

New Account Checklist

Account Owner
  • Address
  • Social Security Number*
 The account owner must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a U.S. mailing address.
Designated Beneficiary
  • Address
  • Social Security Number*
  • Date of birth
 The designated beneficiary is the individual for whose benefit the funds will be used. The designated beneficiary must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a U.S. mailing address.
Successor Account Owners
  • Address
  • Social Security Number*
 You may assign one successor account owner in the event of your death. Successors are not required but are a very good idea.
Initial Investment
  • Your investment option(s) and the percentages for each
 The minimum initial contribution is only $1.00
Rollover Information (if applicable)
  • The total amount you will invest
  • Your previous contributions and earnings amount (shown on the rollover check stub or statement)
 Rollovers are proceeds from a qualified tuition plan, Coverdell educational savings account, or Series EE Savings Bond redeemed within the last 60 days.
Bank Information
  • Your bank's ABA routing number
  • Type of account: checking or savings
  • Account number
 Bank information is needed if you are making your contribution online and/or you're going to enroll in the Automatic Investment Program.

* Social Security numbers are required for 529 plan accounts by federal tax law.

1 Must be supported by your employer.

2608506

For other SMART529 plans, use these links: