Terms of Use: 
A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is a type of IRA that allows you to make nondeductible contributions up to $2,000 annually for anyone under the age of 18 or a special needs beneficiary. Assets in a Coverdell ESA must be used for qualified education expenses before your child (the designated beneficiary) turns 30 in order to be withdrawn tax-free.
Qualified education expenses can be either qualified higher education expenses or qualified elementary and secondary education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment as well as room and board (allowable if the designated beneficiary is at least a half-time student at an eligible educational institution).
Tax-free earnings. Contributions to a Coverdell ESA are not tax-deductible; however, all earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and can be withdrawn tax-free as well, if used for qualified higher education expenses.
Who's Eligible. Anyone can contribute up to $2,000 per child under the age of 18 for a Coverdell ESA as long as his or her income does not exceed the limits. Single tax filers with annual adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $110,000 or married couples with AGI up to $220,000 are eligible to make the maximum annual contribution to a Coverdell ESA. You have until the due date of your tax return (not counting extensions) to contribute to a Coverdell ESA.
Withdrawals. Distributions are tax free if used to pay for qualified education expenses. Funds must be spent or paid to the beneficiary within 30 days of their 30th birthday. Any withdrawals not used for qualified education expenses are subject to both income taxes and a 10% IRS penalty.
