text: as a ca resident, is it better to get the ca 529 or can i choose any state 529 ? are there any tax benefits? are there any ca state tax benefits of california's 529 that i would lose out on in getting any other state's 529 plan? are there any other differences to keep in mind, apart from the quality of the plan's investment offerings. in most cases you would want to get the plan sponsored by your state.  every state sets its own rules for tax exemption on 529s.  if you are going to go with one outside of your state, i would look at college america which is through the american funds.  obtain more info from 529s.com