This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow distributions from qualified tuition programs (529 plans) to be used for first-time home purchases without incurring tax penalties. It introduces a new category, "qualified first-time homebuyer distribution," which permits funds to be withdrawn and used within 120 days for qualified acquisition costs of a principal residence. These distributions can benefit the designated beneficiary, their spouse, or their children, grandchildren, or ancestors. A "first-time homebuyer" is defined as an individual who, along with their spouse, has not held a present ownership interest in a principal residence during the two-year period preceding the acquisition date. The bill also includes special provisions for situations where a home purchase is delayed or canceled, allowing funds to be transferred to another qualified tuition program or ABLE account with an extended 120-day window. Furthermore, it permits recontributions of qualified distributions back into a 529 plan or ABLE account if the home purchase in a qualified disaster area was disrupted by a declared disaster.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Taxation
Unlocking Homeownership Act
USA119th CongressHR-7402| House
| Updated: 2/5/2026
This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow distributions from qualified tuition programs (529 plans) to be used for first-time home purchases without incurring tax penalties. It introduces a new category, "qualified first-time homebuyer distribution," which permits funds to be withdrawn and used within 120 days for qualified acquisition costs of a principal residence. These distributions can benefit the designated beneficiary, their spouse, or their children, grandchildren, or ancestors. A "first-time homebuyer" is defined as an individual who, along with their spouse, has not held a present ownership interest in a principal residence during the two-year period preceding the acquisition date. The bill also includes special provisions for situations where a home purchase is delayed or canceled, allowing funds to be transferred to another qualified tuition program or ABLE account with an extended 120-day window. Furthermore, it permits recontributions of qualified distributions back into a 529 plan or ABLE account if the home purchase in a qualified disaster area was disrupted by a declared disaster.