When it comes to saving for your child’s future college expenses, 529 college savings plans are one of the most popular options — and for good reason. These plans allow you to tuck away money for future tuition expenses without taking a hit from taxes.

To make the most of this tax-advantaged plan, however, there is a lot to learn, and every state is a bit different in their policies and procedures. To help you get started in deciding if this option is right for you, here’s a rundown on the details about 529 college savings plans.