What Parents Need to Know About Trump Accounts

January 26 was the official date the IRS began accepting electronically filed tax returns, but many people are unable to file so quickly because they are still waiting for tax documents from various sources.

But now, as the calendar is about to turn to March (and hopefully warmer weather), many of us are handing off our tax documents to our tax preparers, accompanied by the annual question – Is there anything I can do to lower my taxes?

Unfortunately, the answer is that most, if not all, effective tax planning must be completed by December 31st. This year is no exception for most of us.

There was one change enacted by the tax law passed last July that some people may be able to take advantage of. While it will not reduce current taxes, there is an election to make on the 2025 tax return that could result in the government giving you $1,000.

For parents who welcomed a new addition to their family in 2025, a unique and time-sensitive opportunity has emerged: the newly introduced “Trump Accounts.” Unlike most planning strategies that expire at midnight on New Year’s Eve, the election to participate in the federal pilot program for these accounts can still be made now for the 2025 tax year.

What are Trump Accounts and Who Qualifies?

Introduced under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act of 2025, Trump Accounts (technically, Section 530A accounts) are a new type of tax-advantaged investment vehicle designed specifically for children. You can think of them as a hybrid between a Traditional IRA and a custodial account, but with a unique twist: they allow contributions from a variety of sources, including parents, grandparents, and even employers.

The cornerstone of this new legislation is a $1,000 federal “seed” contribution. This is part of a pilot program specifically for U.S. citizens born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. By filing IRS Form 4547 (Trump Account Election) with your 2025 tax return, you can secure this initial $1,000 deposit from the U.S. Treasury to jumpstart your child’s long-term savings.

How They Work: Accumulation and Beyond

During the accumulation phase (the years before December of the year prior to the child turning 18), the account functions much like a retirement account for a minor.

• Funding: Beyond the initial $1,000 government seed, families can contribute up to $5,000 annually. A distinctive feature is that up to $2,500 of this limit can be contributed by an employer (either the parent’s or the child’s) as a tax-free benefit.
• Investment: To ensure long-term stability, funds must be invested in low-cost, unleveraged index funds or ETFs that track major U.S. indices.
• Taxation: Growth within the account is tax-deferred. Contributions from the government or employers are considered “pre-tax,” meaning the full amount will be taxable upon withdrawal. Personal contributions from parents are “after-tax” (similar to a Roth, but without the tax-free growth on withdrawals), meaning only the earnings are taxed when distributed.

The real shift occurs when the child turns 18. At this milestone, the account is no longer managed by a custodian; it becomes the legal property of the child. They can choose to keep the funds invested, roll them over into a Traditional IRA, or withdraw the money for any purpose—be it a down payment on a home, starting a business, or education.

Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans and UTMA Accounts

When deciding whether a Trump Account is right for your family, it is helpful to compare it with established options like 529 Plans or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts.

Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans: The primary advantage of a 529 plan is that withdrawals are entirely tax-free if used for qualified education expenses. Trump Accounts, by contrast, will always be subject to some level of income tax upon withdrawal. However, Trump Accounts offer more flexibility; the funds do not have to be used for school.

Trump Accounts vs. UTMA/UGMA: Standard custodial accounts (UTMAs) are often used for general savings, but they lack the tax-deferred growth of a Trump Account. The other difference is that a UTMA/UGMA account has no contribution limits, while a Trump account has a $5,000 annual contribution limit.

Like a UTMA, a Trump Account becomes the child’s property at age 18. This is a significant “con” for parents who worry about an 18-year-old having unrestricted access to a potentially large sum of money.

How to Make the Election

To secure the $1,000 government seed money for a child born in 2025, parents must take formal action during the current tax filing season. This is done by filing IRS Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s). This form serves as the official mechanism for enrolling in the pilot program and notifying the Treasury of the child’s eligibility.

It is important to understand that simply filing out the form does not result in an immediate deposit. Because this is a brand-new financial infrastructure, the rollout is happening in stages. Even though you are making the election now for the 2025 tax year, the actual funding of these accounts cannot occur until July 4, 2026, at the earliest.

When Will Trump Accounts be Available?

As of today, the physical accounts do not yet exist. While the legislation has paved the way, major financial institutions and custodians have not yet fully developed the specific account structures required to hold these contributions and track the various “buckets” of earnings (government, employer, and personal).

Is the $1,000 Government Seed a Limited-Time Opportunity?

It is important to note that Trump Accounts are not yet a permanent fixture of the tax code. The $1,000 government seed is specifically a “pilot program” slated for children born through the end of 2028. Furthermore, the legislative landscape is always shifting. There is no guarantee that the program will be extended or that the tax-deferred status will remain unchanged in future administrations.

For those with a child born in 2025, the window to claim the initial $1,000 is now open, but it requires an active election.

While the “free” $1,000 from the government is an attractive incentive, the decision to open a Trump Account should be balanced against your child’s future needs and your own comfort level with the assets transferring to them at age 18. If you have recently welcomed a new family member and want to explore how this new tool fits into your intergenerational planning, we encourage you to reach out to us.

The calendar may have turned to 2026, but for 2025’s newest parents, one very important planning door remains open.