On July 4th, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law by President Trump. One of the many provisions it introduced is a new financial tool for minors called the Trump Account. These special accounts are designed to give children a head start on building wealth by offering tax perks, government contributions, and opportunities for growth. But are they as good as they sound, or do existing options still have the edge?
Trump Accounts: The Basics
The Trump Account is essentially a tax advantaged investment account for children, where parents or guardians can contribute money on their behalf. Here’s how it works:
- Government Money: A huge benefit is that children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, are eligible for a $1,000 government contribution to kickstart the account. The idea is to give kids a little extra push when they start saving.
- Annual Contributions: Parents can contribute up to $5,000 a year into the account. On top of that, the parent’s employer can contribute up to $2,500 annually, and these employer contributions won’t be taxed as income. These contributions from employers are made with pre-tax dollars, so there is a tax deduction. The growth period for the account is from January 1 of the year the child is born, or from the year the account is created, until December 31 of the year before the child turns 18.
- Growth Potential: Funds are invested in diversified index-based portfolios tracking major U.S. equities (such as the S&P 500).
- Tax Benefits: Money in a Trump Account grows tax-deferred, meaning you won’t pay taxes on earnings until they are withdrawn. Until the child turns 18, the account is held in a custodial structure, and withdrawals are generally not allowed (with limited exceptions for disabilities). At age 18, the account is rolled into a Traditional IRA, where standard IRA tax rules apply. After-tax contributions from parents are withdrawn tax-free (principal), while pre-tax contributions (govt/employer) and all earnings are taxed as ordinary income, with a 10% penalty for non-qualified withdrawals before age 59½, similar to IRAs, though exceptions (education, first home) exist for penalty-free early access after age 18, when the account converts to traditional IRA rules.
- Withdrawal Exceptions: No distributions are allowed to be made before 18, but after 18 there are some exceptions to taking money out without penalties:
- Paying for higher education.
- Disability, domestic abuse, or natural disasters.
- $10,000 for a first-time home purchase.
- Up to $5,000 for the birth or adoption of a first child.
All distributions after 59½ are taxed as ordinary income and are penalty-free.
Who Can Use Trump Accounts?
Anyone can open a Trump Account for their child, but the $1,000 government bonus is only available for U.S. citizens born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, who have a Social Security number. This essentially makes the bonus a limited time offer for children born in that window.
The accounts are expected to be available starting July 4th, 2026 (this will include children born within the January 1st, 2025, deadline.) To open a Trump Account, you use the new IRS Form 4547, “Trump Account Election,” to authorize the account and request the initial $1,000 government contribution. Online options to enroll should begin July 4th 2026 at trumpaccount.gov.
Michael and Susan Dell’s Donation
On December 2nd, 2025, Michael and Susan Dell made an incredible donation of $6.25 billion. Thanks to their generosity, approximately 25 million children, ages 10 and younger, who did not qualify for the one-time $1,000 deposit from the Treasury Department, will receive a $250 donation. This one-time $250 donation will only be available for children in zip codes where the median household income is below $150,000.
The accounts will have to be opened by the parents once Trump Accounts are available on July 4th, 2026. However, children older than 10 may also benefit if funds remain after initial sign-ups, according to the Dell Foundation.
This donation to Trump Accounts might only be the start. Hopefully, this inspires other organizations, cities, or even states to make further donations.
Comparing to Other Accounts
While the Trump Account offers some benefits, there are other types of accounts that might work better for different goals. For example:
- 529 College Savings Plans: If you’re primarily saving for your child’s education, a 529 plan offers more flexibility and tax advantages when it comes to education-related withdrawals.
- Custodial Accounts (UTMA/UGMA): These accounts have higher contribution limits. They’re also more flexible when it comes to who can contribute.
- Traditional Brokerage Accounts: If you don’t need the tax perks and just want to invest for your child’s future, a regular brokerage account might offer the most flexibility.
How Can We Help?
The Trump Account may be a good option, especially if your child qualifies for the $1,000 government boost. If you’re looking for a long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicle for your child’s future, it could be worth considering. At BCA Private Wealth, we would love to help you plan for both your children’s future and your own. Give us a call or schedule a review meeting to discuss how we can help you on your path to financial freedom.
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