Trump Accounts are a new type of tax-advantaged investment account for children, established under recent legislation and effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. These accounts are designed to encourage long-term savings for children and feature a special $1,000 government contribution for those who qualify under a pilot program.
Key Features of Trump Accounts:
- The account is a retirement account established for the exclusive benefit of a child and designated as a Trump Account at creation.
- During the “growth period” (before the child turns 18), funds can only be invested in low-fee, broad-based U.S. equity index mutual funds or ETFs.
- Annual contributions from non-government sources are limited to $5,000 per year (indexed for inflation after 2027), with employer contributions capped at $2,500 per year and counting toward the overall limit.
- No early withdrawals are permitted during the growth period, except for certain rollovers or upon the death of the beneficiary.
- Only one Trump Account can be established per child.
Eligibility for a Trump Account:
- The child must be under age 18 at the end of the calendar year in which the account is established.
- The child must have a Social Security Number issued before the account is opened.
- The account can be established by a legal guardian, parent, adult sibling, or grandparent (in order of priority).
Eligibility for the $1,000 Government Contribution:
- The child must be born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.
- The child must be a U.S. citizen with a Social Security Number issued before the election is made.
- Only one $1,000 government contribution is allowed per eligible child.
- The individual making the election (typically a parent or guardian) must anticipate that the child will be their qualifying child for the year of the election.
How to Claim the $1,000 Government Contribution:
- Establish a Trump Account for the child by completing IRS Form 4547 (Trump Account Election(s)). This can be done on paper or, starting mid-2026, online at trumpaccounts.gov.
- Indicate on Form 4547 that you are also electing the $1,000 pilot program contribution for the child.
- Submit the form electronically (recommended) or by mail to the IRS.
- Once the election is processed, you will receive instructions to activate the account. The $1,000 contribution will be deposited as soon as practicable after the account is confirmed, but not before July 4, 2026.
Additional Notes:
- There are no income restrictions for establishing a Trump Account or receiving the $1,000 contribution.
- Contributions are not deductible, but earnings grow tax-deferred. After age 18, the account is treated as a traditional IRA for tax purposes.
- No early withdrawals are allowed during the growth period, except for certain permitted rollovers or upon death.
If you have any questions about Trump Accounts please contact the Tax Advisory Group.