Understanding the New Trump Accounts
With the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July
2025, Congress introduced a new class of tax-advantaged savings vehicles for
minors known as Trump accounts. Here’s a breakdown of the key features.
What are they?
Trump accounts are custodial savings and investment accounts
that can be established for U.S. children under age 18 to encourage long-term
financial security. Contributions are made on an after-tax basis, and
investments grow tax deferred until withdrawn. Withdrawals are generally
prohibited until the year the child reaches age 18. These accounts are
specifically targeted toward children.
Who is eligible?
Beginning July 2026, Trump accounts can be established for
children who are U.S. citizens, have a valid Social Security number, and are
under age 18. In addition, the new law creates a pilot program in which
qualified account holders born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028,
are eligible for a one-time government contribution of $1,000. The Department
of the Treasury may automatically enroll these children into the program.
Children born outside of the 2025–2028 window, but who are still under age 18,
qualify for a Trump account, though they will not receive the $1,000 seed
grant. Trump accounts do not have income limits or restrictions.
What are the contribution limits?
Parents, relatives, and others may contribute up to $5,000
per child annually. The $5,000 cap will be adjusted for inflation in future
years. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars.
Employers are able to set up plans under which contributions
may be made to employees’ Trump accounts or the Trump accounts of employees’
dependents. Up to $2,500 may be contributed annually for each employee.
Contributions made by an employer to a Trump account on behalf of an employee
under such a plan are not included in the employee’s gross income.
Charities and governmental entities may also make
contributions to Trump accounts under certain conditions. Any such
contributions by charities and governmental entities do not count toward the
$5,000 annual limit. Also, the $1,000 federal seed contribution is excluded
from the $5,000 annual contribution limit.
What is the tax treatment for these accounts?
Contributions from individuals are made with after-tax
dollars, meaning they are not deductible but will eventually be able to be
withdrawn tax-free. Employer, charitable, and government contributions, as well
as the $1,000 seed grant, are not considered income at the time the
contribution is made but will be included in income upon distribution.
Earnings on all contributions grow tax deferred. When the
account holder reaches age 18 and is able to take distributions, the account
may contain amounts that are not taxable upon distribution (amounts contributed
by parents and relatives) as well as amounts that are taxable upon distribution
(earnings, and any contributions made by an employer, charitable or
governmental entity, or as a result of the $1,000 seed grant). The same general
rules that apply to IRAs apply to Trump accounts, including:
- If
there are non-taxable parent or individual contributions in the account,
any distribution is considered to consist of a proportionate share of
taxable and non-taxable amounts.
- Taxable
distributions are taxed at ordinary income rates, and a 10% additional
penalty tax applies if a distribution is made prior to age 59½ unless an
exception applies.
- Exceptions
to the 10% penalty include withdrawals for higher education costs and up
to $10,000 for a first-time home purchase.
How are the funds invested?
Trump account funds are automatically invested in a mutual
fund or exchange-traded fund that tracks the returns of a qualified index, such
as one tracking the S&P 500. Account holders cannot choose between multiple
funds or adjust the investment mix, and the allocation is fixed and limited to
U.S. equities. Funds must have annual fees no higher than 0.1%.
What’s next?
The IRS is expected to issue additional regulations and
guidance that clarify the administrative details of the new law.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss
of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be
successful.
Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds are sold by
prospectus. Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses
carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other
information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial
professional.
The performance of an unmanaged index is not indicative
of the performance of any specific security. Individuals cannot invest directly
in any index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Actual
results will vary.
Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2025
Broadridge Financial Services, Inc.
RISK DISCLOSURE: Investing involves risk
including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee
a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past
performance does not guarantee future results.
This material is for information purposes only and is not
intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of
any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing
accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding
accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any
information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment
decision. For illustrative use only.
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