Blog

We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Securing Your Child's Financial Future: Key Tax Strategies

Providing for a child's financial well-being is one of the most enduring gifts parents and relatives can offer. Utilizing diverse tax-advantaged accounts and strategies can address a child’s immediate financial needs and foster long-lasting security. Dive into an array of options, including the innovative Trump Accounts, time-tested Section 529 plans, and other valuable strategies.

Trump Accounts: New Tax-Deferred Savings

  • Overview - Trump Accounts, launched through recent tax reforms, present a fresh opportunity for minors under 18 with U.S. citizenship and a Social Security number to accumulate tax-deferred savings. Contributions can originate from various sources, such as relatives or employers, and do not require the child to have earned income, akin to IRAs.

  • Contribution Rules - Annual contributions to Trump Accounts are capped at $5,000, adjusted annually for inflation. Notably, contributions from tax-exempt entities don't count against this limit, provided they serve designated children. No further contributions can be made when the child reaches age 18, and these are not tax deductible.

  • Distribution Guidelines - Withdrawals are generally restricted until the account holder achieves majority—age 18. Premature earnings distributions are subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty, with some IRA-style exceptions.

  • Federal Contributions - As part of a special initiative, the federal government will contribute $1,000 to the Trump Account for eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. This is credited like a tax payment, stimulating early savings growth. If uninitiated, the Treasury Secretary will establish an account on the child’s behalf.

  • Timing - Contributions to Trump Accounts are anticipated to commence in mid-2026. Stay informed about the details as the government finalizes the account creation processes.

Section 529 Plans: Education Savings Mastery

  • Definition - Section 529 plans are specialized savings accounts tailored for education expenses, fostering fund accumulation through tax deferral and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenditures.

  • Contribution Dynamics - Contributions from diverse donors avoid gift tax implications if within the annual exclusion limits of $19,000 for singles and $38,000 for couples (2025 figures). Through a 5-year front-loading tactic, contributors can pre-fund up to $95,000 (or $190,000 for couples) tax-free.

  • Flexibility and Utilization - Funds address educational expenses inclusive of K-12 tuition and books, also covering select apprenticeship programs and offering potential beneficiary changes or $35,000 rollovers to a Roth IRA under Secure Act 2.0 provisions.

Boosting Finances Through Family Business Involvement

  • Tax Benefits - Employing a child in a family business can harness income tax benefits. For 2025, children can earn up to $15,750 without federal tax. Business deductions for wages amplify tax efficiency.

  • Roth IRA Potential - Kids with earned income can open and fund a Roth IRA, taking advantage of tax-free growth and withdrawals. With fewer taxes now, the long-term compounding effect is substantial. Notably, contributions enable penalty-free flexibility and require no lifetime RMDs.

Additional Approaches: Early Financial Empowerment

  • Start Saving for Retirement - Even minors can start a Roth IRA with earnings. Engaging early boosts retirement funds significantly.

  • Teaching Financial Responsibility - Encouraging savings through structured accounts promotes lifelong discipline and financial modeling.

  • Encouraging Small Ventures - Youth entrepreneurial endeavors cultivate financial growth and managerial skills while potentially generating savings-eligible income.

Conclusion: The availability of financial instruments like Trump Accounts and 529 plans provides a sturdy foundation for a child’s financial pathway. These accounts cater to both educational and broader monetary needs, ensuring financial acumen and readiness for future self-sufficiency. Exploring these avenues can solidify a child’s economic potential and impart a legacy of fiscal stability. For personalized assistance regarding these benefits, feel free to contact our office.

Image 3

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.