Empowering Your Child’s Future with Tax-Advantaged Savings

Establishing a solid financial foundation for your children is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. By utilizing various tax-advantaged accounts and strategies, you can help ensure not only your child's immediate financial security but also set them on a path for long-term prosperity. Below, we delve into the diverse options available, including the innovative Trump Accounts, Section 529 plans, and other strategic approaches.

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Trump Accounts: An Innovative Savings Tool

  • Introduction to Trump Accounts - Established under recent tax reforms, Trump Accounts serve as a novel type of tax-deferred investment vehicle aimed at encouraging savings for minors. These accounts can be initiated by parents or guardians for children under 18 who are U.S. citizens with a Social Security number, with contributions possibly coming from parents, relatives, employers, and certain tax-exempt entities. This setup resembles an individual retirement account (IRA) without the requirement of earned income for the child.

  • Contribution Guidelines - Contributions are limited to $5,000 annually, adjusted for inflation, with donations from tax-exempt entities like foundations not deducted from this cap if benefiting a qualified group of children. Note that contributions cease once the child reaches age 18, and these are not tax deductible.

  • Distribution Protocols - Ordinarily, distributions cannot occur until the account holder is 18. Withdrawals related to earnings made before age 59½ face ordinary income tax and a 10% penalty unless eligible for IRA exceptions.

  • Federal Contributions - A pilot program supports each eligible newborn with a $1,000 federal contribution, effectively crediting their Trump Account by treating it as an income tax payment. This incentive, applicable to children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, promotes early financial investment.

  • Timeline - Contributions to Trump Accounts are projected to commence in mid-2026. Stay informed as more details emerge on how to set up and manage these accounts effectively.

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Section 529 Plans: A Proven Path for Education Savings

  • Overview - Section 529 plans are tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically for educational expenses, fostering tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified expenses.

  • Contributors and Limits - Open to contributions from parents, grandparents, and friends, these plans have no income restrictions. Contributions should adhere to the annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000 single, $38,000 married in 2025) to sidestep tax implications, with opportunities for a five-year lumping strategy. This enables up to $95,000 (single) or $190,000 (married) in contributions over five years.

  • Application Flexibility - Funds cover various educational costs, such as tuition and books, and, due to law expansions, can also address up to $20,000 annually for K-12 expenses or certain apprenticeship programs. If funds exceed educational needs, the Secure Act 2.0 allows for a $35,000 rollover to a Roth IRA after 15 years, securing funds for future financial goals.

Engaging Children in Family Businesses: Financial Benefits

  • Tax Advantages for Earnings - Children employed in family businesses can earn up to the standard deduction amount tax-free ($15,750 in 2025). Wages are deductible business expenses, reducing the enterprise's taxable income, and for family-operated sole proprietorships, wages paid to children under 18 may be exempt from FICA taxes.

  • Retirement Contributions - Earned income allows contributions to retirement accounts like a Roth IRA, up to the earned income or the 2025 limit of $7,000. Roth IRAs are ideal for minors due to their tax-free growth and flexibility, allowing unrestricted withdrawals of contributions without penalties.

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Additional Financial Strategies:

  • Early Retirement Funding - Minors with earned income can establish Roth IRAs, leveraging compounding growth over time.

  • Financial Education - Initiating savings habits with tools like Trump Accounts, 529 plans, or private accounts promotes lifelong fiscal discipline.

  • Entrepreneurial Development - Engaging children in business ventures fosters money management skills and financial growth, with opportunities to earn and save for future investments.

Conclusion: Diverse financial instruments like Trump Accounts and 529 plans provide a robust framework for a child's secure financial journey. These tools help cover educational costs, instill investment wisdom, and build retirement savings. By supporting your child's savings and financial discipline early, you set them on a path towards a prosperous future and a legacy of fiscal responsibility.

For further information on implementing these tax benefits, please reach out to our office.

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