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Trump accounts vs. IRAs and 529s: How do they stack up?
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-08 17:43
Core Concept - The Working Families Tax Cuts bill introduces "Trump accounts," which are essentially IRAs designed for children, seeded with $1,000 by the government, with additional contributions possible from tech billionaires Michael and Susan Dell totaling $6 billion for 25 million accounts [1][11]. Summary by Sections Trump Accounts Overview - Trump accounts are a new savings option for children, allowing contributions from parents, grandparents, and employers before the child turns 18, but the funds are locked until then [4][5]. - At age 18, the accounts can be accessed for any purpose, not limited to educational expenses, but withdrawals will incur taxes and a 10% penalty if taken before age 59½ [2][5]. Comparison with Traditional IRAs - Trump accounts function similarly to traditional IRAs but do not require earned income for contributions, making them more accessible [3]. - Like traditional IRAs, withdrawals are taxed at the account holder's income tax bracket, and exceptions to penalties exist for first home purchases or education expenses [6]. Alternatives to Trump Accounts - 529 accounts are specifically for educational expenses and offer tax-free growth if used for college, unlike Trump accounts which do not provide tax-free growth [7]. - Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) allow tax-free earnings for educational use but do not have the initial government seed money [9]. - Custodial accounts under UGMA or UTMA allow saving and investing for children, with control transferring to the child at ages 18 to 25 depending on state laws [10]. Potential Impact - The initial $1,000 deposit from the government may incentivize parents to save more seriously for their children's future, potentially leading to significant savings by the time the child turns 18 [11][12].