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Building a Secure Financial Future: Tax Benefits for Kids

One of the most profound ways to secure a child's financial future is through strategic tax planning. By using a variety of tax-advantaged accounts and forward-thinking strategies, you can help cover immediate financial needs while also providing a solid foundation for long-term prosperity. Let's delve into these options, including innovative Trump Accounts and trusty Section 529 Plans, and examine how they can bolster your child's financial standing.

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Trump Accounts: A Novel Tax-Advantaged Strategy

  • Overview of Trump Accounts - Introduced by recent tax reforms, Trump Accounts are a new tax-deferral tool designed to encourage saving for minors. These accounts allow parents or guardians to contribute on behalf of their children under 18, given they are U.S. citizens with a Social Security number. Contributions can be made by parents, relatives, employers, or certain non-profit entities. They function like IRAs but with no requirement for the child to have earned income.

  • Contribution Regulations - You may contribute up to $5,000 annually to a Trump Account, with adjustments for inflation. Contributions are not tax-deductible, and once the child turns 18, no further contributions can be made. Notably, funds from tax-exempt sources like private foundations don't count against this limit if they benefit eligible children.

  • Withdrawal Criteria - Typically, funds can't be withdrawn until the account holder is 18. Earnings withdrawn before age 59½ are subject to income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty unless they meet certain IRA exceptions.

  • Government Contributions - For U.S. citizens born between 2025 and 2028, the federal government will make a $1,000 contribution, enhancing initial savings. This amount will be credited back to their Trump Account, effectively starting the child's financial journey.

  • Implementation Timeline - Contributions to Trump Accounts are anticipated to be implemented by mid-2026, with ongoing governmental logistical arrangements.

Section 529 Plans: Established Educational Savings Vehicles

  • Understanding 529 Plans - Section 529 Plans are tax-advantaged savings platforms for education expenses, featuring tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses.

  • Contribution and Gift Tax Rules
    Parents and other contributors aren't subject to income limitations and can donate up to annual gift tax exclusion limits—$19,000 per beneficiary annually—and utilize a special five-year front-loading strategy, allowing significant contributions without incurring immediate gift taxes. This strategy aligns with evolving tax regulations to maximize educational savings.

  • Usage and Flexibility - Funds in 529 plans are versatile, covering expenses from K-12 tuition to college costs, recently extending to include certain apprenticeship programs. Flexible beneficiary adjustment keeps educational funds fluid and adaptable.

  • Rollover Provisions - The Secure Act 2.0 enables rollovers from 529 plans to Roth IRAs for amounts up to $35,000, maintaining the utility of saved funds for unanticipated educational needs.

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Employing a Child: Gaining Tax Advantages

  • Maximizing Tax Benefits - Children employed in family businesses can earn up to their standard deduction tax-free, with wages deductible as business expenses, providing notable tax relief. If the business is a sole proprietorship or a family partnership, wages to children under 18 avoid FICA taxes, enhancing tax savings.

  • Initiating Retirement Savings - A child's earnings can fund a Roth IRA, offering tax-free compounding and withdrawals, contributing to a robust financial future.

Additional Financial Strategies

  • Early Retirement Savings - Minors with earned income can invest in Roth IRAs, fostering early financial responsibility.

  • Fostering Financial Literacy - Encouraging savings and entrepreneurial endeavors supports financial education and independence.

By employing these tools—Trump Accounts, 529 Plans, and business employment strategies—parents can create a comprehensive plan for their child's financial well-being. If you have inquiries about these opportunities or require tailored advice, please contact our office, where we specialize in tax benefits for Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, as well as nationwide advisory services—excluding New York, Oregon, and California.

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