What are Trump child accounts?
Trump Accounts are a brand-new type of tax-advantaged savings account for children under age 18, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4, 2025. Think of them as "starter IRAs" designed to give American children a head start on building long-term wealth.
The headline feature: Free government money
Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, automatically qualify for a one-time $1,000 federal deposit when their parents or guardians open an account. This isn't a loan or credit – it's real money deposited directly into an investment account in your child's name.
How to register your child
There are two ways to establish a Trump account:
1. Online registration (currently open)
Parents or guardians can register directly through the official Trump Accounts website. Online registration is currently open.
This is the most direct way to establish the account without waiting to file a tax return.
NOTE! Online registration has been available since early February 2026 through the official Trump Accounts website.
2. Filing Form 4547 with your 2025 tax return
Alternatively, you may elect to establish the account by filing Form 4547 with your 2025 tax return (due April 15, 2026).
This option may be appropriate for families who prefer to handle the election through their annual tax filing process.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Available now | Submit Form 4547 online through https://form.trumpaccounts.gov/ (online election is currently live) |
| Now – April 15, 2026 | Alternatively, attach Form 4547 to your 2025 federal tax return |
| May 2026 (estimated) | Treasury sends activation instructions to early registrants |
| July 4, 2026 | Contributions can begin |
| July 5, 2026 | Trump Accounts officially launch |
Who is eligible
For the $1,000 government seed money:
- The child was born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028
- The child is a US citizen
- The child has a Social Security number
- Parent/guardian files Form 4547 (or registers online)
For Trump accounts generally:
- Any child under age 18 (as of December 31 of the year the account is opened)
- The child has a Social Security number
- Parent/guardian files Form 4547 (or registers online)
NOTE! Children born before 2025 can still open Trump Accounts – they just won't receive the $1,000 government contribution.
Benefits of registering early
- First in line for the $1,000: The Treasury Department will process forms in the order received. Those who submit early will have their accounts set up and funded before the summer rush.
- Simpler process
- Activation by May 2026: The IRS indicates that those who file early will receive account activation instructions by May 2026, giving you two full months to prepare before contributions can begin.
- Ready for employer matching: If your employer announces a Trump Account matching program (many major companies already have), your account will be ready to receive those contributions immediately when they become available on July 4, 2026.
- Peace of mind: Get it done while you're already thinking about taxes, rather than adding it to your summer to-do list.
Critical rule: Only one person can establish a Trump Account for each child. Once someone files Form 4547 for a particular child, no one else can open a duplicate account for that child.
If multiple people could potentially open an account (for example, both parents, or a parent and grandparent), they should coordinate to ensure only one person files the form.
What happens after you register?
Step 1: IRS processes your election
The IRS will verify your information and your child's eligibility.
Step 2: Treasury creates the account
The US Treasury Department will establish the initial Trump Account with a custodian (financial institution) selected by the government.
Step 3: You receive activation instructions
Expected in May 2026, you'll receive information on how to activate the account through an authentication process.
Step 4: The $1,000 is deposited
For eligible children, the government will deposit $1,000 into the account no earlier than July 4, 2026.
Step 5: You can begin contributing
Starting July 4, 2026, you, family members, friends, and employers can contribute up to $5,000 per year.
Step 6: Transfer to your preferred institution (Optional)
After the initial funding, you can transfer the Trump Account to another qualified financial institution of your choice (like Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, etc.) if you prefer.
Who should definitely take action now?
Must-file list:
✅ Parents of children born in 2025 – Your child qualifies for the full $1,000.
✅ Parents with children under 18 born before 2025 – Even without the $1,000, the account offers benefits (and may qualify for the $250 Dell contribution).
✅ Employees whose companies announced matching – Major employers like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Uber, Charles Schwab, Robinhood, and SoFi have committed to matching contributions.
✅ Grandparents who plan to contribute – If you're the legal guardian or have priority, file early to ensure the account is ready.
