Short answer: A Trump Account is a new type of IRA for US children, created by the 2025 tax law. On October 1, 2026 the Treasury automatically enrolled eligible children who have a valid Social Security number.
But an auto-opened account does nothing until a parent or guardian claims it. Here’s how to claim a Trump Account: download the official Trump Accounts app (Apple App Store or Google Play), verify your identity and accept the terms.
Children who are US citizens born from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028 can also get a one-time $1,000 Treasury contribution, but you must elect it on Form 4547, which you can do in the app, on the Trump Accounts website or in your IRS Individual Account.
Once the account is claimed, family, friends and employers can add up to $5,000 a year.
Checked on November 12, 2026 against IRS.gov/trumpaccounts (updated October 21, 2026) and trumpaccounts.gov. Rules can change, so check the official sites before acting.
Trump Accounts at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it is | A tax-advantaged IRA for a child under 18 |
| Who’s eligible for an account | Children with a valid SSN who won’t turn 18 before the end of the year the account is set up |
| Automatic enrolment | Completed by Treasury on October 1, 2026 for eligible children without an account |
| $1,000 Treasury seed | US citizens born Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2028 with a valid SSN, if elected on Form 4547 |
| Annual contribution limit | Up to $5,000 per child (family, friends, employers combined) |
| Employer contributions | Up to $2,500 a year, counting toward the $5,000 |
| Investments | Low-cost funds tracking US stocks |
| Access to money | Generally from age 18, when the account passes to the child |
| Help line | 866-USA-4547 (866-872-4547) |
Sources: IRS: Trump Accounts, trumpaccounts.gov, IRS Instructions for Form 4547.
Step 1: Check whether your child already has an account
If your child has a valid SSN and is under 18, the Treasury has most likely already opened an account. But the IRS is clear: “Even if an account was opened automatically, you must claim it before you can manage it.” Until you do, family and employers can’t contribute and you can’t choose investments. Claiming is also how children who qualify for the $1,000 seed get it.
Step 2: Claim the account in the app
- Download the official Trump Accounts app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Check the publisher carefully, because copycat apps are common.
- Verify your identity and your authority to manage your child’s account.
- Confirm your child’s details: legal name, Social Security number and date of birth. These must match Social Security Administration records, or there will be delays.
- Accept the account terms and activate the account.
The IRS says that if Treasury opened the account automatically, you don’t need Form 4547 just to claim it.
Step 3: Elect the $1,000 Treasury contribution (Form 4547)
The $1,000 pilot contribution is not automatic. To get it:
- Your child must be a US citizen, born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028, with a valid SSN.
- You must submit Form 4547 and choose the $1,000 pilot program contribution.
- You can file it in the Trump Accounts app, on the Trump Accounts website or through your IRS Individual Account.
Have your own ID details ready, along with your child’s legal name, SSN and date of birth (IRS).
Example: Ava was born in March 2026 and her parents have her SSN. Treasury auto-enrolled her on October 1. Her parents claim the account in the app and complete Form 4547 there to elect the $1,000. Children born in 2024 or earlier can still have a Trump Account if they’re under 18, but they don’t get the $1,000 seed.
How contributions work
| Who | How much | Tax treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Parents, relatives, friends | Up to $5,000 a year per child, combined | After-tax (no deduction) |
| Employers | Up to $2,500 a year per employee’s child (within the $5,000) | Tax-free to the employee |
| Treasury pilot | One-time $1,000 (eligible births 2025 to 2028) | Government contribution |
| Charities and local governments | Can fund accounts for all children in a state or area | Set by Treasury rules and the donor programme |
Sources: trumpaccounts.gov, RubinBrown 2026 tax guide.
Trumpaccounts.gov says the app lets parents share a code so friends and family can contribute directly, and accounts can be funded by debit card or ACH. Some employers may also let staff make pre-tax contributions through a cafeteria plan, so ask HR.
On the charity side, trumpaccounts.gov highlights a pledge from Michael and Susan Dell, reported as $6.25 billion to put $250 into the accounts of 25 million children. Eligibility for those gifts is set by the donor programme, so check the official site for your child.
Where the money is invested
Under the law and Treasury guidance, Trump Account money must go into low-cost funds tracking US stock indexes (RubinBrown). Trumpaccounts.gov says funds are invested in “a diversified investment vehicle designed to maximize long-term growth while minimizing risk,” and that more options will be added. Stock investments can fall in value, and there’s no guaranteed return.
What happens at 18
When the child turns 18, the account passes to their control. Trumpaccounts.gov says withdrawals for eligible expenses like higher education or a first home would be taxed at ordinary income rates with no additional penalty. In general the account follows traditional IRA rules after 18, and other early withdrawals can face penalties. Money left invested can keep growing tax-deferred.
Trump Account vs 529 plan vs custodial account
| Trump Account | 529 plan | Custodial (UTMA/UGMA) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free government money | $1,000 (eligible births) | None federally (some states offer matches) | None |
| Annual limit | $5,000 | No annual cap (gift-tax rules apply) | No cap |
| Tax on growth | Deferred; taxed like an IRA on withdrawal | Tax-free for qualified education | Taxed yearly (kiddie tax may apply) |
| Investments | US stock index funds only | Plan menu | Almost anything |
| Best for | Long-term start plus the free $1,000 | Education savings | Flexibility |
Many families will use a Trump Account for the free $1,000 and long-term growth, and keep a 529 for education. See our 2026 year-end tax checklist for other family tax moves, and the 2027 tax brackets for next year’s numbers.
Scam warning
Scammers love new government money. According to trumpaccounts.gov:
- Activation emails come only from no-reply@TrumpAccounts.Treasury.gov. Later messages come through the app or from addresses ending in @trumpaccount.com.
- Treasury will never ask for passwords, one-time codes or other credentials by email, text or phone.
- Use only the official app and website, and call 866-USA-4547 if anything looks wrong.
Related guides: what families really get from the child tax credit, legal ways to reduce your taxes and AI budgeting apps for family finances.
Common mistakes
- Assuming auto-enrolment is enough. You still have to claim the account and elect the $1,000.
- Typos in the SSN or date of birth. Mismatches with SSA records cause delays.
- Downloading a fake app. Check the publisher and links from trumpaccounts.gov.
- Over-contributing. All contributions from family and employers count toward $5,000.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not tax, legal, investment or financial advice. Figures were checked against official sources on November 12, 2026, but tax rules, thresholds and deadlines change and depend on your personal circumstances and location. Verify details with official sources (such as the IRS, HMRC, HealthCare.gov or the SEC) and consult a qualified tax adviser, accountant or financial professional before acting. taxtotech.com is not affiliated with the US Treasury, the IRS or any government agency.
Trump Account FAQ
How do I claim my child’s Trump Account?
Download the official Trump Accounts app, verify your identity and authority, confirm your child’s details and accept the terms. Form 4547 isn’t needed just to claim an auto-opened account.
Who gets the $1,000 Trump Account deposit?
US citizen children born from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028 with a valid Social Security number. A parent or guardian must elect it on Form 4547.
Is my child automatically enrolled?
Treasury completed automatic enrolment on October 1, 2026 for eligible children who didn’t already have an account. You still have to claim it to manage it.
How much can I put into a Trump Account?
Up to $5,000 per child per year in total from family, friends and employers. Employers can give up to $2,500 of that tax-free.
When can my child use the money?
Generally from age 18. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. Treasury says eligible uses such as higher education or a first home carry no additional penalty.
Who do I call for help?
The Trump Accounts call center at 866-USA-4547 (866-872-4547), or the Help Center in the app.
Conclusion
Most eligible children already have a Trump Account waiting. The two steps that matter are claiming it in the official app and, for babies born from 2025 to 2028, electing the $1,000 on Form 4547. After that, contributions of up to $5,000 a year and decades of compounding can add up. Stay alert to scams, keep your details matching SSA records, and talk to a financial planner if you’re deciding between a Trump Account and a 529.
