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Securing Your Child’s Financial Future: Tax Strategies Unveiled

Investing in your child's financial future is undoubtedly one of the most profound gifts you can offer. By taking advantage of various tax-favored accounts and strategies, you can significantly impact a child’s present and future financial wellbeing. Here’s a deep dive into some of the options, including the innovative Trump Accounts, the tried-and-true Section 529 plans, and additional savvy approaches to safeguarding your child’s financial future.

Trump Accounts: A New Tax-Advantaged Tool

  • What are Trump Accounts? Introduced under recent tax reforms, Trump Accounts are unique tax-deferred investment tools designed to promote 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. Contributions can originate from multiple sources, including family members and non-profits.

  • Contribution Guidelines - Annual contributions are capped at $5,000 (adjustable for inflation). Contributions from tax-exempt bodies do not apply toward this cap. Contributions cease once the beneficiary turns 18 and are not tax deductible.

  • Distribution Policies - Withdrawals generally begin at age 18. Earnings withdrawn before age 59½ will incur taxes and a penalty unless exceptions, similar to IRAs, apply.

  • Federal Contributions: The federal government plays a part by contributing $1,000 to eligible newborn accounts between 2025 and 2028 as a jumpstart to savings.

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Section 529 Plans: Time-Tested Education Savings

  • Understanding 529 Plans - These plans offer a tax-advantaged way to save for educational costs. Fund growth is tax-deferred with tax-free withdrawals for qualifying expenses.

  • Contribution Tactics - With no income restrictions on contributors, involvement is flexible. Contributions within annual gift tax exclusions ($19,000 for singles, $38,000 for couples in 2025) avoid taxation.
    5-Year Strategy: Contribute up to $95,000 ($190,000 for couples) at once without gift taxes. Increases to the exclusion allow additional “make-up” contributions.

  • Fund Flexibility - Expandable uses now include K-12 tuition and qualifying apprenticeship programs. Change beneficiaries as needed for greater flexibility.

  • Rollover Provisions – Excess funds can be rolled into a Roth IRA under certain conditions, ensuring your investments continue working for the beneficiary.

Hiring a Child in Family Business: Financial Advantages

  • Tax Benefits: Provide reasonable wages, tax-deductible, without incurring federal income tax up to a certain threshold ($15,750 in 2025). Certain structures even avoid FICA taxes.

  • Early Retirement Contributions - Earned income allows minors to contribute to retirement options like Roth IRAs, offering robust tax-free growth opportunities.

Additional Financial Strategies

  • Early Retirement Saving: Foster long-term savings via Roth IRA settings for minors with earned income.

  • Fostering Fiscal Responsibility: Establish good saving habits via accounts like Trump Accounts and 529 plans.

  • Fostering Entrepreneurship: Encourage your child’s ventures like small business setups to teach financial independence and provide earning potential.

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Conclusion: With an array of financial instruments from Trump Accounts to Section 529 plans, there are extensive opportunities to build a solid financial future for the next generation. Whether you’re funding education or setting up retirement savings, these strategies ensure a legacy of financial security. For personalized advice on these tax benefits, don’t hesitate to contact our professional team here in Cincinnati, led by Thomas Groppenbecker.

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