Introduction
Invest America Accounts — officially known as Trump children’s investment accounts — are designed to give families a structured way to invest for their child’s long-term future, starting with a government seed contribution for eligible children. While the accounts officially launch in 2026, parents and guardians can prepare now by understanding the exact steps required to open one.
This guide walks through the full process of opening a Trump account for your child, including eligibility requirements, what information you need, how the IRS election works, and what happens after the account is created.
If you are still learning what these accounts are and how they work, start with our full explainer on Invest America children’s investment accounts before continuing.
Step 1: Confirm Your Child Is Eligible
Before taking any action, confirm eligibility.
Your child must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Be under age 18 at the time the account is established
Children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028 are eligible for the one-time $1,000 federal seed contribution once an election is made. Children outside this birth window may still be able to have an account opened, but without the government deposit.
If your child does not meet these criteria, you will not be able to open a Trump account for them.
Step 2: Gather the Required Information
Opening a Trump account is tied to your federal tax filing, so accuracy matters.
You should have the following information ready:
For the child
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
For the parent or guardian
- Full legal name
- Social Security number
- Filing status on your federal tax return
Optional but recommended
- A designated financial institution, if the program allows selection at the time of election
- Contact information for account communications
Keeping this information consistent with IRS records helps avoid delays.
Step 3: Make the IRS Election
Invest America accounts are created through an IRS election, not by directly opening an account at a bank or brokerage.
How the election works
- The election is made when filing your federal tax return for the applicable tax year
- A new IRS form is used to elect participation in the Trump account program
- Once the election is accepted, the Treasury coordinates account creation
This election is what triggers the government seed contribution for eligible children.
Important notes:
- You must actively make the election. Accounts are not created automatically.
- Missing the election may delay or eliminate eligibility for the federal contribution.
The IRS and Treasury are expected to release final instructions and forms closer to the 2026 launch date.
Step 4: Account Creation and Custodianship
After the IRS election is processed:
- The Treasury directs a participating financial institution to create the account
- The account is opened in the child’s name
- A parent or legal guardian is listed as custodian
The custodian manages contributions and oversees the account until the child reaches adulthood, generally age 18.
The child becomes the account owner at adulthood, at which point standard distribution and tax rules apply.
Step 5: Understand When You Can Contribute
The federal seed contribution is deposited once the account is created, but family contributions do not begin immediately.
Key contribution rules:
- Contributions begin after the official program launch in mid-2026
- Families, friends, and others may contribute up to $5,000 per year total
- Employers may contribute up to $2,500 per year, counting toward the $5,000 limit
- Government contributions do not count against the annual limit
Contributions are made after tax and grow tax-deferred inside the account.
Step 6: Track and Manage the Account Over Time
Once open, Trump accounts are designed to be long-term investment vehicles.
Parents typically use the account to:
- Monitor investment growth
- Plan annual contributions
- Coordinate with other savings tools like 529 plans or custodial accounts
- Teach children basic investing concepts over time
Because access to funds is generally restricted until adulthood, planning is critical.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Parents should be careful to avoid these common issues:
- Missing the IRS election entirely
- Entering incorrect Social Security numbers or names
- Assuming the account opens automatically
- Confusing Invest America accounts with 529 plans or custodial brokerage accounts
- Overcontributing beyond annual limits
Each of these can cause delays, penalties, or loss of eligibility.
How Grifin Can Help Parents Plan Ahead
While Trump accounts are administered through the federal program and participating institutions, families often need a broader way to plan and track long-term investing for their children.
Grifin helps parents:
- Visualize long-term investing goals for their family
- Compare Trump accounts with other savings options
- Track contributions and growth in one place
- Build consistent investing habits that extend beyond a single account
If you are thinking about how an Invest America account fits into your child’s overall financial future, Grifin can help you plan with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Trump account directly at a bank?
No. Trump accounts are opened through an IRS election process, not by walking into a bank or brokerage.
Is the $1,000 government contribution automatic?
No. You must make the proper election when filing your federal tax return for an eligible child.
What happens if I miss the election year?
Guidance suggests missing the election may delay or prevent the government contribution. Final rules will clarify timing windows.
Can grandparents or others contribute?
Yes. Contributions from all sources are combined toward the annual $5,000 limit.
When does my child gain control of the account?
Generally at age 18, at which point the account follows adult distribution and tax rules.
Final Thoughts
Opening an Invest America account for your child is a structured, IRS-driven process that rewards early preparation. Understanding eligibility, election requirements, and contribution timing helps ensure families do not miss out on available benefits.
For parents thinking beyond account setup and focusing on long-term investing for their children, tools like Grifin can make planning simpler and more effective.
