Is a Trump Account Automatic? (No)

No, Trump Accounts Are Not Automatic

One of the most common questions parents ask is whether every child automatically gets a Trump Account. The answer is no. Unlike Social Security numbers, which are assigned at birth, Trump Accounts require a parent or legal guardian to actively opt in.

The account is established under IRC Section 530A, created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The IRS published detailed guidance in Notice 2025-68 on December 3, 2025. That guidance makes clear: no election, no account.

How to Opt In: Three Ways to File

The IRS gives you three methods to elect a Trump Account for your child. All three use IRS Form 4547.

1. File with Your 2025 Tax Return

The fastest option for most families. Include IRS Form 4547 when you file your 2025 federal tax return. The deadline is April 15, 2026. If you use a tax preparer or software like TurboTax or H&R Block, they will likely add support for this form. Just make sure you ask about it.

2. Use the Online Portal

The IRS is launching an online portal at trumpaccounts.gov, expected in mid-2026. This will let you file your election online without waiting for tax season. This is a good option if you missed the tax-filing deadline or if your child is born after you already filed.

3. File by Mail

You can also mail a completed IRS Form 4547 directly to the IRS. This is the slowest method, but it works for anyone who prefers paper filing. The IRS will process your election and establish the account.

What You Need to File

To complete IRS Form 4547, you will need:

• Your child's Social Security number (SSN)
• Your child's date of birth
• Proof of U.S. citizenship for the child
• Your own taxpayer identification (SSN or ITIN)

There are no income restrictions. It does not matter how much you earn. Every U.S. citizen child under 18 with a valid SSN is eligible.

Why Isn't It Automatic?

Congress designed Trump Accounts as an opt-in program. There are a few reasons for this:

• Parental choice. Not every family may want to participate. The opt-in model respects that decision.
• Investment requirement. Trump Account funds must go into S&P 500 or broad U.S. equity index funds. Since these carry market risk, a parent must consciously agree to that.
• Tax implications. The account has specific tax treatment (after-tax contributions, tax-deferred growth, ordinary income on withdrawals). Families should understand this before enrolling.

What Happens If You Don't File?

If you never file IRS Form 4547, your child simply does not get a Trump Account. There is no penalty for not participating. But you miss out on:

• The $1,000 federal pilot deposit (for children born 2025--2028)
• Up to $5,000/year in tax-deferred growth
• Potential employer contributions of up to $2,500/year
• Up to 18 years of compound growth in index funds

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Here is what to do:

1. Make sure your child has a Social Security number. If not, apply at SSA.gov.
2. Download or request IRS Form 4547 from the IRS.
3. File it with your 2025 tax return before April 15, 2026.

For a full step-by-step walkthrough, see our How to Open a Trump Account guide. For key dates and timeline details, visit When Do Trump Accounts Start?