How to Open a Trump Account: Even though technical features are rolling out in phases and the funding gateway goes live on July 4, 2026, submitting your election today secures your child’s spot in the federal registry so the account is pre-approved and active the moment the program launches.
1. Prerequisites (What You Need First)
- Custodian Info: An active, verified IRS Online Account or a set up ID.me profile.
- Child Info: The child’s full middle name, exact date of birth, residential address, and a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
- Age Limit: The child must be under age 18 on December 31st of the calendar year you submit the application.
2. Immediate Action Steps (How to Enroll)
- File IRS Form 4547: This is the mandatory “Trump Account Election” form.
- Choose One Submittal Method:
- Method A (Fastest): Attach Form 4547 digitally when e-filing your annual individual federal income tax return (Form 1040).
- Method B (Alternative): Log directly into your IRS Individual Account via trumpaccounts.gov or IRS.gov to complete and submit Form 4547 electronically.
- Method C (Manual): Mail a physical paper Form 4547 to your region’s designated IRS processing center (using the regional address for returns not enclosing a payment).
3. Claiming the “Free Money” Seeds
- The Federal $1,000 Seed: Check the box on Part III, Line 7 of Form 4547. This auto-claims the one-time Treasury pilot deposit, strictly available for U.S. citizen children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.
- The Private $250 Foundation Match: Submit Form 4547 to trigger automatic geographic screening. Children born prior to 2025 (currently age 10 and under) can still capture a private $250 match from foundations like the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, based strictly on eligible median-income zip codes and the child’s age rather than birth-year limits.
4. Setup and Ongoing Account Mechanics
- Account Activation Notice: Watch your email. The IRS does not hold the investments; they clear the form and route the data to a Treasury-approved private financial institution. That specific institution will contact you directly via email or mail with your secure portal login and account credentials.
- Track via the Federal App: Download the official Trump Accounts mobile app issued by the Treasury to act as a centralized dashboard to track growth, view balances, and connect bank accounts.
- Future Deposits: No personal funding is allowed or required before July 4, 2026. After this date, family members, friends, or employer qualified fringe programs can begin making contributions up to the $5,000 annual aggregate limit.
This article was written on June 24, 2026
Compliance Disclosure: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. Trump Accounts involve unique legislative rules, investment limitations, and strict liquidity constraints. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. You should consult your own tax professional or CPA before engaging in any transaction or account opening.