Claim Your Trump Account Child’s $1,000 “Legacy Seed”

The Action: Use IRS Form 4547 to enroll your child in the new Trump Account pilot program and claim a one-time $1,000 government contribution.
Eligibility: Children must be U.S. citizens born between Jan 1, 2025, and Dec 31, 2028, with a valid Social Security number.
The Deadline: You can file this election with your 2025 tax return to ensure the account is established by the July 4, 2026, launch date.
The Growth: If left untouched, the $1,000 seed could grow to over $18,000 by age 28 based on average market returns, even without additional family contributions.

Stop Leaving “Free” Money on the Table – Claim Trump Account

In the world of 2026 finance, there’s no such thing as a free lunch—except, apparently, for toddlers. The Trump Account (or “530A account”) is officially open for enrollment, and if you have a child born since New Year’s Day 2025, the government is handing out a $1,000 seed contribution just for filling out a piece of paper.

While some are still debating the politics, smart parents are busy downloading IRS Form 4547. It’s direct, it’s authoritative, and it’s the only way to ensure your kid doesn’t miss out on what could be an 18-year head start on wealth. Here is exactly how to do it without the “tax season” headache.

What is IRS Form 4547?

Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s), is the official IRS document used to establish a new child savings account and request the $1,000 pilot program contribution. This form is filed by an “authorized individual”—usually a parent or legal guardian—for any child under age 18.

Step-by-Step: Enrolling for the $1,000 Seed Trump Account

Follow these steps to ensure your child’s account is verified and funded as soon as practicable after the July 4, 2026 launch.

1. Verify Eligibility

For the $1,000 federal deposit, your child must meet these strict criteria:

Born between Jan 1, 2025, and Dec 31, 2028.
U.S. Citizen with a valid Social Security Number.
Has not had a prior pilot program election processed.

2. Complete Form 4547, Part III (The “Money” Box)

The most important part of the form for new parents is Part III, Line 7.

The Action: You must check the box in this section to specifically request the $1,000 Pilot Program Contribution.
Real Talk: If you open the account but forget to check this box, your child won’t receive the government seed money.

3. Choose Your Filing Method

With Your Tax Return: You can file Form 4547 alongside your 2025 income tax return this spring.
Standalone: You can also submit it to the IRS at any time once the final version is released.
Online (Coming Soon): An online enrollment portal at trumpaccounts.gov is expected to launch in mid-2026.

WomanEdit Deep Dive: What Happens After You File for the Trump Account?

1. The Authentication Process

Filing the form is just the “request.” Beginning in May 2026, the Treasury Department will send an authentication package to the authorized individual listed on the form.

The Move: Follow the instructions in that package to formally activate the account through a secure portal.

2. The Investment Safeguards

By law, these accounts are “boring” by design to protect your child’s wealth.

The Menu: Funds must be invested in low-cost U.S. index funds (like the S&P 500) with annual fees capped at 0.10%.
The Restriction: No leverage, no crypto, and no high-risk active trading are permitted during the “growth period” (until age 18).

3. The 18-Year Guardrail

Unlike a standard savings account, this is a locked vault.

No Withdrawals: You generally cannot touch the money until January 1 of the year your child turns 18.
Tax Advantage: The funds grow tax-deferred, meaning no tax is due on the gains until the funds are withdrawn in adulthood.

A Confident Take

If you’re a parent in 2026, IRS Form 4547 should be at the top of your “to-do” list. Even if you never add another dollar, that $1,000 seed is a “legacy gift” from the government that leverages nearly two decades of compound interest. Whether you call it a 530A or a Trump Account, it’s a financial tool that’s too powerful to ignore.