How to Ask Your Employer for Trump Account Contributions

Your employer can put up to $2,500 per year into your child's Trump Account — tax-free to you, tax-deductible for them. But most employers will not offer this benefit unless employees ask.

Here is exactly how to make the case — whether you work at a Fortune 500 company or a 10-person startup.

Why Employers Should Care

Before you walk into HR, understand the employer's perspective. They are not doing this as a favor. There are real business reasons to offer Trump Account contributions.

1. It is tax-deductible

Employer contributions to Trump Accounts are deductible as a business expense, just like 401(k) matching contributions. A company contributing $2,500 per employee in the 21% corporate tax bracket effectively pays $1,975 after the deduction. That is less than a $2,500 raise, which costs the employer more after payroll taxes.

2. It attracts and retains parent employees

Working parents — especially millennials and Gen Z — actively seek employers that support their families. A Trump Account contribution program signals that the company invests in employees' children, not just their retirement.

3. It is cheaper than most benefits

At $2,500 per employee per year, Trump Account contributions cost less than many existing benefits. For comparison:

• Average employer health insurance contribution: ~$16,000/year
• Average 401(k) match: ~$4,000–$5,000/year
• Trump Account contribution: $2,500/year (and not every employee has eligible children)

4. Major companies are already doing it

At the Trump Accounts Summit in January 2026, 27 companies pledged support for Trump Accounts. Companies that wait risk falling behind in the competition for talent.

How to Bring It Up: The Conversation Script

Here is a professional, non-confrontational way to raise the topic. Adapt it to your workplace culture.

The Numbers That Convince Decision-Makers

If your employer asks "what does this cost us?" — here are the numbers.

*Assumes ~40% of employees have children under 18 with Trump Accounts, and the employer contributes the full $2,500 per eligible employee.

What the Employee Gets

Here is the value from your side. Use these numbers to show coworkers why they should ask too.

If your employer contributes $2,500 every year from birth to age 18 at 8% average returns, that is $93,400 in your child's account — from money that was tax-free to you and cost your employer less than a salary increase.

Common Objections (and How to Respond)

"We can't afford it."

"The tax deduction reduces the net cost by 21%. Contributing $1,000 per employee instead of $2,500 is still meaningful. And not every employee will enroll — many do not have children under 18."

"It's too complicated to set up."

"The employer works with an existing Trump Account custodian (Fidelity, Schwab, etc.) to establish a contribution program. Most major brokerages are already building employer contribution workflows. It is similar to setting up a 401(k) match."

"We already offer a 401(k) match."

"A 401(k) match helps the employee's retirement. Trump Account contributions help their child's future. These are complementary benefits that serve different needs. Parents value both."

"Let's wait and see how it plays out."

"That is reasonable. But early adopters will have a recruiting advantage, especially for parent candidates. Could we revisit this in Q3 or Q4?"

Strength in Numbers

One employee asking carries some weight. Five employees asking carries a lot more. If you know other parents at your company who would benefit, coordinate your requests.

• Share this article with coworkers who have kids under 18
• Mention it in team meetings or company suggestion channels
• If your company runs benefits surveys, write it in
• Point to our employer guide as a resource for the HR team

If Your Employer Says Yes

Here is what to expect next:

1. HR sets up a contribution program with a Trump Account custodian
2. You provide your child's Trump Account details to HR
3. The employer contributes directly to the child's account (not through your paycheck)
4. The contribution does not appear as taxable income on your W-2
5. Coordinate with family contributions to stay within the $5,000 annual cap

If Your Employer Says No

Do not be discouraged. You planted a seed. As more companies adopt this benefit and more employees ask, the pressure builds. In the meantime:

• Your family can still contribute the full $5,000/year on your own
• Grandparents and other relatives can contribute too (— see our grandparent gift guide)
• Ask again in 6 months when more companies have launched programs

The Bottom Line

Employer Trump Account contributions are tax-free money for your child's future. But they will not happen unless employees ask. A professional, fact-based request costs you nothing and could be worth $93,000+ over 18 years.

Use our Employer Contribution Calculator to see the exact impact on your child's account. And share the employer guide with your HR team to make their evaluation easier.