How to Open (Sign Up for) a Trump Account (2026)

Whether you searched for how to open, sign up for, set up, or apply for a Trump Account — this is the guide. Opening a Trump Account is one of the best financial moves you can make for your child. But it is not automatic. You have to opt in by filing IRS Form 4547. This guide walks you through every step so you can get it done quickly and correctly.

Step 1: Get Your Child's Social Security Number

Your child must be a U.S. citizen with a valid SSN to qualify. There are no income restrictions. If your child is under 18 at the end of the election year, they are eligible.

If your baby was just born: You can apply for an SSN at the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate paperwork. Most hospitals offer this. The card arrives by mail in 2 to 4 weeks.

If your child does not have an SSN yet: Visit your local Social Security Administration office with the child's birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and your ID. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Step 2: Download IRS Form 4547

IRS Form 4547 is the official "Trump Account Election(s)" form. Download it from IRS.gov or the trumpaccounts.gov website.

The form is straightforward. It is similar in complexity to claiming a tax credit. You will need:

• Your child's full legal name and SSN
• Your name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or ITIN)
• Custodian designation (the parent or legal guardian who will manage the account)
• Your chosen eligible index fund

Step 3: Fill Out the Form

The form has a few sections. Here is what each one asks for:

Child information: Name, SSN, and date of birth. The child must be under 18 at the end of the election year.

Parent/guardian information: Your name, SSN or ITIN, and address. This is the person making the election.

Custodian designation: The authorized individual who will manage investments and contributions until the child turns 18. This is usually a parent or legal guardian.

Investment election: Choose from eligible mutual funds or ETFs that track the S&P 500 or a broad U.S. equity index. Popular options include VOO (0.03% expense ratio), IVV (0.03%), SPY (0.09%), and SPLG (0.02%).

Step 4: File Your Form

You have three ways to submit IRS Form 4547:

Option A: With your 2025 tax return. Attach Form 4547 when you file your 2025 taxes. The deadline is April 15, 2026. This is the simplest option if you are already filing taxes. Works with both paper and electronic filing.

Option B: Through trumpaccounts.gov. The online portal is expected to launch in mid-2026. This will let you file the election directly without waiting for tax season. Good if you want to file outside of tax season.

Option C: By mail. Print and mail IRS Form 4547 to the IRS address listed on the form. This works year-round but is the slowest option.

Step 5: Choose an Eligible Index Fund

Trump Accounts require investments in mutual funds or ETFs that track the S&P 500 or a broad U.S. equity index. You cannot pick individual stocks, bonds, or crypto.

Here are some of the most popular eligible options:

Lower expense ratios mean more of your money stays invested. Over 18 years, even a small difference in fees adds up. SPLG and VOO are the cheapest options.

Step 6: Set Up Contributions

After the account is open, you can contribute up to $5,000 per year. This is after-tax money. Contributions are not tax-deductible.

Anyone can contribute: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. The total from all sources cannot exceed the $5,000 annual cap.

If your employer offers it, they can contribute up to $2,500/year tax-free under IRC Section 128. This counts toward the $5,000 cap.

What Happens Next?

Once your Form 4547 is processed, the account is active. If your child was born between 2025 and 2028, the $1,000 federal deposit is added. Your contributions go into the index fund you chose. The money grows tax-deferred until your child turns 18.

At age 18, the Trump Account automatically converts to a traditional IRA. Your child then has full control and can use the money for anything: college, a first home, starting a business, or long-term retirement savings.

The hardest part is getting started. Once the account is open, compounding does the heavy lifting. See our growth calculator to project how much your child could have at 18.

Ready to learn more? Check out our guides on how to open a Trump Account and key dates and deadlines.