Trump Account Money & Funding Questions
Contribution limits, employer matching, the $1,000 deposit, and funding strategies.
Last verified: 2026-02-12How much is the federal deposit?
The federal government deposits $1,000 into Trump Accounts for children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028. This is a one-time deposit through the pilot program. You must file IRS Form 4547 to claim it.
Where does the $1,000 come from?
It comes from the U.S. Treasury as part of the pilot program established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It is funded by taxpayer dollars — not a loan, grant, or private donation.
How much can I contribute per year?
Up to $5,000 per year total (after-tax). This limit is indexed for inflation starting in 2027. The $5,000 cap includes all contributions — from parents, grandparents, friends, and employers.
Can my employer contribute?
Yes. Under IRC §128, employers can contribute up to $2,500 per year per employee. These contributions are tax-free to the employee (excluded from gross income). The $2,500 counts toward the $5,000 annual cap.
Is the employer limit per child or per employee?
Per employee. If you have 3 children with Trump Accounts, your employer can still only contribute $2,500 total — not $2,500 per child.
Can grandparents contribute?
Yes. Anyone can contribute to a Trump Account — parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. All contributions from all sources count toward the single $5,000 annual limit.
What is the Dell Foundation $250?
Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to provide an additional $250 per child under 10 in ZIP codes where the median household income is below $150,000. This is separate from and in addition to the $1,000 federal deposit.
Can I contribute more than $5,000?
No. The $5,000 annual limit is a hard cap. Excess contributions must be removed and may be subject to a 6% excise tax if not corrected by the tax filing deadline.
Are contributions tax-deductible?
No. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars. You do not get a tax deduction for contributing to a Trump Account. However, employer contributions under §128 are excluded from the employee's gross income.
What if I can only afford $50/month?
That's perfectly fine. There is no minimum contribution. Even $50/month ($600/year) invested in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to roughly $18,000–$22,000 by age 18 (assuming ~8% average annual returns). Use our Growth Calculator to model your own scenario.
Does the $5,000 limit increase with inflation?
Yes. Starting in 2027, the $5,000 annual contribution limit is indexed for inflation. The IRS will announce adjusted limits each year.
Can I contribute in a lump sum or does it have to be monthly?
Either way. You can contribute a lump sum, monthly, quarterly, or any schedule you prefer — as long as total contributions for the calendar year do not exceed $5,000.
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Educational content only, not tax or financial advice. Source: IRS Notice 2025-68.