How to Open (Sign Up for) a Trump Account: Step-by-Step Guide

Last verified: 2026-02-13

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 for your child takes about 10 minutes if you already have their Social Security number. The process starts with IRS Form 4547 and finishes when you choose a financial institution and an eligible index fund.

Before You Start: What You Need

• Your child's Social Security number (SSN) — must be issued before the election is made
• Your SSN (the authorized individual — usually a parent or guardian)
• Child's date of birth — determines pilot deposit eligibility
• Your 2025 tax return (if filing with return) or access to trumpaccounts.gov

Step 1: Get IRS Form 4547

Form 4547 is the official election form for Trump Accounts. It's a one-page form that tells the IRS you want to open a Trump Account for your child.

Where to get it:

• IRS.gov — About Form 4547 (official PDF download)
• Direct PDF link
• Your tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.) should include it for 2025 returns
• Form 4547 Instructions

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Form 4547 asks for:

1. Your information — name, SSN, address (you're the "authorized individual")
2. Child's information — name, SSN, date of birth
3. Election to open account — check the box to elect a Trump Account
4. Pilot program election — if your child was born 2025–2028, elect the $1,000 deposit

Step 3: Submit the Form

You have three options:

Option A: File with your 2025 tax return (recommended)

Attach Form 4547 when you file your 2025 federal tax return, due April 15, 2026. E-filing is the fastest and most reliable method. Most tax software will prompt you to complete this form.

Option B: Use the trumpaccounts.gov online portal

Starting mid-2026, you can submit Form 4547 through the trumpaccounts.gov online portal. This option is best if you've already filed your 2025 taxes.

Option C: Mail it

If you can't e-file, you can mail Form 4547 to the IRS address listed at IRS.gov/PaperReturns. This is the slowest option.

Step 4: Wait for Activation

After you submit Form 4547:

1. May 2026: The Treasury Department (or its agent) contacts you with activation information
2. You complete a secondary authentication process to verify your identity and activate the account
3. Then you choose a financial institution (trustee) to hold the account

Step 5: Choose a Financial Institution & Fund

Once activated, you'll pick an approved Trump Account trustee. Major brokerages are expected to participate, including:

• Fidelity
• Vanguard
• Charles Schwab
• BlackRock (iShares)
• State Street (SPDR)

Your account must be invested in a mutual fund or ETF that tracks the S&P 500 or a broad U.S. equity index. You cannot pick individual stocks or sector funds.

Step 6: Start Contributing

After July 4, 2026, you can start adding money:

• Annual limit: $5,000/year (indexed for inflation after 2027)
• Employer contributions: Up to $2,500/year per employee (tax-free under §128)
• No minimum contribution — contribute whatever you can afford
• Contributions are after-tax (like a Roth, you don't get a deduction)

Use our Growth Calculator to see how monthly contributions compound over 18 years.

Full Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Trump Account right now?

You can file the election (Form 4547) right now with your 2025 tax return. The account itself doesn't become active until July 4, 2026.

What if I already filed my 2025 taxes without Form 4547?

You cannot add a Trump Account election by filing an amended return (Form 1040-X). If you missed it on your original return, wait for the trumpaccounts.gov portal to open in mid-2026.

Can both parents file Form 4547?

No. Only one authorized individual can make the election per child. If both parents file, the first received is processed.

Do I need a specific brokerage?

You need to use a financial institution approved as a Trump Account trustee. Major brokerages like Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab are expected to participate.

What if my child doesn't have an SSN yet?

You must obtain an SSN before filing Form 4547. For newborns, you can request an SSN at the hospital when you apply for the birth certificate. Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks.

I have three kids — do I need three forms?

A single Form 4547 can accommodate up to two children. If you have three or more eligible kids, attach multiple copies of the form to your return.

Is filing Form 4547 enough to open the account?

No. Filing the form starts the process, but you'll need to complete a secondary authentication step starting May 2026 when the Treasury contacts you. Only after authentication can you choose a financial institution and begin contributing.