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What happens to UTMA at age of majority?
UGMA and UTMA accounts used to be very popular for college savings because of favored tax laws. But when your child reaches the age of majority – 18 or 21, or even older, depending on the state – you, as the custodian, lose all control over the account.
At what age do custodial accounts end?
The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) allows you to name a custodian to manage property you leave to a minor. The management ends when the minor reaches age 18 to 25, depending on state law.
What happens to a UTMA account when the minor turns 21?
Virtually all states have adopted some form of UTMA that allows you to make gifts to a minor to be held in the name of a custodian during the age of minority. On reaching the age of majority, usually 21 years, the minor is entitled to all assets held in the account.
Can you change UTMA age of majority?
Extending the Age of Majority Some states allow the custodian of a UTMA account to extend the age at which the minor child is entitled to receive the assets. The minor may have the right to reject the extension, though, after they are informed of your intent.
Does UTMA grow tax free?
Because money placed in an UGMA/UTMA account is owned by the child, earnings are generally taxed at the child’s—usually lower—tax rate, rather than the parent’s rate. For some families, this savings can be significant. Up to $1,050 in earnings tax-free. Any earnings over $2,100 are taxed at the parent’s rate.
What happens to a custodial account when the child turns 18?
Once the minor reaches the legal age of adulthood in their state, control of the account officially transfers from the custodian to the named beneficiary, at which point they claim full control and use of the funds. Should the minor die before reaching majority, the account will become part of the child’s estate.
Which is better a 529 plan vs UTMA?
A 529 savings plan is most beneficial when it’s used for educational expenses; you may even have to pay a penalty if you use the money in the account for something else. On the other hand, the designated beneficiary of an UTMA account can spend the money on anything — even something other than college tuition.
Can I close an UTMA?
Unfortunately, a UTMA is an irrevocable account and legally belongs to your child. This means you cannot simply terminate it like you would a living trust or your own accounts.
How old do you have to be to open an UTMA account?
Alabama and Nebraska set the age of majority to 19 and Mississippi sets it at 21. See the chart below to compare the age of majority and UTMA account age of majority in every state. UTMA accounts are custodial accounts, meaning that a custodian manages the funds in them until the minor comes of age.
Is the termination age for UTMA the same as UGMA?
The termination date for each are different as well. While UGMA termination is at 18 years, the termination age for UTMA is 21. Further, UGMA accounts allow parents to donate gifts such as money, stocks, or life insurance. However, UTMA accounts only allow the donation of basic assets.
When does a UTMA account vest in a minor?
Second, as indicated above, the account must vest in the minor when he or she reaches the age of majority (in Washington, the account vests at age 21). If you have been putting away money for your children each year, this can result in a large sum being available to your children at a young age.
When does UTMA mature before handing to beneficiary?
The UTMA allows for maturity before it is handed to the beneficiary, up to 25 years. The UGMA matures at 18 years. The termination date for each are different as well. While UGMA termination is at 18 years, the termination age for UTMA is 21. Further, UTMA accounts allow parents to donate gifts such as money, stocks, or life insurance.