UGMA and UTMA accounts allow parents to save money and invest, maintain full control until their child is an adult. UTMA stands for Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, and UGMA stands for Universal Gifts to Minors Act. Both accounts allow you to transfer financial assets to a minor without establishing a trust.

At what age do UTMA accounts transfer?

Understanding the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) The gifts are usually transferred when the minor reaches 18 or 21 years of age, although in some states it is possible to extend this to 25.

Where to open a uniform gifts to Minors Act account?

To establish a UGMA/UTMA account, go to your friendly neighborhood stockbroker, bank, mutual fund manager, or (close your eyes now: S&L), etc. and say that you wish to open a Uniform Gifts (in some states “Transfers”) to Minors Act account.

What does UGMA stand for in uniform gifts to Minors Act?

BREAKING DOWN ‘Uniform Gifts to Minors Act – UGMA’. An UGMA account functions as a type of custodial account designed to hold and protect assets for the beneficiary. The donor can appoint him/herself, another person or a financial institution to the role of custodian.

What do you need to know about the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act?

Related Terms. The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) is an act that allows a minor to receive gifts such as money, real estate, and fine art, without aid. A custodial account is a savings account set up and administered by an adult for a minor.

How much can a minor contribute to a UGMA account?

However, up to $15,000 per individual ($30,000 for a married couple) can be contributed free of gift tax for tax years 2020 and 2021. For federal tax purposes, the minor or beneficiary is considered the owner of all assets in a UGMA account and the income they generate. But these accounts’ earnings can be taxed either to the child or the parent.