'For Merck employees, understanding how new savings rules fit within a broader long-term financial plan can help families make more informed decisions, and Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, believes that evaluating these opportunities alongside your overall retirement and family goals is an important part of comprehensive financial planning.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'For Merck employees, new savings opportunities are most effective when they are evaluated as part of a well-rounded long-term financial strategy, and Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, encourages families to understand the rules and consider how these accounts align with their broader financial goals.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article we will discuss:

1. How Trump Savings Accounts work and who can contribute.

2. The rules for contributions, investments, withdrawals, and taxation.

3. How Merck employees can evaluate whether a Trump Savings Account fits into their family's long-term financial and retirement planning strategy.

On August 21 at 12 p.m. Eastern time, Denise will host a webinar titled 'Trump Accounts: What Every Advisor Needs to Know.' For Merck employees planning for their family's future, understanding how this new savings account works can help you determine whether it belongs in your long-term financial strategy.

The Trump Savings Account is a savings account for children under the age of eighteen that was established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025.

The Trump account follows special guidelines up to the child's 18th birthday, but it takes many of its rules from the traditional IRA. The Trump account is then handled like any other traditional IRA. Before then, parents and guardians should be aware of its limitations, restrictions, and contribution deadlines. Merck employees should understand these rules before opening or funding an account.

A parent or guardian, another person such as a friend or relative, an employer, the IRS in some situations, and an approved charity can all contribute to a Trump account. There are specific guidelines on the annual contribution cap and the timing of contributions, even though funding may come from a variety of sources.

Ten Important Things Regarding Trump Savings Accounts

1) Who Is the Trump Account's Owner?

The child owns the Trump account and is referred to as the beneficiary, much like in a 529 plan or an education savings account. The beneficiary is the legal owner, and all Trump account rules apply to that child.

2) What Types of Accounts Can Receive Contributions?

Only accounts that follow the tax code's traditional IRA structure are eligible to receive contributions to a Trump account. Employer contributions are not subject to the same operating procedures or notices as contributions to SEP or SIMPLE IRAs. Funds in a Trump account grow tax-deferred, while earnings generally become taxable when withdrawn.

3) How Much and Who Can Fund a Trump Account?

Parents, guardians, and other individuals may contribute up to $5,000 annually to a Trump account. Employers may contribute up to $2,500 for an employee or the employee's dependent under the age of 18, with the employer contribution counting toward the $5,000 annual limit. Merck employees may want to determine how employer contributions fit within the overall annual cap.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also established a one-time federal government deposit of $1,000 for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. The child must have a Social Security number. This $1,000 deposit does not count toward the $5,000 annual contribution limit.

In addition, certain qualifying groups of children may receive contributions from charities and government programs that also do not count toward the $5,000 limit.

4) What Are the Contribution Deadlines?

Contributions to Trump accounts must be be made by December 31 of the contribution year.

Once the child turns 18, the account becomes a traditional IRA and follows the standard IRA contribution deadline, allowing contributions until the applicable tax filing deadline.

5) How Do You Invest in a Trump Account?

Investment options for Trump accounts are limited. Funds may only be invested in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds that track a qualified index, such as the S&P 500. Leverage is prohibited, and annual fees are capped at 0.1% of the account balance.

6) When Are Distributions Allowed?

With a few exceptions, distributions cannot be made before the child reaches age 18.

Exceptions include:

• - A transfer between Trump accounts for the same beneficiary.

• - A rollover to an ABLE account during the year the child turns 17.

• - The return of excess contributions.

• - Distribution following the beneficiary's death.

After age 18, standard IRA distribution rules apply, including potential early withdrawal penalties for distributions before age 59½ unless an exception applies.

7) How Are Distributions Taxed?

The tax treatment depends on the source of the contributions.

Non-taxable contributions made by parents, guardians, friends, or relatives create basis, which generally is not taxed when withdrawn.

Employer contributions, charitable contributions, and the federal $1,000 contribution do not create basis and generally are taxable upon withdrawal.

Investment earnings are also taxable when withdrawn.

Unless an exception applies, taxable withdrawals made before age 59½ may also be subject to a 10% early distribution penalty.

For example, if 40% of the account represents basis and 60% represents taxable funds, then each distribution generally will be treated as 40% non-taxable and 60% taxable. The IRS does not allow withdrawals to come only from basis first.

Only contributions made by the beneficiary, parents, guardians, friends, or relatives establish basis. Other contributions and all earnings generally are taxable upon distribution.

8) What Happens at Age 18?

The Trump account begins following all standard IRA rules during the year the child turns 18. From that point forward, the account owner must have eligible compensation to make new contributions.

Standard IRA rules regarding rollovers, transfers, basis aggregation, the one-rollover-per-year limitation, and future required minimum distribution rules also apply.

9) How Are Trump Accounts Reported?

The financial institution maintaining the Trump account must provide annual reports to both the account owner and the IRS. These reports include contributions, account balances, basis, rollovers, distributions, and the source of non-family contributions exceeding $25.

These reporting requirements continue until the child turns 17. After that, reporting follows standard IRA procedures.

10) When Can Contributions Begin?

By law, contributions cannot begin until one year after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law. As a result, July 4, 2026, is the earliest date contributions may be made.

Financial institutions will need systems designed to administer Trump accounts, including the ability to track basis accurately.

Remember to Be Aware of Penalties

It is important to remember that excess contributions, early withdrawals, and missed contribution deadlines may result in penalties.

If annual contributions exceed the allowable limit, the IRS may assess a 6% annual excise tax until the excess is corrected. Generally, the excess contribution and any associated earnings must be withdrawn.

With limited exceptions, withdrawals before age 18 are prohibited. After age 18, withdrawals made before age 59½ may be subject to the standard 10% early distribution penalty unless an exception applies.

For beneficiaries under age 18, contributions must be made by December 31 of the contribution year. Once the beneficiary turns 18, the contribution deadline changes to the IRA tax filing deadline. Missing the applicable deadline could result in the loss of that year's contribution opportunity.

Should You Consider a Trump Account for Your Child?

For children under age 18, the Trump account provides a tax-deferred savings opportunity. Once the child reaches age 18, the account functions much like a traditional IRA, although unique rules apply before then.

Families should carefully evaluate whether a Trump account, a 529 plan, a Roth IRA (if eligible), or another savings vehicle best aligns with their long-term objectives. For Merck employees balancing retirement planning with family savings objectives, reviewing all available options can provide additional perspective when developing a comprehensive financial strategy.

If you have questions about how a Trump account may fit into your broader retirement and financial planning strategy, The Retirement Group can assist. Our team works with individuals and families to review retirement planning opportunities and coordinate long-term savings strategies. Call The Retirement Group at (800) 900-5867 to learn more.

Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service.  'One Big Beautiful Bill Provisions.'   Internal Revenue Service , U.S. Department of the Treasury, updated June 2026,  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions . Accessed 30 June 2026.

2. Internal Revenue Service.  'Treasury, IRS Issue Proposed Regulations on How to Open Initial Trump Accounts under the One Big Beautiful Bill.'   Internal Revenue Service , U.S. Department of the Treasury, 6 Mar. 2026,  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-issue-proposed-regulations-on-how-to-open-initial-trump-accounts-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill . Accessed 30 June 2026.

3. KPMG Washington National Tax.  'Proposed Regulations: Guidance Regarding 'Trump Accounts' and Contribution Pilot Program.'   KPMG , 6 Mar. 2026,  https://kpmg.com/us/en/taxnewsflash/news/2026/03/tnf-proposed-regulations-guidance-regarding-trump-accounts-and-contribution-pilot-program.html . Accessed 30 June 2026.

4. Segal.  'Initial Guidance on Trump Accounts.'   Segal , 7 Jan. 2026,  https://www.segalco.com/consulting-insights/initial-guidance-on-trump-accounts/ . Accessed 30 June 2026.

5.  'There's a 'Trump Account' Hack That Can Unlock Decades of Wealth-Building for Your Kid.'   MarketWatch , June 2026,  https://www.marketwatch.com/story/theres-a-trump-account-hack-that-can-unlock-decades-of-wealth-building-for-your-kid-b84188b6 . Accessed 30 June 2026.