SIE: 8.2.7.1. Uniform Gifts To Minors Act (UGMA) Accounts

8.2.7.1.  Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) Accounts

These are custodian accounts where an adult opens and manages the account for a minor. There can be only one custodian and one minor. The minor and custodian do not need to be related, but the custodian must be an adult. The minor is the official owner of the account and its assets; the custodian is responsible for managing the account.

Custodians have third-party trading authorization allowing them to make trades in the accounts. Because minors are not old enough to make trades, they cannot trade in the account. Full rights to the assets in UGMA accounts are transferred over to the minor once the minor reaches the age of majority in his state of residence. The minor is the legal owner of the account, however, and the account will be opened with the minor’s Social Security number or tax ID number.

Dividends, interest, and capital gains in UGMA/UTMA accounts are considered unearned income. For minors in 2022, the first $1,150 of unearned income is tax-exempt. The second $1,150 is taxed at the child’s tax rate (usually 0%). Earnings above $2,300 are taxed at the parent's tax rate. S