The account is titled: “(Custodian’s Name) as custodian for (Minor’s Name) under the (State of Residence of Minor) Uniform Transfer to Minors Act”. (When setting up a UGMA account, substitute the word “Gift” for the word “Transfer”.)

Can a child control a custodial account?

At what age does a child take control of the assets in the account? In some states a custodian can specify the age—18, 21, or even older—when the child will take control of the account (also called the “age of majority”).

What does a custodial account do?

A custodial account is a means by which an adult can open a savings account for a child. The adult who opens the account is responsible for managing it, including making investment decisions, and deciding how the money is to be used, so long as it benefits the child in some way.

Is custodial account tax-free?

Custodial accounts are not as tax-sheltered as other accounts. To mitigate a tax bite, a custodian can transfer funds to an eligible 529 plan. However, to do so, the custodian must liquidate any non-cash investments in the custodial account.

When establishing a UTMA or UGMA, the donor designates a custodian (often himself) and a beneficiary (one per account). The account is titled: “(Custodian’s Name) as custodian for (Minor’s Name) under the (State of Residence of Minor) Uniform Transfer to Minors Act”.

When do you take control of a custodial account?

As custodian, you are in control of your child’s custodial account until he or she reaches your state’s age of majority. Depending on your state of residence, this is normally 18 or 21, though certain states may allow you to select an even later age for your child to take control of the custodial account.

When does a custodial account transfer to a named beneficiary?

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.

How old do you have to be to open a custodial account?

Depending on your state of residence, this is normally 18 or 21, though certain states may allow you to select an even later age for your child to take control of the custodial account.

What are the different types of custodial accounts?

Two Types of Custodial Account. Custodial accounts come in two basic varieties: the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts and the older Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts. Their main distinction lies in the kind of assets you can contribute to them.