Your Child's Investment Income Could Be a Tax Bomb.
The Kiddie Tax prevents parents from avoiding taxes by shifting income to their children. Use this tool to understand its impact and find the best strategies to protect your family's assets.
1-Minute Kiddie Tax Applicability Check
Check if the following conditions apply for the 2025 tax year.
📈 The Kiddie Tax likely applies. Check the estimated tax with the calculator below.
Estimated Kiddie Tax Calculator
See exactly how your child's unearned income is taxed. (Based on 2025 thresholds)
$10,000
Estimated Total Tax: $2,534.50
Unearned Income Tax Structure
Key Tax-Saving Strategy Comparison
1. Account Selection: UGMA/UTMA vs. 529 Plan
If the goal is education funding, a 529 plan is a superior choice that avoids the Kiddie Tax and is more favorable for college financial aid.
🚨 UGMA/UTMA Accounts
- Subject to Annual Kiddie Tax: Investment earnings can be taxed at parents' high rate.
- Hurts Financial Aid: Considered a 'student asset', significantly reducing aid eligibility.
✅ 529 Plans
- Tax-Deferred Growth: No Kiddie Tax applies while assets are in the account.
- Tax-Free Withdrawals: No federal tax on withdrawals for qualified education expenses.
- Favorable for Financial Aid: Considered a 'parental asset', minimizing impact on aid.
2. Advanced Asset Management Strategies
Beyond account selection, proactive management can further minimize the tax burden.
👨💼 Employ in a Family Business
Pay your child a reasonable wage for legitimate work. This converts unearned income to earned income, which is not subject to the Kiddie Tax and can be used to fund a Roth IRA.
📈 Proactive Tax-Gain Harvesting
Annually sell assets in a UTMA account to intentionally realize long-term capital gains that fall within the child's 0% tax bracket. This reduces the potential for large taxable gains in the future.