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What is a UGMA/UTMA?

As you choose a gift for that special child, consider opening or contributing to a UGMA/UTMA Account. An UGMA* or UTMA* is a type of account that allows you to gift or transfer money to a minor and maintain control over the assets until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state).  Upon reaching the age of majority, the child has the right to take control of the account.

*Note: States have adopted either the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.

UGMA/UTMA Contribution Rules

The following are important things to keep in mind if you are considering setting up a UGMA/UTMA account:

  • There are no contribution limits or deadlines for UGMA/UTMA accounts.
  • All UGMA/UTMA contributions, gifts, and transfers are irrevocable and belong to the minor. Assets may not be transferred to anyone else.
  • UGMA/UTMA accounts can be established using the UGMA/UTMA Application.

UGMA/UTMA Tax Rules

When you prepare your taxes, you may need to account for your child’s unearned income.  This is commonly referred to as the “kiddie tax”.  Among other things, unearned income includes taxable interest, ordinary dividends, capital gains (including capital gain distributions) and income received as the beneficiary of a trust.

2025 Kiddie Tax Rates on Unearned Income
0 - $1,350Not taxed
$1,350 - $2,700Taxed at child’s rate
$2,700+Taxed at parents’ rate
Children Subject to Kiddie Tax
Under Age 18Kiddie tax applies
Age 18 and full-time students ages 19-23Kiddie tax applies unless the child had earned income
that was more than half of his/her support

For more information on how to report unearned income, please refer to:

  • IRS Form 8814 (Parents’ Election to Report Child’s Interest and Dividends)
  • IRS Form 8615 (Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income)

UGMA/UTMA Distributions

UGMA/UTMA distributions are to be made for the benefit of the child (e.g. tuition, computer, etc.).

UGMA/UTMA

There is no annual custodial fee for an UGMA/UTMA account.

Tax Forms

Dividend income and capital gain distributions are reported on IRS Form 1099-DIV (“Dividends and Distributions”) which is mailed to you in early February.

Redemptions are reported on IRS Form 1099-B (“Proceeds from Transactions”) which is mailed to you in early February.

Retirement Center

Traditional IRA
Education Accounts
Coverdell ESA UGMA/UTMA UGMA/UTMA or Coverdell?

Contact Us

1-800-332-5580
Investor service representatives are available Monday-Friday between 7:30am - 5:30pm Central Time.

Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important Fund information and may be obtained by calling Sit Mutual Funds at 1-800-332-5580 or by downloading them from the Documents page. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their original cost.

The content herein is for informational purposes only without regard to any particular user’s investment objectives, risk tolerances or financial situation and does not constitute investment advice, nor should it be considered a solicitation or offering to sell securities or an interest in any fund.

Opinions and statements of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. We believe the information provided here is reliable but should not be assumed to be accurate or complete. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors, and readers should not rely on this publication as their sole source of investment information.

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