Kids, Stocks and Taxes
Your children's investment income may be subject to kiddie-tax rules.
I want to buy 50 shares of stock for each of my two children through Sharebuilder.com. What are the tax implications of minor children owning stock in a custodial account?
Children younger than 19 or full-time students younger than 24 (assuming they do not provide more than half of their own support) may be subject to kiddie-tax rules. The first $950 of each child’s investment income in both 2010 and 2011 is tax-free, and the next $950 is taxed at the child’s own rate. Any investment income above $1,900 is taxed at the parents’ higher rate. However, the higher rate applies only to a child’s investment income, not to wages or self-employment income.
For some ideas of stocks that are likely to get kids interested in investing, see 5 Stocks Kids Would Love for the Holidays.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
Why Wall Street Is Bullish on Cisco Stock After Earnings
Cisco stock is lower Thursday despite the tech giant's beat-and-raise quarter, but analysts aren't concerned. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Dont' Wait for December: Three Ways to Cut Your Tax Bill Now
Tax Planning Act before 2024 ends to set yourself up for potential savings when it's time to file your tax return.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018
retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAs
retirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Ways to Spend Your Flexible Spending Account Money by March 15 Deadline
spending Many workers will be hitting the drugstore in the next few days to use up leftover flexible spending account money from 2018 so they don’t lose it.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When You Can Expect to Receive Your Tax Refund
taxes The quickest way to receive your tax refund is to file electronically and have the money directly deposited into your bank account.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How a Move Can Change Your 529 Plan Tax Deduction
529 Plans The tax deduction you get for contributing to your state’s 529 plan can disappear if you move to another state.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Tap an IRA Tax-Free With an HSA Rollover
IRAs You can convert tax-deferred money in a traditional IRA into tax-free cash by rolling it over to a health savings account and using it to pay for medical bills.
By Kimberly Lankford Published