Want To Open A Kids Roth IRA? Here Are The Facts! (2024)

Have you thought about opening a Roth IRA for your kid to give them a headstart on saving for retirement? Opening a Roth IRA account for your kid can mean that they will benefit from decades of compound interest. It can be a great way to introduce the concept of saving and investing to your child. However, there are a few things you need to think about before you open a kids Roth IRA.

How does a kid Roth IRA work?

Roth IRAs for kids work exactly the same as a normal Roth IRA. Only earned income can be contributed to a Roth IRA and the account requires an adult to open on behalf of the child.

The most important thing to note is that your kid must have earned income for that specific year. Earned Income is defined by the IRS as “all the taxable income and wages you get from working […] for someone who pays you or in a business you own.” Money from an allowance or investing income does not count as earned income.

What age can I open a Roth IRA for my child?

There are no age restrictions. Your child can open a Roth IRA as long as they have earned income regardless of their age.

How can I open a Roth IRA for my child?

Roth IRAs generally require an adult to open. Fidelity, Schwab, and E*Trade offer custodial Roth IRA accounts. The process to open a Roth IRA is very simple. The adult then manages the custodial Roth IRA on behalf of a minor until they reach the age of majority. The age of majority is dependent on the state that the child lives in.

How much can a child put in a Roth IRA?

The Roth IRA contribution must not exceed the child’s earned income. The contribution limit for a Roth IRA for a child in 2024 is $7,000. For example, if your child earns $3,000 in 2024, then they can only contribute $3,000 to their Roth IRA for 2024. If your child earns $10,000 in 2024, then they can only contribute $7,000 to their Roth IRA for 2024. If your child has no earned income then they cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.

Can parents contribute to a Roth IRA for a kid?

Yes, direct contributions to a Roth IRA can be done by parents or someone else. It is also important to remember that the Roth IRA contribution must not exceed how much your kid made that year. For example, if your kid made $2,000 then only $2,000 can be put into the Roth IRA by either yourself, someone else or your kid.

Some parents may choose to match their child’s earnings and make an IRA contribution on their behalf instead of the child’s pay going directly into the Roth IRA account. However, remember to consider gift tax rules. The contributions you make to a Roth IRA for your kid do count against the limit on tax-free gifts. The gift tax exemption amount is $18,000 for 2024.

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How do I prove my child’s income for a Roth IRA?

Ideally your child should have a W2 or a Form 1099 to show evidence of the earned income. However, there are some instances where this may not be possible so it’s important to keep records of the type of work, when the work was done, who the work was done for and how much your child was paid. Some examples of work that may not have a W2 or Form 1099 include if your child is mowing the lawns for your neighbor or if they are working for your family business.

Does household chores count as earned income?

No, you cannot pay your child for “normal household chores” and then invest that into a Roth IRA. The safest way to invest into a Roth IRA is for your child to have earned income.

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Does a kid Roth IRA affect financial aid?

Retirement accounts aren’t reported as assets on theFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Therefore a Roth IRA will not affect financial aid.

If I have my own business, can I start a Roth IRA for my child?

If you have your own business, then you can employ your children and pay them an income at the market rate. This earned income can then be invested into a custodial Roth IRA.

Here are some specific steps that you can take:

1. Create a business entity, get an employer ID and start generating revenue into a business bank account.
2. Create a job description for your kid and pay them at least the minimum wage required by your specific state.
3. Pay them with a W-2 payroll check.
4. Use up to $7,000 of their earned income per year to invest in their custodial Roth IRA.

Is a Roth IRA good for a child?

There are many benefits of opening a Roth IRA for a kid.

• Compound interest: Your kid’s Roth IRA will benefit from many years of compound interest which will help set them up for retirement.
• Financial Literacy: Opening a Roth IRA for your child helps them learn more about finances and saving for their retirement. It can help them learn more about earning, spending, saving, and also the power of compounding.
• Contributions can be withdrawn at any time: Any money that is contributed to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any time without the 10% penalty. This is generally not the best practice but it is an option. If the child withdraws the earnings, then that money is subject to a 10% penalty fee and may be taxed as income.

• Education expenses: Your child can withdraw the money for college. There is no 10% early withdrawal penalty if the money is used for qualified education expenses. However, they will need to pay taxes on their earnings. This is not the best option for saving for college, but it is still an option to consider.
• Buying a house: After the Roth IRA has been open for 5 years, your child can withdraw $10,000 as payment towards their first house. This must be used for a down payment or for closing costs. The $10,000 withdrawal is tax-free and penalty-free.

Open a kids Roth IRA and benefit from compound interest

Get a head start on retirement savings and wealth building for your children. While your child may not want to invest their money right now, they will thank you later. There is a huge advantage to opening a Roth IRA early since your child will benefit from decades of compound interest. If you want help with your finances and are interested in having a comprehensive financial plan for your family, feel free to schedule a discovery call with one of our financial advisors today!