Does an UTMA account affect financial aid?
Does an UTMA account affect financial aid?
Limits on financial aid. Student assets in an UGMA or UTMA account reduce eligibility for need-based financial aid by 20% or 25% of the asset value, much more than the maximum 5.64% reduction for a 529 plan account that is owned by a dependent student or the student’s parent.
What’s the difference between UTMA and UGMA?
UGMA and UTMA accounts allow parents to save money and invest, maintain full control until their child is an adult. UTMA stands for Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, and UGMA stands for Universal Gifts to Minors Act. Both accounts allow you to transfer financial assets to a minor without establishing a trust.
Who can set up a UTMA account?
It’s an account setup at a brokerage, mutual fund company, bank or brokerage that is managed by an adult for a minor. The definition of a minor will vary from state to state, but usually it’s going to be someone who is under the age of 18 or 21.
Should I open a UTMA account?
If you have a medium to long-term horizon, either a UGMA/UTMA account or a 529 account is usually better than just putting your money in a savings account at a low-interest rate. And don’t forget that it is possible to have both a 529 plan AND a UGMA/UTMA account for the same child.
Is a UTMA tax deferred?
UTMA Accounts. UGMA and UTMA accounts are not tax-deferred assets. The parent or guardian may have to file a tax return on behalf of the minor and/or dependent child if the returns on the UGMA or UTMA account exceed the IRS’ income threshold.
How do I deposit a UTMA check?
You would need to set up an utma savings account to put the check in. Then your grandfather as custodian could transfer the money to your account bringing the balance to zero. Then after being at zero request to close the account.
When can a child access a UTMA account?
When the child reaches the age of majority specified by the state, control of the account must be transferred to them. The age of majority varies by state but is generally between 18 and 25. In some cases, it’s called the age of trust termination.
How do I transfer my Utma to my child?
There is no ability to transfer a UGMA or UTMA account to another child or to change beneficiaries. You are not supposed to use a UTMA-529 or UGMA-529 account conversion to change the beneficiary either because that would equate to giving your child’s money to someone else.
Can I transfer Utma to 529 plan?
You can move money from a custodial account, such as a UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) or a UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), to a 529 plan. But you can’t do the reverse — transfer or convert from a 529 to a custodial account — without adverse tax consequences.
What is the penalty for liquidating a 529 plan?
There is no penalty for leaving leftover funds in a 529 plan after a student graduates or leaves college. However, the earnings portion of a non-qualified 529 plan distribution is subject to income tax and a 10% penalty.
