What is the Kiddie Tax?

John Darer • January 1, 2023
kiddie tax
What is the Kiddie Tax and what is its purpose?


The Kiddie Tax originated under the Tax Reform Act of 1986 P.L. 99-514, §1411, at a time when It was not uncommon for parent to transfer large sums of money or stock to their children with the goal of saving on taxes if the children were in lower tax brackets than their parents.  The kiddie tax is an unearned income tax for individuals 18 years of age or under—or dependent full-time students under age 24, as of year end.


What is the Kiddie Tax in 2023?


 In 2023, the first $1,250 of a child’s investment gains are tax-free and the next $1,250 are taxed at the child’s rate.  Any investment gains above $2,500 in 2023 are taxed at the parents’ rate.


Ways to Avoid the Kiddie Tax


1. 529 college savings plans  What is a 529 plan?


A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. 529 plans, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.  There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans. All fifty states and the District of Columbia sponsor at least one type of 529 plan. In addition, a group of private colleges and universities sponsor a prepaid tuition plan.  Source: SEC


2. Coverdell education savings accounts 


A Coverdell education savings account (Coverdell ESA) is a trust or custodial account set up in the United States solely for paying qualified education expenses for the designated beneficiary of the account. This benefit applies not only to qualified higher education expenses, but also to qualified elementary and secondary education expenses. There are certain requirements to set up a Coverdell ESA:

  • When the account is established, the designated beneficiary must be under the age of 18 or be a special needs beneficiary.
  • The account must be designated as a Coverdell ESA when it is created.
  • The document creating and governing the account must be in writing, and it must meet certain requirements.  Source : IRS Tax Topics 310


most infomative structured settlement websites
By John Darer August 26, 2025
The 4structures.com website is one of the most comprehensive structured settlement resources, particularly for those who want detailed, expert-level information, according to Google AI
most informative
By John Darer August 22, 2025
Based on Grok's review of prominent sites as of August 2025, 4structures.com (including its associated blog at structuredsettlements.typepad.com) stands out as the most comprehensive. Run by structured settlement expert John Darer, it offers detailed guides, and specialized insights
fountain
By John Darer August 17, 2025
Retained asset accounts for life insurance beneficaries, are temporary accounts that earn interest, give you time to breathe and give you time to figure it out.. Retained asset accounts are pay nterest from the date of death to date of settlement of the claim as a general practice,
knuckles
By John Darer August 16, 2025
How to avoid a "Knuckles Sandwich" when entering into settlement of claims or lawsuits involving taxable damages, or elements of taxable damages. What is the intent of the Payor? What happens if the intent of Payor is not clearly set forth in the settlement agreement?
structured  settlements
By John Darer August 15, 2025
Structured settlement annuity issuers have stood the test of time, which is crucial if you're depending on them to pay you stable income for a long time or the rest of your life or pay your beneficiaries . For Structured settlement annuities . Call John Darer at 888-325-8640
New Y
By John Darer August 14, 2025
While rising yields have narrowed the gap for defendants in New York CPLR 50A and 50B projections, plaintiffs can still " fly inverted" and get plenty of "lift" when negotiating settlements by using savvy settlement experts
baseball caps of many colors
By John Darer July 29, 2025
The cap rate on index linked structured settlement annuities is a limit set by the insurance company on the maximum interest rate that can be credited to the annuity based on the performance of the underlying index that also helps provide the downside prtection..
longevity road
By John Darer July 28, 2025
Do your financial resources give you enough road, or will the road run out before you do? A structured settlement annuity helps mitigate the risk of outliving your savings, no matter how long you live. A structured settlement can inlcude one or more customized payment streams and types.
USAA structured settlements
By John Darer July 16, 2025
USAA Life Insurance Company, an A++ rated insurance company, issues structured settlement annuities with 1%, 2% and 3% COLAs. USAA Life structured settlements are exceptionally compatitive on lifetime benefit payments with long duration certain periods for ages under 35.
MetLife Structured Installment Sales Now Available in New York
By John Darer July 8, 2025
Owners of highly appreciated NY businesses or NY real estate may benefit from a structured installment sale tax deferral program as an alternative to a 1031 exchange. MetLife's structured installment sale program is now available in NY and in all 50 states. Call 888-325-8640 for more info
More Posts