What is a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) Account?
A Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account is an account into which property is set aside for a minor’s benefit. Whether a UGMA or UTMA account is used depends on the law of the state in which the account is established. Typically, transfers made to a UGMA or UTMA account are irrevocable and belong to the child in whose name the account is registered; however, the account is controlled by the custodian until the child reaches a certain age, which varies by state (usually 18 or 21). The rules governing these accounts vary by state.
Last Reviewed: April 2021
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