530A contribution dates & deadlines
Contributions opened July 4, 2026; the $5,000 cap is per calendar year and unused room never rolls over. Verified as of 2026-07-12 against the statute and IRS Notice 2025-68.
When can I start contributing to a 530A? #
Now — contributions opened July 4, 2026. The statute permitted none before that date, even for accounts opened earlier; those accounts simply held the $1,000 federal seed (if eligible) until the window opened.
Is there an annual contribution deadline? #
The $5,000 cap applies per calendar year, per child, from all sources combined. Unused room does not roll over — a year you skip is capacity gone for good, which is the real deadline that matters.
How much can be contributed in 2026? #
The $5,000 cap applies to calendar-year 2026 even though contributions only opened July 4 — meaning the full year’s cap is available in the months that remain. As always: verify with the primary sources before acting.
Does the cap grow over time? #
It is expected to be indexed to inflation after 2027, with the exact indexing mechanics pending guidance — so this calculator models the $5,000 figure and flags indexing as approximate.
Is it better to contribute monthly or once a year? #
Earlier money compounds longer, so a January lump beats a December lump, and monthly automation beats waiting. But the difference between contribution timings is small compared to the difference between contributing and not — automate an amount you can sustain.
Until what age can contributions be made? #
Contributions can be made until the year the child turns 18. After that the account transitions to Traditional-IRA treatment and the 530A contribution window closes.