530A contribution dates & deadlines
Contributions open 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?
July 4, 2026. The statute permits no contributions before that date, even for accounts opened earlier — accounts opened before then simply hold the $1,000 federal seed (if eligible) until contributions open.
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 open July 4 — meaning the full year’s cap is available in the half year that remains. As always: verify with the primary sources before acting.
Does the cap grow over time?
Yes — it is indexed to inflation after 2027. The exact indexing mechanics are 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.