For Australians looking to secure their children’s financial future, the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) is a term that often pops up—especially for those with ties to the US or who follow international estate planning trends. But what exactly is UTMA, how does it work, and what are the Australian alternatives for parents, grandparents, and guardians in 2025?
What is the UTMA, and Why is It Trending?
The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) is a US legal framework that allows adults to transfer assets to minors without setting up a formal trust. Under UTMA, a custodian manages assets for a child until they reach a specified age—usually 18 or 21, depending on the state. It’s a flexible and cost-effective way for Americans to gift shares, cash, real estate, or even art to children, while delaying direct control until adulthood.
In 2025, UTMA accounts have seen renewed interest due to generational wealth transfer trends, the rise of family-led investing, and increased cross-border family structures. But while UTMA is a US-centric concept, the challenges it addresses—tax-effective gifting, asset protection, and future-proofing children’s wealth—are just as relevant for Australian families.
- Simple setup: No need for expensive legal trusts
- Tax implications: Income is taxed at the child’s rate, with some caveats
- Control: Assets managed by an adult until the child reaches the age of majority
UTMA vs. Australian Alternatives: What Can Aussie Parents Do?
Australia does not have a direct equivalent to UTMA, but there are several options for families who want to transfer wealth to minors in a tax-efficient and controlled way:
1. Minor Savings Accounts and Investment Bonds
- Minor Savings Accounts: Parents can open savings accounts in a child’s name, but the parent is the signatory until the child turns 18. Interest over $416/year is taxed at penalty rates due to ‘unearned income’ rules designed to stop income splitting.
- Investment Bonds: These are long-term investment vehicles where the bond owner (often a parent or guardian) nominates a child as beneficiary. Provided the bond is held for at least 10 years, withdrawals are tax-free. In 2025, investment bonds remain popular for education funding and intergenerational gifting due to their simplicity and tax treatment.
2. Family Trusts and Testamentary Trusts
- Family Discretionary Trusts: Common for high-net-worth families, these allow parents to control distributions to children or grandchildren. However, tax on unearned income for minors is still an issue, and trusts require annual administration.
- Testamentary Trusts: Set up via a will and only take effect upon the benefactor’s death. In 2025, these remain a powerful structure because children under 18 receive adult tax rates on income from testamentary trusts—helpful for larger inheritances.
3. Direct Gifting and Superannuation
- Direct Gifting: Australians can gift money or assets to children directly, but must watch tax implications and Centrelink rules. There are no gift taxes in Australia, but income derived from the gift is taxed at the minor’s rate (often punitive for investment income).
- Superannuation: Children cannot hold super in their own right, but parents can make non-concessional contributions on behalf of children for insurance or future benefits in special circumstances. This remains niche in 2025 but can be strategic for high-income families.
Policy Updates and Wealth Transfer Trends in 2025
Australian policymakers continue to watch global trends in intergenerational wealth transfer. In 2025, there’s been no move to introduce a UTMA-style regime, but there are discussions around simplifying tax on minor accounts, especially as property and share portfolios are increasingly being started for kids.
Key changes and trends include:
- ATO crackdown: The ATO continues to monitor family trust distributions to minors, with new reporting requirements introduced in July 2025 to ensure compliance.
- Education funds: More families are using dedicated investment bonds for education, with some providers now offering ESG-focused options to align with family values.
- Digital platforms: Fintechs are launching kid-focused investment apps, but parents must be aware of tax and control issues under current law.
While Australians can’t open a UTMA account, understanding its principles helps inform smarter strategies for building and protecting wealth for the next generation.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Family
Whether you’re considering minor savings accounts, investment bonds, or family trusts, the right strategy depends on your family’s goals, asset size, and how much control and flexibility you need. In 2025, the focus is on long-term, tax-efficient planning that balances simplicity and protection—while keeping a close eye on regulatory changes.
