Quick Answer
The kiddie tax applies to unearned income (like investment gains, dividends, interest) over $2,650 for children under 18 (or under 24 if full-time students). This excess income is taxed at the parents' marginal tax rate, not the child's lower rate. For 2026, the first $1,300 is tax-free, the next $1,300 is taxed at 10%, and amounts over $2,600 face the parents' rate.
Best Answer
Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist
Parents who have set up investment accounts, savings bonds, or UTMA/UGMA accounts for their children
What is the kiddie tax?
The kiddie tax is a federal tax rule designed to prevent wealthy families from shifting investment income to their children to take advantage of lower tax brackets. According to IRS Publication 929, this tax applies to a child's unearned income — money from investments, not from jobs.
For 2026, the kiddie tax works on a three-tier system:
Example: How the kiddie tax affects a family
Let's say you're married filing jointly with a household income of $120,000 (24% tax bracket), and you've invested in a custodial account for your 15-year-old daughter. In 2026, her investments generate:
Here's how the kiddie tax calculation works:
Without the kiddie tax, all $3,300 would be taxed at your daughter's lower rates, saving you approximately $138 in taxes.
Who does the kiddie tax affect?
The kiddie tax applies to:
Types of income subject to kiddie tax
Unearned income includes:
NOT subject to kiddie tax:
Key factors that affect the kiddie tax
What you should do
If your child has significant investment income, consider these strategies:
1. Review the timing of sales: Realize capital gains after the child turns 18 (if not a full-time student)
2. Focus on growth investments: Stocks that appreciate but don't pay dividends avoid current taxation
3. Use 529 plans: Education savings plans grow tax-free and aren't subject to kiddie tax
4. Consider Series I bonds: Interest can be deferred until the child reaches college age
Use our return scanner to identify if your family paid kiddie tax in previous years and whether you filed correctly.
Key takeaway: The kiddie tax applies to unearned income over $2,600 for children under 18, taxing the excess at the parents' marginal rate instead of the child's lower rate. For a family in the 24% bracket, this can add roughly 14-22% to the tax on a child's investment income.
Key Takeaway: The kiddie tax applies to unearned income over $2,600 for children under 18, taxing the excess at the parents' marginal rate instead of the child's lower rate.
Kiddie tax calculation by income level for different parent tax brackets
| Child's Unearned Income | Parents in 12% Bracket | Parents in 24% Bracket | Parents in 32% Bracket |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $70 (no kiddie tax) | $70 (no kiddie tax) | $70 (no kiddie tax) |
| $3,000 | $178 ($48 kiddie tax) | $226 ($96 kiddie tax) | $258 ($128 kiddie tax) |
| $5,000 | $418 ($288 kiddie tax) | $706 ($576 kiddie tax) | $898 ($768 kiddie tax) |
More Perspectives
Michelle Woodard, Tax Policy Analyst
Divorced or separated parents navigating kiddie tax rules with split custody and support arrangements
Kiddie tax with divorced parents
When parents are divorced or separated, determining whose tax rate applies for the kiddie tax can be complex. According to IRS regulations, the kiddie tax uses the marginal tax rate of the parent required to include the child on their tax return — typically the custodial parent.
Which parent's tax rate applies?
General rule: The custodial parent's marginal tax rate applies, regardless of who actually owns the investment account generating the income.
Exception: If parents file a joint return (rare in divorce situations), use the joint return's marginal rate.
Special consideration: If the custodial parent doesn't file a return (very low income), use the noncustodial parent's rate if they claim the child as a dependent.
Example: Different parent tax situations
Sarah (custodial parent) earns $45,000 as a teacher (12% bracket). Her ex-husband David earns $180,000 (32% bracket). Their 16-year-old son has $4,000 in dividend income from stocks David purchased.
What divorced parents should do
1. Coordinate investment timing: The lower-earning parent claiming the child as a dependent faces lower kiddie tax
2. Review custody agreements: Consider which parent should hold investment accounts
3. Document support calculations: Ensure the 18-year-old support test is properly calculated
4. File correctly: Use Form 8615 and attach to the custodial parent's return
Key takeaway: For divorced parents, the kiddie tax typically uses the custodial parent's tax rate, which can create planning opportunities if one parent is in a significantly lower bracket.
Key Takeaway: For divorced parents, the kiddie tax typically uses the custodial parent's tax rate, which can create planning opportunities if one parent is in a significantly lower bracket.
Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist
Grandparents who have legal custody or are primary caregivers for their grandchildren
Kiddie tax for grandparents raising grandchildren
When grandparents are raising grandchildren, the kiddie tax rules can work differently depending on the legal relationship and support arrangements. The key question is: whose tax rate applies?
When grandparents' rates apply
If grandparents have legal custody or guardianship and provide more than half the child's support, they're treated as the "parents" for kiddie tax purposes. This means:
When parents' rates still apply
If the biological parents are still alive but unable to care for the child, and they haven't legally transferred custody, the kiddie tax may still use the parents' tax rate — even if they're not supporting the child.
Example: Grandmother raising grandchild
Mary (grandmother) has legal custody of her 17-year-old grandson after his parents died. Mary's household income is $65,000 (12% bracket). The grandson inherited $50,000 in investments that generate $3,500 in annual dividends.
Kiddie tax calculation:
Special considerations for grandparents
1. Legal documentation: Ensure custody or guardianship papers are properly filed
2. Support test: Document that you provide more than half the child's support
3. Coordination with parents: If parents are still involved, clarify who can claim the dependency exemption
4. Estate planning: Consider how inherited assets affect kiddie tax calculations
Many grandparents in this situation benefit from lower tax brackets compared to the child's biological parents, reducing the kiddie tax burden.
Key takeaway: Grandparents with legal custody typically see their own tax rates used for kiddie tax calculations, which often results in lower taxes than if high-earning biological parents' rates were used.
Key Takeaway: Grandparents with legal custody typically see their own tax rates used for kiddie tax calculations, which often results in lower taxes than if high-earning biological parents' rates were used.
Sources
- IRS Publication 929 — Tax Rules for Children and Dependents
- IRS Form 8615 Instructions — Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income
Related Questions
Reviewed by Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.