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UTMA - The Uniform Transfer to Minors Act

By , About.com Guide

Definition: UTMA is an abbreviation for the Uniform Transfers to Minor's Act and most often refers to an account set up to hold assets for a minor.

For years, UGMA and UTMA accounts were the primary vehicle used by most parents to save for a child's college education.

Investing through a UTMA account often has a sizable tax benefit over investing in a parent's name. There are strict rules about how the money may be used and at what age it must be completely turned over to the child.

UTMA accounts usually have a title the reads something like: John Doe Sr., Custodian for John Doe Jr., under the Uniform Transfer to Minor's Act Until Age 18.

Also Known As: ugma, custodial accounts, kiddie tax accounts, kid's accounts, college accounts
Alternate Spellings: uht-muh

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