Skill Savings Account Act of 2026

This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by establishing Skill Savings Accounts (SSAs) , creating a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle for workforce development. These accounts would allow both individuals and employers to contribute funds that are excluded from an eligible employee's gross income. Distributions from SSAs would also be tax-free, provided they are used exclusively to pay for qualified education expenses . To be eligible, an employee must be employed in the United States and not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. Annual contribution limits are set at $5,250 for employer contributions (offset by other educational assistance) and $10,000 for employee contributions. SSAs must be structured as trusts, accepting only cash contributions and managed by qualified trustees, with the account holder's interest being nonforfeitable. Funds distributed from an SSA for purposes other than qualified education expenses would be included in the beneficiary's gross income and incur an additional 20% tax if the beneficiary is under 65. The legislation also includes provisions for handling excess contributions and specifies that SSAs are generally tax-exempt. The amendments would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.