Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts are owned by a minor, even though a parent or other adult acts as custodian. Once the minor reaches the age of majority (18 in most states), the funds belong to him/her. There are no tax penalties for withdrawals for any purpose—before or after the age of majority. However, custodians are subject to legal restrictions on the use of the funds. And financial institutions may impose penalties for early withdrawals from CDs or fees in other situations.
Shifting income to a later year, such as where you defer taxable interest to the following year by purchasing a T-bill or savings certificate maturing after the end of the current year. Investments in qualified retirement plans provide tax deferral.