My daughter had a summer job in 2018 and earned about $2600. Do I need to include this income on the tax return for my wife and me? And should we file as MFJ or HofH?

[HelenaC]

No, you don't claim your daughter's income on your return. She would file her own tax return. 

Note: Make sure she answers that "some else can claim her as a dependent" and "that some else will claim her as a dependent." See the screenshot below.

But even if your income falls below these filing requirements, you'll want to file your own tax return to get a refund of any federal or state taxes withheld from your paychecks.

If you're a dependent, you'll generally need to file your own 2018 tax return if:

• Your earned income (money you made by working) exceeds $12,000, or
• Your unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) exceeds $1,050, or
• Your business or self-employment net income (gross minus expenses) is at least $400, or
• Your gross income (earned plus unearned) exceeds the larger of $1,050 or your earned income (up to $11,650) plus $350.

Related Information:

• Do I need to report my childs 1099-INT on my return?
• Do I need to file a federal return this year?
• What is unearned income?
• How do I add a dependents W-2 to my return?
• Whats the difference between self-employment income and other income?