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Level 2
posted Mar 31, 2024 9:41:34 AM

Dependent child required to file taxes in California?

My 18 year old dependent son is a student full time and working a part time job.  He made about $9,000 last year.

 

I started to do his taxes in Turbo Tax desktop version and it shows he should get about $260 back from the federal and $1 back from the state of California, where we both reside.

 

I will file his federal return since Turbo Tax provides free e-filing.  But do I need to file his California tax return ?  The filing fee online is $25 using Turbo Tax or if I print and mail it seems like a bit of a hassle.  

 

I'd like to just e-file the Federal and not file the state at all, is that possible?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Mar 31, 2024 9:50:42 AM

Yes, you can just not file your son's California return.

 

Your son isn't required to file a California tax return as his income is below $21,561. See this CA Revenue document.

3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 31, 2024 9:50:42 AM

Yes, you can just not file your son's California return.

 

Your son isn't required to file a California tax return as his income is below $21,561. See this CA Revenue document.

Level 15
Mar 31, 2024 9:51:22 AM

You can file the federal return and not the state. Or mail the state. 

Returning Member
Jan 22, 2025 12:16:06 PM

This is incorrect. A person claimed as dependent in CA has a much lower filing threshold than a normal Single filer. A dependent is required to file a CA tax return if their income is higher than the CA standard deduction as noted on page 3 of FTB Pub 1031.  The standard deduction has been around $5,000 for a few years in CA, so any dependent who earned $9,000 would be required to file.