Dependent college student

5 replies
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On my 19 year old son's return he checked that he is a dependent on our return (he's full time college student) but TT is showing he qualifies for a standard deduction of $6070. Can someone tell me why it is showing that?

Hal_AlAnswer

Level 15

Regular tax payers (who are not dependents) get a standard deduction of $12,950. Dependents also are allowed a standard deduction, it's just not a fixed $12,950. A dependent's standard deduction is the larger of $1150 or his earned income + $400. If TT is calculating his standard deduction to be $6070, it probably means he has a w-2 for $5670.

xmasbaby0

Level 15

The standard deduction amount for an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer cannot exceed the greater of $1,100 or the sum of $400 and the individual’s earned income (not to exceed the regular standard deduction amount).

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

MarlameAuthor

Level 3

I know that. But it's TT that is imposing the standard deduction, not us. Question is why would TT put that standard deduction in his return despite checking that he is a dependent on his parents return?

xmasbaby0

Level 15

No---TurboTax is not imposing that standard deduction. TurboTax is following the tax LAW -- passed by Congress--- that says his standard deduction is that amount since he can be claimed as a dependent.