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New Member
posted Feb 25, 2021 2:24:28 PM

I am not able to file for taxes because I am college student and have only worked as a work study, so I am not sure how to claim my 2nd stimulus check

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Feb 25, 2021 3:00:35 PM

If you got paid on your work study, your school are required to mail a copy of W2 by February 1, 2021. If not, you can still file an income tax return and receive a recovery rebate credit with no earned income by using your bank interest income.  All you need is $1 to transmit the income tax return.

5 Replies
Level 15
Feb 25, 2021 2:38:36 PM

As a college student, if you are under the age of 24 then most likely you qualify to be claimed as a dependent on a parent's tax return. Weather they actually claim you or not doesn't matter. If you "qualify" as a dependent on someone else's tax return, then you do not qualify for a stimulus payment of any kind.

 

Expert Alumni
Feb 25, 2021 2:40:48 PM

Did you receive a W-2 from the school or whoever was your employer?

 

Are you claimed as a dependent on someone else's 2020 Federal 1040 tax return?

 

A dependent may need to file taxes if your income meets the filing requirements.  But even if your income falls below these filing requirements, you will want to file your own tax return to get a refund of any federal or state taxes withheld from your paychecks.

 

A dependent of another taxpayer is required to file his or her own tax return if: 

  • Your earned income (money you made by working) exceeds $12,400,
  • Your unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) exceeds $1,100,
  • Your business or self-employment net income (gross minus expenses) is at least $400,
  • Your gross income (earned plus unearned) exceeds the larger of $1,100 or your earned income (up to $12,050) plus $350.

The IRS defines earned income as: 

  • Taxable income you earned as an employee, such as wages, salaries, commissions, and tips,
  • Profits from operating your business or farm,
  • Long-term disability pay if received before the minimum retirement age,
  • Union strike benefits. 

The IRS defines unearned income as: 

  • Interest, dividend, or investment income,
  • Retirement or Social Security income,
  • Alimony or child support,
  • Unemployment or worker's compensation,
  • Gifts, prizes, awards, or winnings,
  • Inheritances,
  • Income received while incarcerated, even if it involves active work.

See also this TurboTax Help.

New Member
Feb 25, 2021 2:40:58 PM

@JamesG1  @Carl  I should have specified that I am not a dependent. I am 32 years of age. I have access to a 1098-T

Expert Alumni
Feb 25, 2021 3:00:35 PM

If you got paid on your work study, your school are required to mail a copy of W2 by February 1, 2021. If not, you can still file an income tax return and receive a recovery rebate credit with no earned income by using your bank interest income.  All you need is $1 to transmit the income tax return.

Level 15
Feb 25, 2021 3:01:33 PM