Must a WA resident file a CA tax return after receiving W2 (<$5K) from college for summer work?

[Glekou24]

21 year old full-time college student from Washington state stayed in California over the summer and worked for his college. He's now received a W2 from the college board of trustees showing earnings of less than10K. It was his only source of income in 2024, and he can be claimed on his parents' Federal tax return.  Must or should the student file a California state tax return?

Thank you. 

Glekou24

[DawnC]

No, he doesn't have to file any return.  Did he have withholding on the w-2?   He should file a federal and nonresident CA return to recoup any withholding.   The student does not have a filing requirement for federal or CA, but can file to recoup withholding.   

Do I need to file my own taxes if I'm a dependent?

[Glekou24]

Thank you very much!

[Hal_Al]

The California filing requirement, for someone who can be claimed as a dependent, and has only wage income is $5540.