Skip to main content
Level 1
January 28, 2025
Question

Can I claim a 17 year old dependent if the worked and made over 10000? Or do they need to file there own taxes?

  • January 28, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 3 views
No text available

    2 replies

    SharonD007
    Level 14
    January 28, 2025

    It depends. If the person you are trying to claim meets the qualifying requirements of a qualifying child it doesn't matter how much they made, but they may have to file their own tax return if they meet the filing requirements.  Have your dependent review the IRS website: Check if you need to file a tax return to determine if they are required to file a tax return. They also should file a tax return to get a refund of their federal and/or state withholdings. 

     

    To determine if the individual is your qualifying child, the following questions must be true:

     

    • The child must be related to you. 
    • The child can’t be claimed as a dependent by someone else. 
    • The child must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident. 
    • If the child is married, they can’t file a joint return with their spouse. 
    • The child must be under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students). 
      • No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children. 
    • The child must have lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply). 
    • The child didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year. 

    If your dependent files their own tax return, make sure that they indicate that someone else is claiming them as a dependent.  Refer to the TurboTax article: How do I indicate that I can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return.

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
    SteamTrain
    Level 15
    January 28, 2025

    But ...yes, they do need to file their own tax return....their working income cannot go on your tax return.

     

    And, as @SharonD007  noted, when preparing theirs, it needs to indicate that someone else (i.e. you) will be claiming them as a dependent.

     

     Don't let them do it alone, work on it together.....and IF using the Online software, don't try to use your account to prepare and file it.  If using Online software, you'll have to create a new UserID/pwd for the dependent's tax return. 

    ____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*