16 Year Old with W-2.

[shirsch24]

Does my 16 yo file a 1040-EZ on his own and claim his earnings?  How does that work since he still lives at home and I claim him on my tax return?

[xmasbaby0]

There is no 1040EZ (not for years---everyone just uses a Form 1040)

MY DEPENDENT HAD A JOB

If your dependent has a W-2 for his after-school job, summer job, etc. you do not include the information on your own return. You can still claim your child as a dependent on your own return.  He/she can file his own return for a refund of some of his withheld wages (he won’t get back anything for Social Security or Medicare), but MUST indicate on it that he can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.  (Supervise this closely or prepare it for him!)

If your dependent’s earnings were over $400 and were reported on a 1099Misc or 1099NEC then he must file a return and pay self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare.

You might also want to use free software from the IRS Free File versions:

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

[shirsch24]

Thanks for the reply.  Glad to know he can still file the 1040 on his own - with supervision of course.  He did not have any federal taxes come out, but did have state and local.  Earnings were over $400, but he received a regular W-2.  SS is not applicable since he works for a school.

Thanks again!