JamesG1
Expert Alumni

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

The IRS expects the person whose Social Security number appears on the IRS form 1099-INT to report the income.  Do not report the income of your dependent on your personal Federal 1040 income tax return.

 

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 $13,850,
  • Your unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) exceeds $1,250,
  • Your business or self-employment net income (gross minus expenses) is at least $400,
  • Your gross income (earned plus unearned) exceeds the larger of $1,250 or your earned income (up to $13,450) plus $400.

 

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

 

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.

 

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