You might be required to file a tax return even if your income is less than $13,850.
Since you are a student, a parent or someone else might be able to claim you as a dependent. It doesn't matter whether they actually do claim you. What matters is that they could claim you. If you can be claimed as a dependent, and you are single, under 65, and not blind, you must file a return if any of the following apply.
1. Your unearned income was more than $1,250.
2. Your earned income was more than $13,850.
3. Your gross income was more than the larger of:
a. $1,250, or
b. Your earned income (up to $13,450) plus $400.
Unearned income is any income that is not from working, such as interest, dividends, or any other investment income. If you have taxable scholarship income (scholarship in excess of tuition), that is considered earned income for the purpose of determining whether a dependent is required to file,
Whether or not you can be claimed as a dependent, you must file if you have $400 or more of self-employment income, or if you received advance premium tax credit for health insurance from the Marketplace ("Obamacare"), or if you took money out of a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Medical Savings Account (MSA).
You can use the calculator at the following link on the IRS web site to see if you are required to file a tax return.
Do I Need to File a Tax Return?
