Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Yes, you need to file. 

• If you earned income (wages) and you received a 1099-MISC form for that, that's income is considered self-employment income. Per IRS, if you earn at least $400 for self-employed income, you have to file a tax return even if you are a dependent. See Does a 1099-MISC mean I'm self-employed?

• If you're considered self-employed, you can write off business miles and other items: See What self-employed expenses can I deduct?

Per IRS, even if you're a dependent, you'll generally need to file your own 2018 tax return if:

• Your earned income (money you made by working) exceeds $12,000, or
• Your unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) exceeds $1,050, or
• Your business or self-employment net income (gross minus expenses) is at least $400, or
• Your gross income (earned plus unearned) exceeds the larger of $1,050 or your earned income (up to $11,650) plus $350.

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

• How do I report income from self-employment?
• Do I need to report my child's 1099-INT on my return?
• What's the difference between self-employment income and other income?