Assuming she's still your dependent, she must file her own federal tax return if in 2016 she had earned income (W-2) of $6,300 or more, net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more, or unearned income (e.g. interest and dividends) of $1,050 or more.
IMPORTANT: If she files her own return, be sure she indicates on it that someone else can claim her as a dependent.
Even if her earned income was below $6,300, she must file a return if she wants a refund of any withheld federal income tax.
**Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.
