If her earnings were below the amount required to file for the tax year and are reported on a W-2 (for 2019 $12,200; for 2020 $12,400 ) then she does not "have" to file. But most kids like their own money, so if there is an amount in box 2 of those W-2's ---and an amount in box 17 for state tax withheld--- then why would you discourage her from filing to seek a tax refund?
She has to say on her own return that she can be claimed as someone else's dependent.
She could likely use the Free Edition to file a 2020 return online. For 2019, you could print the tax form and complete it by hand to mail in.
2019
2019 Instructions
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2019.pdf
1040 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2019.pdf
2019 Schedules 1-3
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2019.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2019.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2019.pdf
When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.
Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.
And filing late is not a problem if she does not owe. You have three years to file a tax return if you are getting a refund.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
