It depends on the amount. If the total income (usually boxes 1a + 2a) on the 1099-DIV, is less than $1100 and that is the child's only income, it does not need to be filed. (The amount shown in box 1b is already included in box 1a and should not be counted again.)
You do not report his/her income on your return (see exception below). If it has to be reported, at all, it goes on his own return. If your dependent child is under age 19 (or under 24 if a full time student), he or she must file a tax return for 2021 if he had any of the following:
- Total income (wages, salaries, taxable scholarship etc.) of more than $12,550 (2021).
- Unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, unemployment) of more than $1100.
- Unearned income over $350 and gross income of more than $1100
- Household employee income (e.g. baby sitting, lawn mowing) over $2100 ($12,400 if under age 18)
- Other self employment income over $432, including money on a form 1099-NEC
Even if he had less, he is allowed to file if he needs to get back income tax withholding. He cannot get back social security or Medicare tax withholding.
In TurboTax, he indicates that somebody else can claim him as a dependent, at the personal information section.
If his only income is from interest and dividends, Alaska PFD or capital gains distributions shown on a 1099-DIV, there is a provision for entering it on your return, using form 8814. Enter at Less common income / Child's income. But, it is usually best for him to file a separate return, as qualified dividends and capital gain distributions could be taxed at a higher rate on the parent's return.
