Did you receive a W-2 from the school or whoever was your employer?
Are you claimed as a dependent on someone else's 2020 Federal 1040 tax return?
A dependent may need to file taxes if your income meets the filing requirements. But even if your income falls below these filing requirements, you will want to file your own tax return to get a refund of any federal or state taxes withheld from your paychecks.
A dependent of another taxpayer is required to file his or her own tax return if:
- Your earned income (money you made by working) exceeds $12,400,
- Your unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) exceeds $1,100,
- Your business or self-employment net income (gross minus expenses) is at least $400,
- Your gross income (earned plus unearned) exceeds the larger of $1,100 or your earned income (up to $12,050) plus $350.
The IRS defines earned income as:
- Taxable income you earned as an employee, such as wages, salaries, commissions, and tips,
- Profits from operating your business or farm,
- Long-term disability pay if received before the minimum retirement age,
- Union strike benefits.
The IRS defines unearned income as:
- Interest, dividend, or investment income,
- Retirement or Social Security income,
- Alimony or child support,
- Unemployment or worker's compensation,
- Gifts, prizes, awards, or winnings,
- Inheritances,
- Income received while incarcerated, even if it involves active work.
See also this TurboTax Help.
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