My child earned $3200 in income in 2017 and also received $4500 in social security benefits (dependent). Does that need to be filed on a tax return?

[VolvoGirl]

Did he get a W2 for it or a 1099Misc or something else?  If it’s on a W2 he doesn’t have to file except to get back any withholding taken out.

[IsabellaG · Accepted solution]

No,this income is below the filing threshold for a dependent with earned income ($6350). The Social Security Benefits aren't taxable and don't need to be reported at this level of income.

But if there was withholding,the child could and should file his/her own return to receive a refund. The dependent would report the $3200 in earned income on his/her own tax return (not yours). Since you are claiming the dependency exemption, the child is not entitled to his/her own personal exemption. 

See more information here.

[BobinCT]

As long as it's all W2 income.