topic Child's earning in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Child's earning

wendyle1993 — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 02:54:01 GMT

My son (21 years old) earned $1,800 last summer. Should I include his income in ours, and claim him as a dependent? Or he should file his own tax returns?

Re: Child's earning

SharonD007 — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:05:59 GMT

No, you don't add your dependents W-2 on your tax return. Your dependent will have to file their own tax return if they meet the filing requirements or file to receive a refund. Have your dependent review the TurboTax Help article Do I need to file a federal return this year? to determine if they have to file a tax return.

If your son can file a tax return to get a refund. When completing his taxes, make sure that he enters that he can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. ‌ Refer to the TurboTax article: How do I indicate that I can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return?

Re: Child's earning

wendyle1993 — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:24:49 GMT

If my child files his own return, can I still claim him as a dependent? He is now a college student, and I pay all the expenses for him. Thanks!

Re: Child's earning

DawnC — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:31:06 GMT

Yes, just make sure he marks on his return that he can be claimed by someone else.