topic 1099-MISC for minors in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

1099-MISC for minors

valtr — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:03:11 GMT

Hi, my 15 years old daughter received 1099-MISC in 2020 for a coaching assistant job. It is reported in box 3 of 1099 for ~$1200. Does she need to file tax on that? Is this really considered as self-employment income?

Re: 1099-MISC for minors

ColeenD3 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 11:56:03 GMT

Yes, she worked for the money and she wasn't an employee. She will need Schedule C for 2020 to file her return.

To prepare a new prior-year return, you'll need to purchase and download that year's TurboTax software for PC or Mac, as TurboTax Online and the mobile app are only available for the current tax year.

After installing the software, open it and follow the on-screen instructions.

Prior-year returns must be paper-filed, as e-filing is no longer available. We'll walk you through that process when you get to the File section in the software.

Re: 1099-MISC for minors

valtr — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 14:57:28 GMT

Thanks for your quick response. I just realized my typo but the 1099-MISC is for 2021 and not 2020. So in this case, is it true that we have to mail in the tax form because this is her first time filing for tax?

Re: 1099-MISC for minors

AnnetteB6 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:24:08 GMT

No, because the Form 1099-MISC was for 2021, electronic filing is available. Only prior-year returns must be mailed.

There are no restrictions against first-time filers electronically filing their returns if they choose to do so.

@valtr

Re: 1099-MISC for minors

pbukhari — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:34:24 GMT

If thats her only income, she may not have to file a return. Please see if her total income requires her to file a return, if so, then she will have to file a return.

Re: 1099-MISC for minors

valtr — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:42:02 GMT

I believe Turbo Tax indicates that because she's a minor and this is her first tax filing, we have to mail it in. I haven't mailed my taxes in years...

Re: 1099-MISC for minors

valtr — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:46:06 GMT

This is her only income but then I found this info below while searching for some answers. Can someone help to confirm this if it's true? When I use the Turbo Tax tool to file for her, it indicates she owes $171 in tax. Is that self employment tax? Federal income tax?

"Even though there won't be any regular income tax on it, He has to pay self employment tax on it. If a dependent only got a W2 they don't have to file unless it's over 6,300. But you have to file if you got a 1099Misc no matter the amount. "

Re: 1099-MISC for minors

KrisD15 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:52:02 GMT

There are different filing requirements for self-employed income.

Yes, she needs to file and claim that 1099-MISC as Self-Employed income.

@valtr