Child income reporting

[shankx]

Hello

I have a dependent child who is in high school and received W-2 income of ~3000$. Looks like its not required to file a 2020 return for him? There are some withholdings (not significant amounts) in W-2. Do you suggest filing a return anyways?

Thanks!

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

You don't have to file if you only have W2 income under 12,400 but you can file to get back any withholding taken out in boxes 2 or 17. But you don't get boxes 4 or 6 back. If you got a 1099Misc or 1099NEC you have to file it as self employment income no matter how small the amount.

To file a separate return as a dependent you need to set up a new account separate from your parents. Online is only good for one return per account. You can use the same email address for 5 accounts. You can probably use the Free Edition or the Free File website
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

Be sure on their return you check the box that says they can be claimed on someone else’s return. If your only income is W2 and under 12,400 you do not have to file a return except to get back any withholding taken out.

Filing requirements for a dependent
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/children-dependents/help/do-i-need-to-file-my-own-taxes-if-i-m-a-d...

[Carl]

The only reason the dependent would want to file a tax return, is to get refunded back to them any amount shown in box 2 of that W-2. The amounts in boxes 4 and 6 are never refunded.