Standard Deduction for dependent on 2020 return is 50% of what it was on 2019 return

[scm84]

I'm helping my son with his tax return.  I claim him as a dependent as I did in 2020 (for 2019 tax return).  His income was almost the same as in 2019.  The standard deduction used on his 2019 return was $4433 and this year it's about half of that so he ends up owing taxes.  Has the standard deduction for a single earning under $10K been reduced that much for 2020 or is something else causing this?

[xmasbaby0]

The standard deduction amount for an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer cannot exceed the greater of $1,100 or the sum of $350 and the individual’s earned income (not to exceed the regular standard deduction amount).

[scm84]

Thank you for the quick reply.  I would have to assume then that the money he earned as a contracted non-employee and reported on a 1099-NEC is being treated as unearned income.  That is the only difference between last year and this year and comprises more than 50% of his income for 2020.  I'm really surprised that the income on that form is assumed to be unearned.  

[SweetieJean]

His 1099-NEC profit (not income) is earned income, but dependents do not qualify for EIC.  How old is he, and was he also a full time student?

[scm84]

He was a full-time graduate student also working for a small stipend and the company paid him via a 1099-NEC.  It's not enough to be fully independent therefore I claim him as a dependent.   I can see being a dependent will leave him with a higher tax bill, especially under this non-wage earner status.