2019, Minor file tax return

[mmlamberson]

For 2019, What dictates if a minor has to file a tax return? My 17 son has a part time job, we want to know if he needs to file a return. They did withhold taxes. I found some information for other years, but assume this year is different. I looked on the IRS website but cannot find info easily.

[NCperson]

they withheld taxes, so best to file and get the refund 

see link

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/at-what-income-does-a-minor-have-to-file-an-income-tax-r...

[mmlamberson]

Thanks for the reply. I just found this buried in a sub menu:

If your child is younger than age 19 or a full-time student age 19-23, he or she must file a tax return for 2018 if he or she had any of the following:
 - Unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, taxable scholarships, unemployment compensation) of more than $1,050.
 - Earned income (wages, salaries, tips, and fees) of more than $12,000.
 - Gross income (earned and unearned income) was more than the larger of:
  $1,050 or earned income (up to $12,000) plus $350

[HollyP]

That's correct! And like mentioned above while your son might not be required to file a tax return, he might still want to so that he gets the taxes that were withheld from his pay refunded to him. See Do I need to file my own taxes if I'm a dependent? for more info.