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Level 3
Apr 12, 2026 2:54 AM UTC
Solved

Child's earning

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?

    DawnC
    DawnCAnswer
    Employee Tax Expert
    Apr 12, 2026 11:31 AM UTC

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

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    3 replies

    SharonD007
    Alumni - Intuit
    Apr 12, 2026 3:05 AM UTC

    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?

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    Level 3
    Apr 12, 2026 11:24 AM UTC

    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!

    DawnC
    Employee Tax Expert
    DawnCEmployee Tax ExpertAnswer
    Employee Tax Expert
    Apr 12, 2026 11:31 AM UTC

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

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"