Child's earning

[wendyle1993]

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?

[SharonD007]

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?

[wendyle1993]

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 · Accepted solution]

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