Claiming a working son as a dependent

[Jennfly911]

I'm filing my W2 tax return. My 18yr old son worked the last half of 2023. Can I add his 1099-NEC form in my return since he was my dependent most of 2023? Do I have to claim him as my dependent if he was living with me until Nov?

[DawnC]

No, you can include his earned income on your return.  He has to file his own return for that 1099-NEC.   You can claim him as a dependent on your tax return, but he has to also file his own tax return and mark the box that says I can be claimed by another taxpayer on his tax return.   You don't have to claim him, but you should to get the tax credit.   He doesn't lose anything by you claiming him as a dependent.   

Whether you claim him or not >> He has to file a schedule C for that self-employment income.   When he is asked about his business, he can use his own name and address as the business address.   No EIN is needed, and he can claim business expenses to lower his self-employment tax.  

[Jennfly911]

Thank you so much! I thought so but needed clarification.