Do I have to file a return if I am not getting a refund?

[braydenolvera30]

I am 16, and only made $1700.00

[BillM223]

Did you have any withholding? To get the withholding returned to you (as a refund) is the usual reason that 16-year-olds file a return.

[DoninGA]

If your wages were reported on a W-2 and you did not have any taxes withheld then you do not need to file a tax return.

However, if the income was from self-employment and you did not receive a W-2 then you will have to file, since the income was $400 or more.  You will have to report the self-employment income and expenses on a Schedule C which is included with the federal tax return, Form 1040.

[xmasbaby0]

If you have  W-2 and only made $1700 you are not required to file a tax return.  If any tax was withheld--shown in boxes 2 or 17, you can file to seek a refund of those amounts.   You cannot get back anything that was withheld for Social Security or Medicare.     If you had "self-employment" income on a 1099NEC, you are required to file if you made even $400.  If you had self-employment you have to pay self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare.  Post back if you need more information about that.

[Mike9241]

is the $1700 from non w-2 sources? then you need to file because you may owe self-employment taxes. 

You had net earnings from self-employment of at least $400.