Filing a tax return on behalf of my dependent 10 year old child

[Richard67]

Hi,

My child will meet the requirements to have file a tax return for 2023, but at 10 years old he is not of an age where he can do this himself.   I have a couple of queries, as follows:

I understand to file a return for him, I will need to create a separate online TT account to the one I use to file my taxes, correct? 

Reading the page I link to below, from TT it states the following.  "If, for any reason, your child can’t sign their own return, you will need to sign it for them and include the verbiage, “By (signature), parent (or guardian) for minor child.”     My question is,  if I set up a separate account on TT online for my son, will it give me the option to sign his completed return in the way described above before I efile? 

Thank you, Richard

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

[VolvoGirl]

What kind of income did he have?  Online is only good for one return per account. You can use the same email address for 5 accounts. They can probably use the Free Edition. How to start a new online return
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

You can still claim them on your return. Be sure on their return they check the box that says they can be claimed on someone else’s return. If their only income is W2 and under 13,850 they do not have to file a return except to get back any withholding taken out.

Filing requirements for a dependent
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/children-dependents/help/do-i-need-to-file-my-own-taxes-if-i-m-a-d...

I think since he is underage he will have to print and mail the return and then you can  sign it.

[Richard67]

@VolvoGirl   thank you for you reply.  As his income will be earned as a performer, I understand I can't include it in my return. He may not reach the earned income threshold but even if not, we would want to claim back any withholdings.  Thanks for confirming one account per return, but I think you saying the same email address could be used for my account and my son's separate account, yes?     Good point on printing out the return. Does TT online allow one to prepare a return up to the point of filing and then print it out and not actually efile?

[fanfare]

Filing a paper return via US Mail is an option many taxpayers insist on -- or must use -- and is still supported by the IRS and by TurboTax.

@Richard67 

[xmasbaby0]

No.   Your 10 year old will not be allowed to e-file a tax return.  The child can file a tax return, but it must be filed by mail.  The date of birth entered will prevent e-filing the child's return.

But, yes, the child will need their own account if you use online TurboTax.  With online you only get one return per fee.  Each return needs its own account and user ID.   You can use the same email for up to five accounts.   If you use the same account and user ID for more than one return, you overwrite the first return and lose it forever.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-

online/00/25596

And, of course, you can still claim your child as a dependent on your own return even if the child filed a a return of his own.   His return must say that he can be claimed as someone else's dependent.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can prepare the return and print and mail it.   You are asking about next year to do 2023 right?  Will he be getting a W2 or a 1099 for the income?  It makes a big difference.  If he gets a 1099NEC he has to file for $400 or more as self employment.  

If you use the Online version you have to pay any fees whether you efile or print & mail it.   The Desktop CD/Download version can do multiple returns for 1 price.  

[Richard67]

@VolvoGirl another good point.  Yes 2023 and I assume it will have to be a 1099 NEC as I don't think he could be classified as a full time employee where a W2 comes into play.  So thanks for flagging the threshold for self employment income.  Also thank you for confirming I can still prepare the return online but ultimately mail it and understood on the costs of that approach.

[Richard67]

@xmasbaby0 thank you for clarifying the only way to file for my son is by mail.