Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Returning Member
posted Feb 11, 2025 10:18:47 AM

full-time student

I am 15 years old and I am a high school full-time student.  On Turbo Tax, I answer YES to question "Were you a full-time student during any part of five months during 2024?".  But Turbo Tax marked NO for me.  I changed to YES again and saved it.  However, Turbo Tax changed to NO for me again.  What should I do?  Will that affect the outcome of my tax return?

0 2 1158
1 Best answer
Level 15
Feb 11, 2025 10:23:08 AM

The "full-time student" question is in regard to being a college student.   Since you are 15, it is assumed that you are a student---you do not need to worry about that.   A yes to that question will just start trying to navigate you to questions about education credits for college, etc.   At 15, you are a dependent of your parents---make sure you answer YES when it asks in MY INFO if you can be claimed as someone else's dependent.

 

And...your return will have to be filed by mail.   You cannot e-file if you are under the age of 16.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

 

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

 

2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 11, 2025 10:21:42 AM

The question you are referring to applies to individuals who are over the age of 18 and are in college, so you can ignore or answer no to that question. It won't affect your return. 

Level 15
Feb 11, 2025 10:23:08 AM

The "full-time student" question is in regard to being a college student.   Since you are 15, it is assumed that you are a student---you do not need to worry about that.   A yes to that question will just start trying to navigate you to questions about education credits for college, etc.   At 15, you are a dependent of your parents---make sure you answer YES when it asks in MY INFO if you can be claimed as someone else's dependent.

 

And...your return will have to be filed by mail.   You cannot e-file if you are under the age of 16.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

 

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.