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New Member
posted Apr 12, 2025 9:33:24 AM

I have to add a W2 for my minor child. But, when I try to add, only my wife's name and mine show as options

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3 Replies
Level 15
Apr 12, 2025 9:35:37 AM

MY DEPENDENT HAD A JOB

If your dependent has a W-2 for his after-school job, summer job, etc. you do not include the information on your own return. You can still claim your child as a dependent on your own return.  He/she can file his own return for a refund of some of his withheld wages from boxes 2 or 17 (he won’t get back anything for Social Security or Medicare), but MUST indicate on it that he can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.  (Supervise this closely or prepare it for him!)

If your dependent’s earnings were over $400 and were reported on a 1099Misc or 1099NEC then he must file a return and pay self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare.

 

 

You might also want to use free software from the IRS Free File versions:

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

Level 15
Apr 12, 2025 9:37:07 AM

You cannot and do not enter a dependent child's earned income reported on a W-2 on your tax return.

If the income on the W-2 is above the minimum filing requirement of $14,600 then the child will have their own tax return.

If the income is under the minimum filing requirement but there were taxes withheld from the wages, the child can file a tax return to get a refund of the taxes withheld.  If they do file a return make sure that they indicate on their return that they can be claimed as a dependent.

Expert Alumni
Apr 12, 2025 9:37:18 AM

You can't include anyone else's W-2 on your tax return except a spouse.  Your child will need to file their own tax return, if required.  If they make less than $14,600 with only W-2 income, they aren't required to file a return, but may want to to get a refund if any federal taxes were withheld.

 

This article may be helpful: At What Income Does a Minor Have to File an Income Tax Return?