Is there a free way to file tax returns for my two kids, ages 12 and 13, who made < $300 but still paid > $40 in taxes? My understanding is they should get this $ back?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes.  Use the Free Edition or the IRS Free File.  Online is only good for 1 return per account.  But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts.   How to start another return in the Online version

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

Or go to the IRS Free File programs

Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free | Internal Revenue Service

[Texas Roger]

There is a Free Edition of the online product that can be used for simple tax returns. You would need to create an account for each tax return. You can use the same email address for all of them.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/file-your-own-taxes/

Click on Do it Yourself and then Doing your own taxes to see the choices and whether there returns can be done using the Free Edition or not.

[VolvoGirl]

What taxes did they pay?  Did they get a W2?  If the employer only took out ss and Medicare in boxes 4 & 6 they don't get that back.  They only get back from box 2 and 17 for state.

[HelenC12 · Accepted solution]

That is correct. Although they may not be required to file a tax return, they may still want to file a tax return if they had any withholdings that can be refunded.

You can use the TurboTax Free Online Edition. 

1. Create an account for each child and prepare the income tax return. 
2. In the My Info section of TurboTax, make sure you enter that they can be claimed as dependents and that they are claimed as dependents. This way, you'll still be able to claim them on your tax return and e-file. 

[Mike9241]

note that only federal and state withholding are refundable. FICA and Medicare taxes are not.