My 18-year-old son has his first job at McDonald’s and I’m having a problem adding his W-2. It only gives the option for myself and my wife.

[xmasbaby0]

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!)

[DoninGA]

You do Not enter a dependent's earned income from wages reported on a W-2 on your tax return.

If the dependent's gross income from wages for 2024 was under $14,600 they do not have to file a tax return.  However, if taxes were withheld from their wages they should file to get a refund.  If they do file make sure they indicate on their tax return that they can be claimed as a dependent.