My dependent child who is away at college worked over the summer and earned more than the promoted amount by turbo tax of 5200. Do I need to enter his w2?

[CatinaT1 · Accepted solution]

No, you do not enter your child's W-2 information on your own tax return.

If your child's earned income (from a W-2) exceeds the 2025 standard deduction of $15,750, they are required by the IRS to file their own separate tax return. Even if your child earned less than $15,750, they should still file their own return if any federal income tax was withheld (shown in Box 2 of their W-2). This is the only way for them to receive a refund of those withholdings.

The $5,200 amount you mentioned refers to the Qualifying Relative income limit, not the limit for a Qualifying Child.

Qualifying Child (College Student): For a child under age 24 who is a full-time student, there is no specific income limit for them to remain your dependent, provided they do not provide more than half of their own financial support.

Qualifying Relative: The $5,200 limit (for 2025) only applies if you are claiming someone who does not meet the "Qualifying Child" criteria (such as an older child not in school, a parent, or another relative).