My son (17 yrs) and earned 1600$, received a W2. Should I include his income on my return?

[asterix4]

My 17 yrs old high schooler received a W2 for about 1600$ of income in 2019. On the W2, a small amount was deducted as taxes.

1) How do I include his W2 on my tax filing (I file Married filing jointly)?

2) If the answer to #1 is No and I need a separate return for him. I would ask is it necessary to file a return for him?

[Texas Roger]

You do NOT include a dependent's income on your tax return. With only $1600 of W-2 income, your son would not be required to file a tax return. However, he could file a return to get a refund of the federal income taxes withheld. If he does file a return, he needs to indicate on the return that he can be claimed by someone else. 

Whether he files a return or not, you can and should still claim him as a dependent on your tax return if he  qualifies to be a dependent.

[asterix4]

Thanks you Texas Roger. In that case, I would not file a return for him and recover the small amount of money he has paid in taxes this year..

One follow up question - What is the income at which a minor MUST file a return?

[Texas Roger]

He must file a return to get back the federal income tax that was withheld. 

For tax year 2019 a single filer can make up to $12,200 of W-2 income before being required to file a tax return if that is his only income. The limit is $400 for self employment income reported on a 1099-MISC or not reported on any form. There may be other limits for other types of income.