My son is 17 and made $2,101. last year. does he have to file?

[pmccourt]

I claimed him as dependent.

[AnthonyC]

If it is earned income (i.e. W2 job), then the filing requirement for a child being claimed as a dependent on your return would be $6,300.  So, he would not be required to file.  However, if there are taxes that were withheld from his paycheck, then the only way to recoup that withholding is to file a return.  So, it may be beneficial to file a return in that case.

IRS Publication 501 - Filing Requirements for Dependents (pages 3-5)

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf