My son is a full-time college student, We claimed him on our 2020 return. He earned about $4800 in 2020. Does he need to file?

[umamir2]

He lives in another state.

[VolvoGirl]

You don't have to file if you only have W2 income under 12,400 but you can file to get back any withholding taken out in boxes 2 or 17.  But you don't get boxes 4 or 6 back.  If you got a 1099Misc or 1099NEC you have to file it as self employment income no matter how small the amount.

To file a separate return as a dependent you need to set up a new account separate from your parents.  Online is only good for one return per account.  You can use the same email address for 5 accounts.  You can probably use the Free Edition or the Free File website

Https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894512-how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-online 

Be sure on your return you check the box that says you can be claimed on someone else’s return.  If your only income is W2 and under 12,400 you do not have to file a return except to get back any withholding taken out.

Filing requirements for a dependent

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/children-dependents/help/do-i-need-to-file-my-own-taxes-if-i-m-a-d...

[MinhT1]

You do not report your son's income on your return.

You can claim him as a dependent.

If his income is wages reported on form W-2, he is not required to file a tax return as he earned less than $12,400. However, if he had taxes withheld, he can file a tax return to claim a refund.

If his income is self-employed income reported on form 1099-NEC, he is required to file a tax return if he earned more than $400.

If he files a tax return, he has to indicate in TurboTax that he can be claimed as a dependent by someone else.